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. Just don't linger in the street or block traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and the friendly atmosphere it promotes among its residents, it may leave visitors with a bad impression.

Although the state of Delaware is relatively compact (it takes only about 90 minutes to drive from one end to the other), its size does not 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? This is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, unfortunately.

Though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general lack of friendliness towards visitors can be wearing. 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.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case It's common knowledge that people from New Jersey have bold, outspoken characters. However, the (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

The Evergreen State may place highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human residents are another story. This "polite but unfriendly" atmosphere is what gives Seattle its nickname, "the Seattle freeze," even though the locals themselves aren't rude. Perhaps the constant downpours are to blame.

The people of New Hampshire 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 here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Vegas, Nevada is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. People in Nevada generally aren't very 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. Though 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.

People who aren't native Rhode Islanders have a difficult time accepting those who moved there as friends or family. However, readers of Big 7 Travel did not 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.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, our readers in other states are not impressed. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

Unlike in the South, where friendliness is often a defining characteristic, locals in Arizona tend to be pretty chill about things. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on anyone breaking out in a full-blown smile. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. I wouldn't say that at all People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you ask. 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.

While Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, its residents are more than happy to open their arms to visitors because the tourism industry is so important to the state's economy. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They might do that, or they might just ignore you, but either way, they're 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. The people are pleasant enough, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

More and more people from all walks of life are settling in Virginia, giving the state a warm and inviting vibe. 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, it's 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 the extra mile to accommodate their needs. 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.

Residents of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Feel at home immediately because Utahns are known for their warm hospitality. 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.

Readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. 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. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. Because of the mountains' role as a buffer zone between the state of West Virginia and the rest of the country, the people who live there tend to stick together.

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. 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 in the country. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and engaging hangout spot for people from all walks of life. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new closest friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

This may be one of the least-visited states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand with no strings attached. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

In general, Oregonians are known for their friendliness toward those they have never met before. You may have to work at it a bit to become part of Portland's hipster scene, but I promise you, the people there are cool. If you're bringing your dog, they'll be welcome here, too, because it's the most pet-friendly state in the country.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals like family, you will quickly find that you have made many new friends.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of his or her life experiences. They are 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. If you follow that simple rule, you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. To be polite, random people will do things like hold the door open or help you carry your groceries to your car.

Across South Dakota, you'll find progressive towns teeming with involved, welcoming residents. Even in the largest cities, it is common practice for people to strike 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."

People in Kentucky are generally pleasant no matter what. 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 will have you packing your bags and heading south right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; locals truly are friendly. It received high marks from our readers for the amount of assistance it provided from total strangers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Friendly locals are a common sight in New Mexico's many small towns. It's chill and full of different cultures. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

With only ten 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, getting to know people is simple. Some of the 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. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying way. A visitor to Idaho will find that the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to outsiders is well-deserved.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. The number of tourists visiting Chicago annually exceeds that of New York City. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

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 each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Practice waving with one finger while driving, and you'll soon feel 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 what makes the state one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. When visitors ask where they should go to eat or drink, locals are happy to give recommendations. 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. It’s known for its “Aloha Spirit” Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a smile, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

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. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

When visiting Kansas, visitors from other states may be taken aback by the state's renown friendliness. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

There are some of the friendliest people in the world living in Colorado, adding to the state's already pleasant atmosphere of progressiveness. It's great for families, is very secure, has a wealth of cultural offerings, and quickly immerses visitors into the fabric of daily life. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter where you are, urban Denver or rural Colorado.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. The locals have a positive disposition and an excellent sense of humor. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

In spite of Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make visiting the state a delight. 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. Don't even bother coming back for the keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Warm welcomes and "Howdy"s from Texans are a staple. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. Its people in both its big cities and its small towns will welcome you with open arms.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warmth and hospitality, making the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Abounding in Tennessee is that quintessential Southern hospitality, with a friendly and outgoing population that is more than happy 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.

Which state in America is the most welcoming? Minnesota takes top spot, thanks to its extraordinarily friendly residents Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" because the state as a whole exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that is difficult to match.