List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could New York City may seem overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a sense of community. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

It's true that Arkansans are extremely welcoming, but only if you're a native. However, while this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

You can drive across the entire state of Delaware in under an hour, but that doesn't make it any more neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

Locals in MA aren't rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. It's not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts one of the friendliest states in America if its residents prefer to ignore each other. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

Some people may interpret the Jersey way of life as rudeness. It appears that is the case in this poll. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. Despite the fact that Seattleites aren't outright rude, they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. This sense of pride, however, is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. If you're looking for a more welcoming vacation destination than Las Vegas, consider heading to Reno. Generally speaking, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida certainly has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a big boon for the state, but Florida as a whole has a reputation problem.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders aren't particularly hospitable. The local cashier may not exactly be smiling at you, but smaller communities tend to be friendlier.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. In the waiting area, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and polite, but they tend to be reserved and quiet. Not really While residents of New England may have a reputation for being cold, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, its residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other gatherings.

It's true that Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, but the state relies heavily on tourism, so locals are always happy to see visitors. In fact, with the exception of Alaska Natives, the vast majority of the locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. Communities joke and tease one another in a way that is both fun and welcoming to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. The cultural mecca of Washington, D.C., may come across as traditional and wary to outsiders. C and other major cities, the area is a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. Because tourism is so important to the economy, residents are generally eager to accommodate guests. Newcomers to Vermont's small towns may have to wait a while before they're fully accepted, but once they are, they tend to stick around.

Most people in North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming. At Walmart, in the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light, people will randomly say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diversity of its residents.

The people of Utah are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is a great place to live because of its vivacious culture and welcoming atmosphere toward the LGBTQ community.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

People from West Virginia are among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. Since West Virginia is somewhat sheltered from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, the people who live there tend to be very close-knit.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. There's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and roadside farmers who are eager to chat about their delicious wares.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. The people here have a great sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. A Baltimore bar is a great place to meet potential new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwestern states, with a friendly and welcoming populace that values community and has a positive outlook on life. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

This may be one of the least-visited states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. People from North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful, often without any sort of payment or reward being expected in return. Community spirit in the state was highly rated by our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

The state of Mississippi is absolutely lovely, full of warm hospitality and delicious Southern cuisine. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you stop trying to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you've always been there.

Before you can even say "hello," a resident of Missouri will regale you with an exhaustive account of his or her life. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. By following this simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the most welcoming places in the United States. You can count on complete strangers to do nice things for you, like holding the door open or helping you carry your groceries to your car.

In South Dakota, you'll find a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the largest cities. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern nice."

The people of Kentucky, no matter who they are or where they're from, are always pleasant. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, you can expect the same warm welcome from the community's natives. Kentucky residents exude a special brand of friendliness that will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. According to polls, it has a high rating for readers who value assistance from total strangers. Look lost There's a decent person around here who might lend a hand if you ask.

Friendly locals can be found in almost every community across New Mexico. It's chill and full of different cultures. Even more impressive, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the United States in 2018. Well, there you have it.

Assuming a population of 10, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. They thought Georgia was great, according to Big 7 Travel readers.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. Actually, the locals are quite pleasant, and not in a stalkerish way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness towards visitors.

Located smack dab in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. The state is also relatively safe for tourists, with 19 of the country's Safest Cities located in Illinois.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. When you master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll feel like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. Louisianans may come from many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable places to live in the United States.

When it comes to good manners and genuine kindness toward strangers, Ohio is a shining example of the Midwest at its finest. The locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

Since tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service while they're here. As a result of its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained worldwide recognition. Everyone you meet will greet you with a friendly smile, as if living in paradise actually had a positive effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. They are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as friendly to guests as they are to locals.

Kansas is well-known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so feel free to strike up conversations with anyone you happen to meet. The warmth of the locals toward tourists is one of the state's greatest attractions.

People in Colorado are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet, and the state itself has a progressive vibe that makes for a great vacation. It's great for families, is very secure, and has so much history and culture that tourists quickly begin to feel at home. Whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the suburbs, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

Hoosier residents take great pride in their "Hoosier hospitality," which is known nationally. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Indiana is much more than a "fly over" state, and after just one visit, you'll feel a special connection to it.

Though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make it a lively and exciting destination. Even in the largest of cities, it is not unusual for a complete stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. The odds are high that everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which is one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina has all the friendliness and hospitality associated with the South in spades.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. When you factor in its thriving music industry, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

In addition, the most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. There's a reason the state gets referred to as "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting, friendly demeanor that's hard to find elsewhere.