List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

Even upstate New Yorkers could have a brusque initial But if you can make it through the hustle and bustle, you'll find a welcoming community in any of the city's five boroughs, each of which is a veritable cultural melting pot. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from here, Arkansas will treat you like family. 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. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists 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.

Oftentimes, New Jerseyans' demeanor comes across as downright rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case New Jersey residents are notoriously forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

In terms of environmental friendliness, Washington state may consistently place high, but when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. There is a "polite but unfriendly" vibe among locals, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze," though nobody in the city would ever intentionally be rude. Perhaps it's all the wet weather

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. As a rural area with a stubborn local population, this can be a challenge.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of striking contrasts. Las Vegas is a place where "dog eats dog," but neighborly Reno is a better option. Locals in Nevada, on the whole, are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a huge boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

Some people who aren't native Rhode Islanders just can't shake the feeling that they don't belong there. When asked to rate Rhode Islanders on a "friendly scale," Big 7 Travel readers didn't give them high marks. It's true that people in smaller communities are warmer to strangers, but don't expect a friendly face at the register anywhere.

Although many native Californians and transplants like to think of themselves as friendly, our readers beg to differ. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no hospitable city. In fact, it has a reputation for being unfriendly to those who aren't already familiar with the area. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

Although the locals in Arizona lack the Southerners' blatant friendliness, they are usually relaxed enough to not be a major distraction. Waiting in line here might lead to a chat with a complete stranger, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. Rather, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

Those who live in Connecticut are not only friendly, but also polite, reserved, and nice. This is not the case. Even though they have a reputation for being cold and distant, New Englanders will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to have fun and get together at open mike nights and other community events.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. Or they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Even though it's a large state, it feels more like a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness.

Virginia's increasing 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 the surrounding metropolitan areas make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, so it shouldn't be hard to make friends here. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go the extra mile to accommodate their needs. 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.

Individuals residing in North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to assist others, and friendliness toward tourists and fellow citizens. Even while waiting at a red light, people will often greet one another in the aisles of a Walmart or the parking lot. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease. 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 readers agree that Maine is a desirable place to settle because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. It's common knowledge that Mainers are friendly and outgoing compared to their New England counterparts, who are known for their reserved demeanor. Upon your arrival, you'll notice this right away.

When traveling across the United States, you'll find that West Virginians are among the most warm and friendly people you'll encounter. The relaxed tempo of life here 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 for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday settings. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Although Michiganders like to think of themselves as a warm and welcoming people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Having no barriers to entry, it is a lively and social place to spend some time with friends or meet new people. There are plenty of bars in Baltimore where you can meet some of your new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its pleasant residents known for their politeness, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. Because Green Bay is one of the happiest cities in America, its residents are naturally friendly. Have the Packers played a role in this at all?

It's not because of the quality of the locals that this is one of the least populated and least visited states in America. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. In terms of community, the state received overwhelmingly positive ratings 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 country.

Southern hospitality and charm abound in Mississippi. The friendliness of the locals is often cited as a point of surprise for visitors to Mississippi. Friendly locals will make you feel at home immediately, as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

Even before you've had the chance to say "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a lengthy recounting of their personal histories. The people here are genuine in their friendliness and interest in the stories of total strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. 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.

Cities and towns across South Dakota are thriving hubs of progressive thought and progressive people. Everyone, even in the largest cities, is perfectly comfortable striking up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always friendly. It doesn't matter if you're a lifelong resident or a tourist; the locals will treat you with the same warmth and friendliness. 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 you'd be wrong. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. The amount of assistance from total strangers was rated highly by our readers. Look lost There is a good chance that a kind local will assist you.

People in nearly every town in New Mexico are warm and welcoming. A melting pot of people from all walks of life, it's easygoing and diverse. Not only that, but two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it onto the Top 20 Cities list this year! That sums it up

Home to just 10 people With a population of over 3 million, this southern state offers a diverse landscape of rural and urban areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it is not difficult to make new friends. Many of the readers of Big 7 Travel found Georgia to be quite pleasant.

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

You can't get more Midwestern than Illinois, and the people there couldn't be friendlier. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by the website Neighborhood Scout.

Many Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet in the United States. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

The locals here will do anything to make you feel at home, despite the troubled history of natural disasters that has plagued the area. Louisiana is home to people of many different cultures, but they all share the trait of making their state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. To the contrary, locals are extremely hospitable and will gladly show visitors to their favorite restaurants and watering holes. With so many options geared toward younger visitors, it's also a fantastic destination for families.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors can expect exceptional service. "Aloha spirit" is a trademark of Hawaii. 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 its moniker for good reason. The locals are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

The famous friendliness of Kansans may surprise visitors from other states, so visitors should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is what makes their state so special.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for taking the kids, there's a ton to learn, and you'll quickly feel like a native. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals are pleasant and humorous. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. It's not unusual to have a complete stranger help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow in even the largest of cities. Don't even bother getting out of the car. Likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdy"s are a trademark. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the United States is a testament to the fact that it is "everywhere you go." The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and this is one of the many reasons the state is a great vacation destination. South Carolina has all the friendliness and hospitality associated with the South in spades.

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 vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

And the winning state among those deemed the most welcoming in the United States is Residents of Minnesota are some of the friendliest people in the country. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals who go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.