List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could New York City may be overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each borough's neighborhoods have a sense of community and that the city as a whole is a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Please don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on 'if,' though) people will treat you with respect. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Is it that our readers' perception of Delaware as unwelcoming stems from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Unhappily, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Being uninterested in other people is not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts a leader among the friendliest states in America. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of thinking can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case The state's residents are known for being bold and forthright. However, at least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will do the pumping for you.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. The locals aren't exactly rude, but they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's due to the deluge of recent days

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of pride is sometimes 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.

The state of Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a land of extremes. It's true that Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, but neighborly cities like Reno offer a more pleasant alternative. When it comes to helping strangers, Nevadans generally won't go out of their way.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Florida's reputation is slowly but surely improving thanks to cities like Orlando and their tourist-friendly initiatives, but the state as a whole still has some work to do.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. Los Angeles is not exactly the City of Angels when it comes to making visitors feel at home. The locals can be cold and even rude to those they don't know. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. If you're waiting in line, you can expect to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. A pleasant indifference to other people.

In general, Connecticut residents are courteous, reserved, and pleasant; however, they can be downright warm and welcoming to visitors. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly. Even though it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

While Alaskans may feel cut off from the rest of the world, the state's reliance on tourism means they'll go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. Except for Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. They may do this or simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

In Montana, you'll find a welcoming community of friendly people. Although large, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. There’s light-hearted banter between the various towns, with a positive attitude towards tourists and other visitors

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Some may view Washington, D.C. as conservative and wary of outsiders, but the city is also a cultural mecca. C and other major cities, the area is a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor, making it simple to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Though the locals of a small Vermont town may take some time to warm up to newcomers, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. 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 diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warmth and hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. People from New England tend to have a reputation for being quiet and reserved, but Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing. As soon as you enter, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. There is a relaxed tempo of life that makes for a friendly environment. There is a tight-knit sense of community in West Virginia because the state is largely isolated from the rest of the country by mountains.

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. People are friendly and helpful (even the cashiers), and you can buy fresh produce directly from farmers along the road.

People in Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be tough to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

One of the most populous states, Maryland is also culturally rich. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and exciting place to spend time with friends. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country. Have the Packers played 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 in North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful, often without any sort of payment or reward being expected in return. Our readers scored the state highly on its community vibe

The citizens of Oregon are widely known for their friendliness toward total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Having the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States, your dog is guaranteed a warm welcome here.

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. Most tourists are pleasantly surprised by the welcoming nature of Mississippians. When you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals with respect, you will quickly be accepted as one of the family.

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

If you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in America if you follow that rule of thumb. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. People in this region are the epitome of "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians will make you want to pack your bags and head here right away.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but you'd be wrong. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; the locals really are as warm and welcoming as they sound. To the extent that random people can be helpful, our readers rated it highly. Look lost It's likely that a friendly local will offer assistance.

In most of New Mexico's towns, you'll find hospitable locals. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. In addition, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it to the Top 20 Cities list in 2018. You now have the full picture

Having only 10 people in it, This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a diverse landscape of urban and suburban areas, but its residents are known for their warmth and hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Repeatedly, you will hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country; our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying sort of way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois is located in the center of the Midwest, and its residents are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet. The number of tourists visiting Chicago annually exceeds that of New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Everywhere you look, you'll find people pitching in to help each other out, creating a strong sense of community. If you can master the 'one finger' wave at the wheel, you'll blend in 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 a wide variety of 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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. Moreover, it's a fantastic destination for families thanks to the abundance of fun things to do here that children will love.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. This place is famous for its "Aloha Spirit." The friendly disposition of the locals suggests that paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital without good reason; Oklahoma truly is one of the friendliest states in the Union. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

The famous friendliness of Kansans may surprise visitors from other states, so visitors should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. Guests quickly begin to feel like natives in this secure and family-friendly destination rich in history and tradition. Whether in the city of Denver or out in the country, you'll quickly sense the warmth of the locals.

Indiana residents take great pride in their famously generous "Hoosier hospitality," which is known worldwide. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. You'll develop a soft spot for Indiana after just one trip there, as it's much more than a typical "fly over" state.

People in Wyoming make it a lively and entertaining destination, despite the state's reputation for relative tranquility. Even in large cities, strangers often help each other out with things like unsticking their cars from snow or carrying groceries. Don't even bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdy"s are a trademark. 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 warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well known, and it's one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has a lively attitude and the locals are excited to show off their city to visitors, exuding classic Southern hospitality. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

The winner among the most welcoming American states is The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country, making the state a clear winner. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.