List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

It's possible that at first, locals, even those in upstate, will come off as a 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. 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 locals will treat you well. It's great that Arkansans have such welcoming neighbors, but some tourists may feel like outsiders if they don't feel like they fit in with the locals.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes of driving time, this does not necessarily make it a welcoming place to its neighbors. Is it that our readers' perception of Delaware as unwelcoming stems from the state's (possibly exaggerated) reputation as boring? This is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, unfortunately.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America if its residents are known for ignoring each other. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. As this survey shows, that appears to be the case The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. But at least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will fill up your tank.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. The locals aren't exactly rude, but they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps the precipitation has played a role.

Those who call New Hampshire home are passionate about their 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.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. If you're looking for a more welcoming vacation destination than Las Vegas, consider heading to Reno. It's safe to say that most Nevadans wouldn't go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Considering Miami is often voted as one of the least friendly cities in America, Florida has its work cut out for it 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 all your life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. Big 7 readers 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.

Even though many people in California take pride in their reputation as being welcoming, our readers tend to disagree. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no hospitable city. In fact, it has an air of disdain that borders on rudeness. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

People in Arizona aren't as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough to ignore that. While waiting in line, you might 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.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. In any case People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open the door for you and greet you if you happen to pass by. The state isn't exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, but open mike nights and other community gatherings do their part to keep people connected.

Even though Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, welcoming tourists is a major source of revenue, so locals are always happy to see visitors. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of the locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. Or they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

Montanans will win you over with their hospitality and openness. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. Between cities, there is friendly banter, with an upbeat outlook on visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more hospitable and inviting to newcomers. A cultural mecca, Washington, D.C. may come across as traditional and wary to outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor, making it simple to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Though the locals of a small Vermont town may take some time to warm up to newcomers, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Locals in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and fellow citizens. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. An attractive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

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 cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

People from West Virginia are among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates an inviting ambiance. 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.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a hello whenever they pass one another on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, from the friendly faces of the cashiers to the stories of the farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

While most Michiganders like to think of themselves as hospitable, those in Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be tough. Typical of the Midwest, locals here are friendly, laid-back, and humorous.

There is a wide range of cultural traditions represented in Maryland, which is one of the most populous states. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. Making new best friends in a Baltimore bar is a breeze.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with friendly, polite citizens who value their communities and enjoy life. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. What role, if any, could the Packers play in this?

It's not because of the quality of the locals that this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The community spirit in this state received high marks 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. Because it ranks highest in pet-friendliness, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here.

Mississippi is an attractive state that exudes plenty of traditional Southern warmth. When people from other places visit Mississippi, they are often pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the locals. 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 had a chance to say "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a detailed account of their entire lives. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. 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 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. Anyone, whether a lifelong resident or a tourist, will be warmly welcomed by the friendly locals. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians will make you want to pack your bags and head here right away.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities whose reputations as friendly places to live may not be what you'd expect at first glance. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was written for a good reason; people here are genuinely kind to one another. The overall level of stranger kindness was highly rated by our readers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

You can count on meeting pleasant locals in just about any town in New Mexico. A melting pot of people from all walks of life, it's easygoing and diverse. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

In a town of only 10 people, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States offers a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. They thought Georgia was great, according to 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 creepy, prying sort of way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness towards visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. The number of tourists visiting Chicago annually exceeds that of New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

You won't find nicer people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. The sense of community is palpable, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a 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.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. Tourists can confidently ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or drink, as the people living there are friendly and open. As a bonus, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it an ideal destination for families.

The hospitality industry in Hawaii is thriving because of the state's strong focus on tourism. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. It must be good for the spirit to live in paradise, because everyone you meet will greet you with a friendly smile.

There's a reason Oklahoma is home to one of America's friendliest capitals: Oklahoma City. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Kansas is well-known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so feel free to strike up conversations with anyone you happen to meet. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the things that draws tourists to the state.

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.

People in Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help those in need. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Upon your first visit, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make it a lively and exciting destination. 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 even bother coming back for the keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Friendly Texans always have a "Howdy" ready for you. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly helped it rank high among the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which is one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina has all the warmth and hospitality that the South is famous for, and then some.

People in Tennessee have that classic Southern attitude, always ready to greet visitors and proud to show off their hometown. When you factor in its thriving music industry, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

And the winner out of all the friendliest states in America The people of Minnesota have been voted the friendliest in the country. There's a reason why the state's nickname is "Minnesota Nice": the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.