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. Please don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

If you're a local in Arkansas, you'll find that the people are very welcoming. Good for Arkansas locals and their friendly atmosphere, but it may make tourists feel out of place and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Could it be that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly unfair) reputation as boring? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

There isn't much in the way of rudeness from locals in MA, but the general indifference towards visitors can be wearing. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Long stretches of time are required before you are recognized as a bona fide Bostonian rather than a temporary resident.

The Jersey way of life can come across as extremely impolite at times. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case The people of New Jersey are notorious for being very forthright. Even if the gas station attendant is rude, at least they'll pump your gas.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. 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 rightfully take great pride in their home state. The problem is that this sense of pride is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here due to their stubbornness and the small population.

Nevada, the site of Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. If you're looking for a more welcoming vacation destination than Las Vegas, consider heading to Reno. When it comes to helping strangers, Nevadans generally won't go out of their way.

Considering Miami's reputation as one of the friendliest U.S. cities, Florida has its work cut out for it. Cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, but 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 did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Generally speaking, the local cashier will not be smiling and friendly, even if you happen to be in a smaller town.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. There is a more relaxed atmosphere in smaller towns.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. In the waiting area, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. There's a pleasant lack of concern for other people's feelings.

The people of Connecticut are friendly, if a bit reserved. Not really While residents of New England may have a reputation for being cold, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. Though not the most culturally rich, open mike nights and other community gatherings help to keep people connected.

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 may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

When you visit Montana, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of its residents. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's growing diversity is making the state even more hospitable and inviting to newcomers. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, despite the fact that some may view it as quite traditional and wary of strangers. C and other major urban centers make 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. 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.

Most people in North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming. People will greet you with a "hi" practically anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. An attractive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

The people of Utah are well-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 also has a wonderful social scene.

Our readers agree that Maine is a great place to settle down because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known to be friendly and outgoing. When you first step foot here, you'll notice this.

Some of the warmest and most friendly people you'll encounter in your travels across the United States will be West Virginians. A relaxed way of life creates a friendly environment here. There is a tight-knit sense of community in West Virginia because the state is largely isolated from the rest of the country by rugged mountains.

Iowans have a reputation for being a warm and welcoming lot, always quick to smile and say hello to a stranger they pass on the street. Authentic community spirit is present, as are friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

While most Michiganders like to think of themselves as hospitable, those in Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be tough. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

There is a wide range of cultural traditions represented in Maryland, which is one of the most populous states. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and engaging hangout spot for people from all walks of life. The local bar scene in Baltimore is fantastic for meeting potential best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its friendly locals, strong sense of community, 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 community spirit in the state was highly rated by our readers.

The people of 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. Your dog is also welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Southern hospitality and charm abound in Mississippi. One thing that often surprises visitors to Mississippi is how welcoming the locals are. Once you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

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

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in America if you follow that rule of thumb. Some random person will hold the door open for you, and others will offer to help you carry your groceries out to your car.

In South Dakota, you'll find a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. The residents of this region are the epitome 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. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. Friendly Kentuckians have a special quality that will make you want to settle here permanently.

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; locals truly are friendly. According to our poll, people are more likely to help complete strangers if they see them featured. Look lost There is a good chance that you will receive assistance from a friendly local.

People in nearly every town in New Mexico are warm and welcoming. 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. So there you go.

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities, but its residents are warm and welcoming no matter where you go. Even in bigger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is straightforward. 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. As a state, Idaho truly lives up to its reputation for genuine friendliness and openness to visitors.

In the middle of the United States, you'll find the state of Illinois, whose residents are known for their warmth and hospitality. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's most popular destinations for international visitors. 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.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than those who call Nebraska home. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. The ability to wave with just one finger while driving will make you feel like a native in no time.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. 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.

Ohioans are well-known for their friendly demeanor and upbeat outlook on life. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many things to do here that are geared toward younger visitors.

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 give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

The Big Friendly isn't just a catchy moniker for Oklahoma City; Oklahoma is genuinely one of the friendliest states in the Union. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Kansas is known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so don't be surprised if you strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

The welcoming locals and progressive culture of Colorado make it a great vacation destination. 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. You can feel the warmth of this place from the moment you land, 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 have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large urban centers, 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. Lock your keys in the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Greetings of "Howdy" and the friendly Texans Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the U.S. has been earned through efforts that can be seen "everywhere you go." The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

Residents of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warmth and friendliness that has made the region famous.

Typical of the South, Tennesseans are friendly and 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. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.