List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first, locals (especially upstate) might come across as a bit brusque. 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. But don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. And while that bodes well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

It's true that Delaware is a relatively small state, and that it only takes about 90 minutes to drive across the entire state. Why do some of our readers view Delaware negatively? Is it because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Unfortunately, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Locals in MA aren't exactly rude, but their general indifference towards strangers can be wearing. Not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts one of the friendliest states in America is its tendency to ignore its citizens. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come off as extremely impolite. In fact, according to the results of this poll, that appears to be the situation The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. But at least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will fill up your tank.

Although Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, full of devoted citizens who take great pride in their home. 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.

Las Vegas, Nevada is in a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. As a whole, Nevadans are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. While 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 all your 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." While the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, this is not the case in larger cities.

It's a common misconception that Californians are a friendly bunch, but our readers beg to differ. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

There's no mistaking that Arizona doesn't have the Southern-style openness to strangers, but locals are generally chill enough to ignore that. Expect to have a conversation with a complete stranger while waiting in line, but don't count on anyone breaking out in a full-blown grin. In other words, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

Those who live in Connecticut are not only friendly, but also polite, reserved, and nice. Unfortunately, that's not the case. New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, but they will always hold the door for you and smile at you if 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.

Despite the state's relative isolation, Alaska relies heavily on tourism; consequently, 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. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

Montanans will surprise you with their hospitality. In spite of its considerable 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. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. While some people might see it as quite traditional and wary of strangers, the cultural haven of Washington D C and other major cities, the area is a great place to live.

Vermonters are a welcoming and sociable bunch, so it's not hard to strike up conversations and make new friends here. Because tourism is so important to the economy, people here are very friendly and willing to go out of their way to assist tourists. While it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, 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. It's not uncommon for strangers to greet one another in public places like Walmart, parking lots, and even while waiting for a red light to turn green. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

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 is a wonderful place to live.

Our 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 contemporaries, are known to be friendly and outgoing. The moment you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

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 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.

As a whole, Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness. It's common to see people greeting each other on the street and even waving at passers-by. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

People in Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be tough to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

The population of Maryland is one of the highest in the country, and the state is also culturally rich. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. Baltimore bars are great places to meet potential best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the Midwest thanks to its friendly and polite citizens and their strong sense of community. Given that Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. 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 generosity. Based on your votes, residents of this state have a strong sense of community.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Sure, the Portland hipster scene might take a while to break into, but they’re nice – swear Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

State of Mississippi has a lot of southern hospitality and appeal. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors from elsewhere. People in this area are extremely friendly, and they will make you feel at home as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

Before you can even say "hello," a resident of Missouri will launch into a lengthy account of his or her life. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Follow that guideline, and you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, such as holding the door open or carrying your groceries to your car.

There are many thriving, progressive communities in South Dakota that are home to active and welcoming residents. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers on the street, even in the largest cities, discussing 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 friendly. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. People from other states will be envious of the warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians.

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. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost The average friendly local will probably offer assistance.

The people of New Mexico are among the friendliest you'll meet anywhere. It has a relaxed vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

At a paltry 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. The citizens of Georgia were highly regarded by Big 7 Travel readers.

Readers overwhelmingly agreed that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying way. Idaho lives up to its reputation for warm hospitality and a genuine openness towards strangers

Illinois, a state in the center of the Midwest, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as the more welcoming destination. According to Neighborhood Scout, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in the state of Illinois, making it a good destination for tourists.

Nebraskers are among the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. 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.

While 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.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor, making the Buckeye State a shining example of the Midwest. All visitors are welcome in the eyes of the locals, and they will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Tourists in Hawaii are the top priority, so the state's reputation for warm hospitality is well-deserved. This place is famous for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital city for nothing; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are also very welcoming of outsiders.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the legendary friendliness of Kansans, so strike up conversations with complete strangers at will. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

In addition to having some of the friendliest people anywhere, Colorado's progressive environment makes it a great place to visit. It's great for families, there's a ton to do culturally, and tourists quickly feel at home here. You can feel the friendliness 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 famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a pleasant demeanor and a good sense of humor. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Though Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. 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 out of the car. Hopefully, 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 major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

Famously warm and friendly, South Carolinians make for a pleasant visit. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warm welcome with gusto.

Traditional Southern hospitality is alive and well in Tennessee, where residents are energized by the presence of visitors and proud to show off their hometown. With its warm people and thriving music scene, it's easy to see why this state is considered among the most welcoming in the United 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. The Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals and numerous tourist-friendly attractions.