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. If you must take pictures for Instagram while standing in the street, please do so quickly so as not to impede traffic.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), you'll find the locals to be extremely welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

It's true that Delaware is a relatively small state, and that it only takes about 90 minutes to drive across the entire state. How much of our readers' negative impressions of Delaware come from the state's (possibly exaggerated) reputation as boring? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Being uninterested in other people is not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts a leader among the friendliest states in America. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

One possible interpretation of the Jersey way of life is as blatant rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from New Jersey tend to be more outspoken than those from other states. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

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 the constant precipitation.

The people of the Granite State are fiercely proud of 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, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. However, while Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, neighborly cities like Reno offer a more pleasant alternative. It's safe to say that most Nevadans wouldn't go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Given that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States, 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 your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders are not very friendly. Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as they like to think they are. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. A more relaxed pace of life can be found in smaller towns.

Even though Arizonans don't exactly exude the Southern-style warmth, they're chill enough to be ignored. In the waiting area, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. More than anything, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their politeness, reserve, and general niceness. However, that's not the case Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, its residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other gatherings.

Alaska may be remote, but the state's reliance on tourism means that 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. The alternative is that they will simply ignore you; however, they are not rude in any way.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its massive size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. There's no chance of being invited over for tea, but these people are pleasant enough. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Culture-rich Washington, D.C., may come across as conservative and wary to outsiders. C and the surrounding metropolitan areas make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go out of their way to accommodate them. Residents of small Vermont towns may take some time to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, they'll treat them like long-lost friends.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. At Walmart, in the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light, people will randomly say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Because Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. As one of the most sociable and lively cities in the United States, Salt Lake City also has a reputation for being extremely welcoming to the LGBTQ community.

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. When you first step foot here, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. An easygoing lifestyle creates a friendly environment here. 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.

It's common for Iowans to greet strangers with a smile and a hello as they pass one another on the street, contributing to the state's reputation for friendliness. There's a genuine sense of community, from the friendly cashiers to the farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

While most people in the Great Lakes State have a reputation for being warm and welcoming, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, prove to be surprisingly difficult to navigate. The locals have a great sense of humor, are laid back and polite, and embody the Midwest ideal of a friendly community.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Because of its welcoming nature, it has a thriving social scene and is a fun place to spend time with others. One of the best places to meet potential best friends in Baltimore is at a bar.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with friendly, polite citizens who value their communities and enjoy life. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest places in the United States, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Is there a chance it's related to the Packers?

In spite of its great residents, this is one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States. People from North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but the people there are nice, I swear. Since it also ranks as the most pet-friendly state in the USA, Fido is more than welcome here, too.

Charming and full of Southern sweetness, Mississippi is a wonderful place to visit. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors from elsewhere. Once you stop bragging about how great it is "up North" to the locals, they will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a lengthy recounting of their personal histories. They're genuine in their friendliness, and they seem to enjoy hearing from complete 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.

South Dakota is home to many progressive, forward-thinking towns populated by involved, helpful locals. People will casually 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 very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

You'll find that Kentuckians are a genuinely pleasant bunch. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone pack their bags and head to the Bluegrass State.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; people here are genuinely warm and helpful. In terms of stranger kindness, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a decent chance that a friendly local will assist you.

In most of New Mexico's towns, you'll find hospitable locals. There is a wide variety of people and cultures to experience. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. And there you have it

A town of only 10 people This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a varied landscape of urban and rural areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, Georgia received a score of 4.5 out of 7.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. It's true that everyone here is warm and welcoming, and not in a nosy or intrusive way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located in the middle of the United States, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's most popular destinations for international visitors. The state is also relatively safe for tourists, with 19 of the country's Safest Cities located in Illinois.

Among the states in the United States, Nebraska is home to some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Strong community spirit permeates the air, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. Acquiring the skill of the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

Even though the area has had a rough go of it recently due to natural disasters, the locals will do anything they can 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.

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. 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. The "Aloha Spirit" is what makes this place famous. 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," is appropriately named. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Their hospitality extends 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 is one of the state's many attractions.

With its progressive culture and welcoming locals, Colorado is a great vacation destination. It's great for taking the kids, there's a ton to learn, and you'll quickly feel like a native. Feeling welcome here is something you'll notice right away, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

Residents of 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 are friendly and humorous. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Despite Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make it a delight to visit. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't even bother getting the keys out of the car. In all likelihood, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans 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. Locals in its big cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes 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 the classic Southern charm that has made the South so popular, with friendly, outgoing locals who are eager to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in its thriving music industry, it's easy to see why this is one of the most welcoming states in the United States.

The most welcoming state in the United States is Minnesotans are the friendliest in the country, so the state wins. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.