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 strong sense of community. Just don’t dawdle on the sidewalk or hold up traffic taking Instagram shots…

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. While that’s all well and good for Arkansas residents and their good neighbourly vibes, it can mean that visitors might feel like they don’t quite fit in and are unwelcome

While the state of Delaware is small enough to be traversed in under an hour and a half, this relative proximity has not necessarily translated into neighborliness. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Unfortunately, it is considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

MA locals aren’t exactly rude, per se, but the overall indifference towards strangers can take its toll Massachusetts may not be one of the friendliest states in America, but that isn't because its residents are known for ignoring them. Furthermore, it takes a long time to establish oneself as a local, rather than a tourist, in Boston.

The Jersey way of life can come across as extremely impolite at times. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from New Jersey tend to have bold and forthright characters. Although the (likely) unfriendly station attendant will pump your gas, at least it's convenient!

Even though Washington state consistently performs well on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it fares much worse when it comes to its human inhabitants. The people of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned it the nickname "the Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. But that pride is often misunderstood as arrogance by those on the outside. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, the site of the infamous Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. The friendly atmosphere of cities like Reno makes a nice change from the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas. It's safe to say that most Nevadans wouldn't 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. 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 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.

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. Smaller urban centers have a more relaxed atmosphere.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. 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. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep people connected.

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. Except for Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. It's either that or they'll completely ignore you; either way, they're not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. However large it is, the entire state has the feel of a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still pleasant. A friendly atmosphere prevails among the cities, and visitors are warmly welcomed.

Virginia's increasing diversity has only served to strengthen the state's already warm and inviting vibe. The nation's capital is a cultural mecca, but some may view it as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities help to make it a pleasant place to live

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. The locals here are very friendly and helpful because of the abundance of tourists. Newcomers to Vermont's small towns may have to wait a while before they're accepted, but once they are, they tend to stick around.

People in North Carolina are generally polite, helpful, and welcoming. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Since Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in the United States, and it also happens to be one of the most welcoming cities for the LGBTQ community.

Readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Those from New England are notoriously shy, but Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are some of the most welcoming and friendly people you’re likely to meet on your travels across the USA The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. The mountains act as somewhat of a protective wall between West Virginia and the outside world, so there’s a strong community

People in Iowa are known to be friendly and helpful, often greeting and waving at strangers as they pass them on the street. Cashiers will greet you with a smile, roadside farmers will tell you all about their tasty crops and there’s a real sense of community

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. 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. Its openness to outsiders means that it’s a vibrant and social place to spend some time It's not hard to find your new best friends in a Baltimore bar.

Wisconsin is a Midwestern gem where people have good manners, a tight-knit sense of community and a fun attitude The residents of Green Bay, Wisconsin, are known for their unfailing good nature. This is not surprising, given that the city ranks among the happiest in the country. Might the Packers be involved in this somehow?

Even though the people living here are fantastic, this is one of the least-visited states in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. Readers were very complimentary of the state's friendly atmosphere.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly toward total strangers. Yes, Portland's hipster scene can be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice (I swear) once you do. Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Mississippi is a charming state with plenty of Southern sweetness Foreigners are often taken aback by the warm welcome they receive in Mississippi. 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 always belonged there.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Alabama is a state full of nice people, and if you treat them with kindness, they will treat you with kindness. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do 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 area are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a tourist, you can expect the same warm welcome from the locals. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone pack their bags and head to the Bluegrass State.

The likes of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are not necessarily the first places that come to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but they are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. It received high marks from our readers for the amount of assistance it provided from total strangers. Look lost One of the locals will probably lend a hand if you ask nicely.

The people of New Mexico are among the friendliest you'll meet anywhere. It’s laidback and culturally diverse Also, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT people in 2018. What you needed to know is now at your fingertips

For a total of 10 people. 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. There was widespread agreement among Big 7 travelers that Georgia was a pleasant destination.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying way. True to its reputation, Idaho welcomes visitors with open arms and genuine kindness.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are known for their warmth and hospitality. Chicago is known for being one of America’s most tourist-friendly cities, knocking NYC out of the water In addition to being a pleasant place to live, Illinois is also home to 19 of the 100 safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

People from Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Learn the "one finger" wave while driving, and you'll blend in like a native.

Despite its recent tumultuous past with natural disasters, locals go above and beyond to make you feel welcome here 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.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. The locals are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many events and attractions geared specifically toward children.

Hawaii puts a lot of effort into catering to tourists, so they are well taken care of in terms of hospitality. It’s known for its “Aloha Spirit” Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly wave, so clearly paradise has some sort of healing effect on the human psyche.

OKC isn't called "The Big Friendly" for nothing; OK is truly one of the friendliest states in the USA. People here are always keen to strike up conversation and will look after their own community no matter what They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The friendly nature of the locals towards tourists is one of the state's many attractive features.

In addition to having some of the friendliest people anywhere, Colorado's progressive environment makes it a great place to visit. 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. Whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country, the warmth of the people here is something you'll notice right away.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have an excellent sense of humor and are generally pleasant to be around. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large 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. The car keys are still in the ignition. You can rest assured that it will arrive in one piece.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are a trademark. The welcoming people you meet "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly helped make this state one of the friendliest in the United States. Its locals will welcome you with open arms and bring a sense of small-town friendliness to its big cities.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warmth and hospitality, making the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm welcome and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the nation, making the state a clear winner. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an inviting, friendly vibe that is hard to replicate, and the locals go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.