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 itself is a melting pot of many cultures. Just don't linger in the street or block traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. Though this bodes well 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. Have our readers' perceptions of Delaware's friendliness been colored by the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? This is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, unfortunately.

Massachusetts residents aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts isn't exactly going to be on the list of friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, rather than a temporary resident, can take years of hard work.

An attitude typical of Jersey residents can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from the Garden State have a reputation for being blunt and direct. At least 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. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's all the wet weather

The people of New Hampshire are fiercely proud of their state and its beauty. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. The locals are unfriendly, and the area is mostly rural with a small town feel, making it even more difficult to make friends.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of extremes. It's true that Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, but neighborly cities like Reno offer a more pleasant alternative. Overall, Nevadans are not very hospitable, and few will go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida 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.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. When asked to rate Rhode Islanders on a "friendly scale," Big 7 Travel readers didn't give them high marks. Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

People in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers don't agree. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. 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. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. More than anything, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

The people of Connecticut are friendly, if a bit reserved. Not so much It's true that New Englanders have a rep for being cold and unfriendly, but you'll still be greeted warmly and offered assistance getting through doorways. Though not the most culturally rich, open mike nights and other community gatherings help to keep people connected.

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. 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; either way, they are not rude.

People in Montana are surprisingly friendly and welcoming. 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. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. 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.

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. A newcomer to a Vermont town may have to wait a while before they are fully accepted, but once they are, they will have a friend for life.

Most people in North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming. Even while waiting at a red light, people will often greet one another in the aisles of a Walmart or the parking lot. A distinctive feature of the state is the large number of people who hail from different parts of the country.

Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a great place to settle down because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are friendly and outgoing. When you first step foot here, you'll notice this.

When traveling across the United States, you'll find that West Virginians are among the most warm and friendly people you'll meet. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. With the mountains serving as a sort of barrier between the people of West Virginia and the rest of the world, the state has a very tight-knit sense of community.

The people of Iowa have a reputation for friendliness and kindness, especially in urban areas where they frequently engage in small talk with passers-by and offer a friendly wave. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on 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.

With a population density that ranks high among the states, Maryland represents a cross-section of American society. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a hidden gem in the Midwest, known for its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of its residents. Locals in 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. Yes, Portland's hipster scene can be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice (I swear) once you do. Having the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States, your dog is guaranteed a warm welcome here.

Mississippi is a beautiful state full of genuine Southern hospitality. Visitors are often taken aback by the warm hospitality of Mississippians. After you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

In Missouri, people will start telling you about their lives even before you've introduced yourself. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you with nothing but friendliness if you maintain a positive disposition. 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 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 the latest football scores, even in the biggest cities. People in 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. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. There's something about a Kentuckian's warmth and hospitality that makes you want to settle down here right away.

It's possible that cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh don't immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but that's not the case. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it very highly. Look lost There is a good chance that a friendly local will assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. More so, two New Mexico cities have been recognized as 2018 Top 20 Cities for LGBT-friendly retirement. You now have the full picture

With only ten 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 major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, getting to know locals is a breeze. The citizens of Georgia were deemed to be quite delightful by 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. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation as a welcoming and friendly place for visitors.

Placed smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, Illinois is home to welcoming locals. Chicago is widely regarded as one of the best U.S. cities for tourists, rivaling and sometimes surpassing even 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. A sense of community characterized by people helping one another can be found virtually anywhere you look. You can pass for a true native if you just learn the "one finger" wave to use while driving.

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 best places to be in America."

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 will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. It has a reputation for being filled with "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could heal your soul.

The nickname "The Big Friendly" for Oklahoma City is well-deserved; the state as a whole is known for its welcoming locals and visitors alike. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Not only are they welcoming to locals, but also to tourists.

Kansas is known for its warm hospitality, so visitors from other states should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The warmth of the local people toward tourists is one of the state's greatest attractions.

As a progressive state with some of the friendliest people on the planet, Colorado is 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. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

The residents of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. A single trip to Indiana will convince you that it is so much more than a "fly over" state.

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. Don't bother getting the keys out of the car. Likely, everything will be fine.

Friendly Texans always have a "Howdy" ready for you. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming places in the United States is due in no small part to the fact that people are generally nice everywhere you go. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

South Carolinians are known for their warm hospitality, which is one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina has the warm hospitality and generous people for which the South is famous in abundance.

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 so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals and numerous visitor-friendly attractions.