List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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 people 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.

The state of Delaware is so small that it can be crossed in 90 minutes by car, but its size doesn't necessarily equate to neighborliness. 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.

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. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to being seen as a tourist, can take years.

There is a risk that New Jerseyans' demeanor will be misunderstood as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

While Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. Though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, earning the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." A lot of rain may be to blame.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Because of its stubborn natives and sparse rural population, making friends here can be challenging.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. Las Vegas is a place where "dog eats dog," but neighborly Reno is a better option. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to 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. Although Orlando and its tourist-friendly initiatives are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, 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. Readers of Big 7 Travel 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 to be treated to a warm welcome anywhere.

Our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as the rest of the country would like to believe. The people of Los Angeles aren't exactly the most welcoming, giving off an air of disinterestedness that sometimes crosses into outright rudeness. More relaxed lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. If you're waiting in line, you can expect to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. Instead, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. It's not that While residents of New England may have a reputation for being cold, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. 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.

Despite the state of Alaska's isolation, the tourism industry is thriving and locals are always happy to see visitors. Outside of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current Alaskans can relate to the experience of being a newcomer. They may do this or they may simply ignore you, but in either case, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. Nobody will invite you over for tea, but they're still pleasant. Cities joke and tease one another in a way that is lighthearted and friendly, especially to visitors.

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

Vermonters are known for being open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. It may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, 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. In any public place, such as a supermarket, a parking lot, or even while waiting for a red light to turn green, you can expect to hear at least one person say "hi." One of the best things about this state is the diverse population it contains.

You'll quickly feel at home in Utah thanks to the state's welcoming population. To top it all off, Salt Lake City is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly major cities in the United States, making it a wonderful place to live if you enjoy a lively and social environment.

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. People from New England tend to have a reputation for being quiet and reserved, but Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing. That's the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

Visitors to the United States will find West Virginians to be among the most warm and friendly they encounter. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. In West Virginia, the community is tight-knit because the state's mountains serve as a buffer between the state and the rest of the country.

The people of Iowa are known for their friendliness and politeness; it's common to see them greet complete strangers as they pass one another on the street and even wave. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road who are more than happy to tell you all about their delicious produce.

There's a perception that Michiganders are a warm and welcoming people, but the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be difficult to navigate. People in this area tend to be humorous, laid-back, and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

There is a wide range of cultural traditions represented in Maryland, which is one of the most populous states. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it's a lively and friendly place to hang out with friends. A Baltimore bar is a great place to meet potential new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Because Green Bay is one of the happiest cities in America, its residents are naturally friendly. Perhaps the Packers have something to do with it.

A lack of residents and tourists has nothing to do with the quality of life in this state's communities, despite the fact that it is one of the least populated and visited in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Also, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here, as this state is ranked highest in the country for pet friendliness.

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors from elsewhere. 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 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. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, from holding the door open to carrying 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 a football game, even in the biggest cities. It's safe to say that the residents of this region personify the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. Everybody here is friendly, whether you were born and raised here or are just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

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; the locals here are always happy to help. Regarding the friendliness of total strangers, our readers gave it a high rating. Look lost Chances are a good-natured local will help you out

Nearly every town in New Mexico is populated by warm and welcoming locals. It's chill and full of different cultures. New Mexico is home to two cities that were named among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. What you needed to know is now at your fingertips

The town has a total of 10 residents. This state in the southern United States is home to 3 million people and features a diverse collection of urban and rural communities, as well as welcoming residents. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. It seems that Big 7 travelers enjoyed their time in Georgia.

There is a common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. 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 to visitors.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. When compared to New York City, Chicago is often regarded as the more welcoming destination for international visitors. Furthermore, the state is a good destination for tourists because it is home to 19 of the country's safest cities, as ranked by the website Neighborhood Scout.

Most Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet in the United States. You can feel the strong sense of community wherever you go because of all the people who are willing to help each other out. Becoming proficient in the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

Natural disasters have a recent history, but the locals here still go out of their way 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. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. And because there are so many things to do there that are geared toward children, it's also fantastic for families.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. As a result of its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained worldwide recognition. The friendly disposition of the locals suggests that paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

The Big Friendly isn't just a catchy moniker for Oklahoma City; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country. The locals are very sociable and will always look out for their own. And they're just as welcoming to outsiders.

It's important for out-of-staters to be prepared to strike up conversations with complete strangers due to the state of Kansas's renowned friendliness. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, there's a ton to see and do, and tourists quickly begin to feel at home. You can feel the warmth of Colorado right away, whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. People in this area tend to be friendly and humorous. Once you visit Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

The people of Wyoming are what really make this state exciting, even if it is a relatively quiet place. Even in the largest of 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. Lock your keys in the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation for welcoming visitors everywhere you go has undoubtedly helped it become 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 Carolina’s residents are famously welcoming, making it such a friendly place to spend some time in South Carolina exemplifies the warm welcome and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

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.

Among the states in the United States, which one do residents rate as the friendliest? The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice": the Twin Cities and surrounding areas exude a genuine friendliness and hospitality that are unrivaled anywhere else.