List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the upstate) could If you can make it through the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll be rewarded with a community feel in one of New York City's many culturally diverse boroughs. 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), you'll find that people there are very welcoming. It's great that Arkansans have such welcoming neighbors, but some tourists may feel like outsiders if they don't feel like they fit in with the locals.

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. Is our audience's preconceived notion of Delaware's amiability due to the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a bore? 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.

Sometimes, the Jersey way of life is misunderstood as rudeness. The results of this poll seem to back up that conclusion. People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright and bold. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

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 wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of dignity can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. Locals tend to be unyielding, and the area's low population density and lack of urban centers can make it difficult to make new friends.

Las Vegas, Nevada is in a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Most people in Nevada won't go out of their way to help a complete stranger.

Florida certainly has its work cut out for it if 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.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, readers gave Rhode Islanders a low score on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Though many native Golden State residents would like to believe that they have a reputation for being friendly, our readers do not share this perception. 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.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. Instead, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. I wouldn't say that at all Although New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will always open doors for you and greet you with a friendly hello. 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.

Although Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, its residents are always happy to see visitors because the tourism industry is so important to the state's economy. The vast majority of Alaskans, with the exception of Native Alaskans, are immigrants who arrived in the state at some point. They may do so, 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 vastness, the whole state feels more like a large village. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's growing diversity is making the state's already warm and inviting culture even more so. Washington, D.C. is a cultural hub, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C to other major cities, which makes it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Newcomers to rural Vermont may have to wait a while before they are fully accepted, but once they are, they have a lifetime of friends to look forward to.

North Carolinians are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and fellow citizens. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. A notable aspect of the state is the diversity of its inhabitants.

Those who live in Utah are known for their warm hospitality, so you will quickly feel at home here. 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. New Englanders have a reputation for being withdrawn and reserved, but Mainers are friendly and outgoing. This is something you'll notice as soon as you step foot in the door.

It's likely that you'll meet some of the friendliest people in the United States in West Virginia. The relaxed rhythms of daily life here help create 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.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. There's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

It's a common misconception that all Michiganders are warm and welcoming; in fact, some of the state's largest cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be downright unapproachable. People here have a great sense of humor and are laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

With a population density that ranks high among the states, Maryland represents a cross-section of American society. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. Making lifelong friends in a Baltimore bar is a breeze.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, populated by friendly people with a strong sense of community and a positive outlook. As one of the United States' happiest cities, Green Bay's residents are naturally friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

In spite of its great residents, this is one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States. North Dakotans have a reputation for being friendly and helpful without demanding anything in return. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

People in Oregon have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. In addition to being the friendliest state in the country toward pets, it is also a great place to bring Fido.

Mississippi is a beautiful state bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. The natives 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."

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. You can count on complete strangers to do nice things for you, like holding the door open or helping you carry your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. Here, people of all ages and backgrounds will strike up casual conversations with total strangers, even in the biggest cities. 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. Everyone who meets a Kentuckian will want to make the state their permanent home because of the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are among the friendliest cities in the United States, despite the stereotypes that surround them. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; locals really are that welcoming. The overall level of stranger kindness was highly rated by our readers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Almost everywhere you go in New Mexico, you'll meet nice people. It's chill and full of different cultures. More so, two New Mexico cities have been recognized as 2018 Top 20 Cities for LGBT-friendly retirement. Well, there you have it.

Having only 10 people in it, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is home to a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities. Even in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, getting to know locals is a breeze. A majority of Big 7 Travel readers found Georgia to be a pleasant surprise.

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 stalkerish manner. Idaho's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors is well-deserved.

Illinois, a state in the center of the Midwest, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States can be found in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Acquiring the skill of the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

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 a wide variety of 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. It is easy to make friends with locals, and they will gladly show you around their favorite restaurant or bar. In addition to being a fantastic destination for couples, it also caters to families with a wide variety of fun things to do.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. 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. Individuals here are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own neighborhood. Visitors can expect the same warm reception.

The famous friendliness of Kansans may surprise visitors from other states, so visitors should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Friendly locals are one of the state's many attractions.

Colorado has some of the friendliest people in the world and a progressive environment that makes for a fun vacation. It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting things to do, and will have you feeling more at home in no time. Denver or the suburbs, the welcoming atmosphere is the same no matter where you go.

Hoosiers are known far and wide for their generous spirit and warm welcome. The locals have a positive disposition and an entertaining sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Although Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Even in large urban areas, it is not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as unsticking your car from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother coming back for your keys. You can rest assured that it will arrive in one piece.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are a staple of any trip to the Lone Star State. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming places in the United States is due in no small part to the fact that people are generally nice everywhere you go. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home, as if you'd traveled to one of the smaller towns that surround them.

The people of South Carolina are very warm and friendly, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has all the warmth and hospitality that the South is famous for, and then some.

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.

Finally, the most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Minnesota has a reputation for friendliness and hospitality that is second to none, and the state is known far beyond the Twin Cities.