List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could If you can make it through the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll be rewarded with a community feel in one of New York City's many culturally diverse boroughs. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

It's true that Arkansans are extremely welcoming, but only if you're a native. And while that bodes well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

Despite its diminutive size (a full day's drive will take you across the entire state of Delaware), Delaware is not exactly neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Those who live in Massachusetts aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference to tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly going to make the list of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case Most people from New Jersey have bold and forthright personalities. Unfortunately, the (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will have to pump your gas for you, but at least they have that going for them.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are particularly eco-conscious. Locals aren't rude, but they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. Nonetheless, it's easy for others to misinterpret such pride as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. Compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. People in Nevada generally aren't very 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. Tourist-friendly initiatives in places like Orlando are greatly enhancing the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before it is widely recognized.

Most people who weren't raised in Rhode Island have a hard time accepting those who weren't born and raised there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." While the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, this is not the case in larger cities.

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. The pace of life tends to be slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're usually chill. The wait in line is the perfect opportunity for strangers to chat, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. More than anything, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly, if a bit reserved. To a lesser extent Although New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly when you visit. 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.

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. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They might not respond to you at all, which is not rude, or they might.

People in Montana are surprisingly friendly and welcoming. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. People are nice, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. Friendly banter between cities, with an upbeat outlook on visitors of all kinds.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C., is a cultural mecca, but some might say that it's too traditional and too wary of strangers. C as well as other major cities, make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are a welcoming and sociable bunch, so it's not hard to strike up conversations and make new friends here. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Even though it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Persons residing in North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to assist others, and friendliness toward tourists and fellow citizens. Wherever two people are in close proximity, they will inevitably exchange "hi's," whether they're in Walmart, the parking lot, or waiting for a red light to change. One of the best things about the state is how diverse its population is.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large U.S. cities for the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to agree that the low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers contribute to the state's popularity as a relocation destination. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is 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. 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. There's a genuine sense of community, from the friendly cashiers to the farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

The people of Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. A good sense of humor and Midwestern politeness characterize the locals.

The population density in Maryland is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. Going out to a bar in Baltimore is a great way to meet new people and quickly become best friends with them.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their friendliness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is one of the happiest cities in America, so its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. Was it possibly related to the Packers?

Although the locals may be wonderful, this state is one of the least populated and visited in the United States. People in North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful, often without any sort of payment or reward being expected in return. The community spirit in this state received high marks 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 a beautiful state brimming with genuine Southern hospitality. Mississippians are known for their warm hospitality, which often surprises visitors. Once you refrain from bragging about how great it is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like one of the gang.

Before you've even had a chance to say hello, a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life. There's no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and curious to hear from strangers.

In Alabama, if you're a nice person, everyone will be nice to you. If you follow this simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. People are so nice that they will help you with things like holding the door open and carrying your groceries to your car.

There are a lot of progressive, forward-thinking places in South Dakota where you can find engaged and welcoming locals. It is common practice for people to strike up conversations with complete strangers, even in the busiest urban areas, and discuss anything from the weather to the latest game. 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. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a visitor, you can expect the same warm welcome from the community members. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone pack their bags and head to the Bluegrass State right away.

You might not immediately associate cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with friendliness, but you'd be wrong. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; people here are truly friendly. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of cultural influences. Plus, in 2018, two New Mexico cities were named among the Top 20 Retirement Cities that are LGBT-friendly. You now have the full picture

Population: 10 With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. It’s easy to get to know people here, even in larger cities like Atlanta Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. In contrast to other places, the locals here are genuinely warm and welcoming. It's true that Idahoans are known for their friendliness and willingness to help strangers.

Illinois, located in the middle of the United States, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. The number of tourists visiting Chicago annually exceeds that of New York City. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. 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 at the wheel, you'll blend in like a native.

Despite the recent natural disasters, the locals here will do anything to make you feel at home. People of all backgrounds in Louisiana contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. People in the area tend to be friendly and welcoming, always happy to recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many things to do there that are geared toward children.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. It is celebrated worldwide for its "Aloha Spirit." All the people you meet in paradise will give you a friendly greeting.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

If you're from out of state, prepare to have friendly conversations with complete strangers because Kansas is known for its hospitable residents. The warmth and friendliness of the locals towards tourists is what makes their state so special.

As a progressive state with some of the friendliest people on the planet, Colorado is a great place to visit. It's great for families, there's a ton to do culturally, and tourists quickly feel at home here. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Locals in Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," where they go out of their way to help strangers. The locals are pleasant, humorous people. Even if you've only ever thought of Indiana as a "fly over" state, you should definitely make the trip.

Despite Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make it a delight to visit. Large urban areas still have a strong sense of community; it's not unusual for a stranger to help you carry groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't bother getting out of the car. The odds are good that everything will be fine.

The friendly people of Texas and their constant "Howdys" 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.

South Carolinians are known for their warm hospitality, which is 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, with friendly, outgoing locals who are always excited to show off their state to visitors. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why Texas is widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

The winner among the most welcoming American states is Top honors go to Minnesota, whose residents are known for being among the friendliest in the country. Minnesota has a reputation for friendliness and hospitality that is second to none, and the state is known far beyond the Twin Cities.