List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first, the locals (especially those in the countryside) may 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 fascinating melting pot of cultures. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals 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. Is it that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware as unwelcoming stem from the state's (possibly unfair) image as dull? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

Massachusetts residents aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference to visitors can be off-putting. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. It appears that is the case in this poll. When it comes to expressing themselves, New Jersey residents tend to be more forthright than those in other states. Even if the gas station attendant is rude, at least they'll pump your gas.

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 can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. Compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. When it comes to helping strangers, Nevadans generally won't go out of their way.

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.

Being an outsider is something you can expect to always be labeled as if you weren't born and raised in Rhode Island. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly 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 particularly friendly. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. The tempo in smaller urban centers is generally slower.

Unlike in the South, where friendliness is often a defining characteristic, locals in Arizona tend to be pretty chill about things. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. An admirable lack of concern for the feelings of others.

Residents of Connecticut are friendly and polite, but somewhat reserved. Not really Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage 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. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point in their lives. They might not respond to you at all if you bother them, but they are not rude if they do.

In Montana, you'll find a welcoming community of friendly people. Despite its vastness, the whole state has the feel of a single large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's growing 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.

Vermonters are known for being open-minded and friendly, making it a great place to meet new people. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. 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 are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome to visitors. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the state's greatest features is the eclectic mix of people who call it home.

People in Utah are known for their warmth and hospitality, so you should feel right at home. Being one of the most LGBTQ-friendly major cities in the United States, Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to live if you're looking for a lively and social environment.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Although New Englanders as a whole have a reputation for being reserved, Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. That's the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. This laid-back lifestyle creates 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 to be friendly and helpful, often greeting and waving at strangers as they pass them on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. Everyone here has a great sense of humor and is laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Being welcoming to strangers makes for a lively and engaging hangout spot. In a Baltimore bar, you are guaranteed to meet some of your new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with friendly, polite citizens who value their communities and enjoy life. Considering Green Bay's status as one of the United States' happiest cities, its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

One of the least populous and least visited states in the United States, and not because of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. Readers were very complimentary of the state's friendly atmosphere.

The citizens of Oregon are widely known for their friendliness toward total strangers. Although Portland's hipster culture may be difficult to enter, the people there are nice (I swear). Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. 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 always belonged there.

Before you've even said "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. Sincerity and genuine interest in one another's company are not in short supply among these people.

If you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. If you follow this simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the most welcoming 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.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved and hospitable people. 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."

No matter what you're going through, people in Kentucky will be friendly. Friendly locals will greet you with open arms 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.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but that's not how it is at all. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. With regards to random acts of kindness, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

New Mexicans, in general, are known for their warmth and hospitality. The atmosphere is chill and the range of cultures represented is impressive. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there you go.

With only ten 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. Peach-loving Big 7 travelers rated Georgia a 7.

Repeatedly, you'll hear that Idaho is home to some of the friendliest people in America. Our readers agreed. Indeed, locals are warm and welcoming, but not in a stalkerish fashion. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation as a welcoming and friendly place for visitors.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. It's no secret that Chicago is one of the most popular tourist destinations in America. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States can be found in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

It's true what they say about Nebraskans: they're some of the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. A sense of community characterized by people helping one another can be found virtually anywhere you look. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in like a native.

In spite of the recent natural disasters, the locals here will do anything to make you feel at home. 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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in 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 geared specifically toward children.

Since tourism is Hawaii's main industry, guests can expect exceptional service while they're here. Those who visit praise its "Aloha Spirit." 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," has earned that moniker for good reason. Here, people are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. They are just as friendly to guests as they are to locals.

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. Because locals are so welcoming to visitors, the state is stunning.

A pleasant state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and is home to some of the friendliest people anywhere. 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.

"Hoosier hospitality" refers to the residents of Indiana going out of their way to make others feel welcome. In general, people in this area are friendly and humorous. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; it will forever hold a special place in your heart after just one visit.

While the state of Wyoming itself is relatively tranquil, the people who live there make it a lively and exciting place to visit. 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 getting the keys out of the ignition. There is a good chance that it will arrive undamaged.

Friendly Texans always have a "Howdy" ready for you. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. 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 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 is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its residents are bursting with excitement and a desire to share their state with visitors. When you factor in the state's thriving music scene, it's easy to see why Texas is widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

And the winner is among America's friendliest states Top honors go to Minnesota, whose residents are known for being among the friendliest in the country. 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.