List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

It's possible that at first, locals (especially those in the countryside) will come off as a 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 itself is a melting pot of many cultures. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on "if"), the people will treat you well. 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. 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.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' propensity for ignoring them. Acceptance as a bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And according to the results of this poll, that's unquestionably the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. However, the (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are particularly eco-friendly. Though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, earning the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." The constant precipitation could be to blame, after all.

The people of New Hampshire are extremely loyal to their home state and its beauty. 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. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Locals in Nevada, on the whole, aren't particularly 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. Cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Many of our readers do not agree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly, despite the state's widespread promotion of this stereotype. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels due to its overall aloof, sometimes rude, vibe. Relaxed lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

Even though Arizonans don't exactly exude the Southern-style warmth, they're chill enough to be ignored. 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's feelings.

Locals in the Constitution State are courteous, unassuming, and pleasant overall, but they'll go out of their way to make you feel welcome. However, that's not the case The people of New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you warmly when you visit. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Although Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, its residents are always happy to see visitors because the tourism industry is so important to the state's economy. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case 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. They are pleasant enough without inviting you over for tea, but you won't get a warm welcome from them. A friendly atmosphere prevails among the cities, and visitors are warmly welcomed.

More and more people from all walks of life are settling in Virginia, giving the state a warm and inviting vibe. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. Due to the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist with any needs. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The people who call North Carolina home tend to be polite, helpful, and welcoming. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One interesting feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

Because Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. One of the most sociable and lively places to live in the United States, Salt Lake City is also known for its welcoming attitude toward the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to share our opinion that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known for being friendly and outgoing. When you get here, you'll notice this right away.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. West Virginia is a tight-knit community due in large part to the state's natural isolation from the rest of the country.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "how are yous" and "hellos" in passing pedestrians. There's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce from the side of 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 in this area tend to be humorous, laid-back, and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

State of Maryland is highly populated and culturally diverse. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. 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, with its friendly and welcoming citizens known for their strong sense of community and positive outlook on life. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. 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 their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. In terms of community, the state received overwhelmingly positive ratings from our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. Most tourists are pleasantly surprised by the welcoming nature of Mississippians. Once you stop trying to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like one of the gang.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. There's no pretense or false friendliness here; people are genuinely kind and curious to hear from total strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with friendliness if you treat them with friendliness first. If you follow that simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. Simply out of a desire to be helpful, total strangers will open doors for you and assist you with your purchases all the way 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. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. People here are friendly whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, are, in fact, quite welcoming. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as residents here are among the friendliest people in the country. The amount of assistance from total strangers was rated highly by our readers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

The people of New Mexico are known to be among the friendliest you'll encounter anywhere. It's chill and full of different cultures. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

A town of only 10 people This southern state has a population of over 3 million, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. The state is home to both rural and urban areas. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

You'll hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in an intrusive manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness towards visitors.

Locals in Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are known for their warmth and hospitality. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by the website Neighborhood Scout.

Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help one another, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel, you'll feel like a true 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.

One of the best examples of good manners and genuine friendliness in the Midwest can be found in the state of Ohio. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. Family-friendly events abound, making this a fantastic destination.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. There is a special "Aloha Spirit" there. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. Regardless of the situation, people here will always look out for their own community and are always up for a chat. And they're just as welcoming to outsiders.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by Kansas's well-deserved reputation for friendliness, so they 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. It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting things to do, and will have you feeling more at home in no time. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers are known for their generous nature and "Hoosier hospitality," the state's unique brand of "hospitality." The locals have a pleasant disposition and a good sense of humor. If you think of Indiana as a "fly over" state, think again.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large cities, it's not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something like unsticking your car from snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother coming back for the keys. You can rest assured that it will arrive in one piece.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdys" are a trademark. "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly contributed to its status as one of the friendliest states in the USA. Even in its major cities, you'll feel like you're in a friendly small town thanks to the friendly locals who live there.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has all the warmth and friendliness that the South is famous for.

Tennesseans have that classic Southern hospitality at full throttle, with a positive, upbeat vibe and a desire to show off their city to visitors. And when you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

And the winner is among America's friendliest states Winner: Minnesota, whose residents stand out for their warmth and hospitality. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home.