List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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. Only, don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

You'll find a warm welcome in Arkansas if you're a local. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Is it the (possibly unfair) stereotype of Delawareans as unsociable that causes our readers to form such an opinion? It's one of the least welcoming states in the country, which is a shame.

Although most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. The Bay State isn't exactly known for its welcoming population because of its propensity to ignore its residents. Becoming a full-fledged resident of Boston rather than viewed as a temporary visitor can take years.

New Jerseyans' demeanor is sometimes misunderstood as rudeness. This survey seems to confirm that to be the case. Those who hail from New Jersey are often stereotyped as being loud and brash. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

Consistently placing high on lists of environmentally-friendly states, Washington is a different story when it comes to its residents. Despite the fact that Seattleites aren't outright rude, they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze." 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 can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. Getting along with the locals can be challenging due to their stubbornness, and the area's sparse rural population.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some 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 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.

It's likely that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island will always be considered a stranger there. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, readers gave Rhode Islanders a low score on the "friendliness scale." The local cashier might give you a friendly wave in the smaller neighborhoods, but they won't exactly go out of their way to help you.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels due to its overall aloof, sometimes rude, vibe. 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. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. This is not the case. 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. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

It's true that Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, but the state relies heavily on tourism, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point in their lives. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. While large, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. Between cities, there is friendly banter, with an upbeat outlook on visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state's already warm and friendly culture even more so. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C along with other major cities, 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, people here are typically happy to go out of their way to assist guests. Even though 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.

Locals in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and fellow citizens. Wherever two people are in close proximity, they will inevitably exchange "hi's," whether they're in Walmart, the parking lot, or waiting for a red light to change. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

The people of Utah are well-known for their warmth and hospitality; you will quickly feel at home among them. 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 readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. When you first set 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 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.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting total strangers with a smile and a wave whenever they pass one another on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. 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 a thriving, social atmosphere. Baltimore bars are great places to meet potential best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its friendly and polite citizens and their strong sense of community. 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 without demanding anything in return. Communities in the state received high marks from our readers.

The citizens of Oregon have earned a reputation for friendliness toward those they do not know. The Portland hipster scene might be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

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 trying to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you always belonged there.

The people of Missouri are notoriously bad at keeping secrets. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

All the people you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. If you follow that rule, you'll soon discover that Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the Union. 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.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. 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 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. It doesn't matter if you're a lifelong resident or a tourist; the locals will treat you with the same warmth and friendliness. A certain kind of friendliness unique to Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading here tomorrow.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, are, in fact, quite welcoming. 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 ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Almost everywhere you go in New Mexico, you'll find nice people. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of cultural influences. New Mexico is home to two cities that were named among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. So, there you have it.

There are 10 people living here. 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 locals is a breeze. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Readers overwhelmingly agreed that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. There's no denying that the state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located in the middle of the United States, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. Despite New York City's popularity among tourists, Chicago is often ranked higher. It's also a pretty good state to visit: 19 of the safest cities in America are located in Illinois.

Among the states in the United States, Nebraska is home to some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Almost anywhere you look, you'll find people pitching in to help one another, creating a strong sense of community. 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. Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, but its residents all share a commitment to making their home state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable places to live in the United States.

As a shining example of Midwestern civility and genuine goodwill toward others, Ohio is a national treasure. A local's willingness to welcome visitors and tell them about his or her favorite restaurant or bar is a sure sign of a welcoming community. Families will love it here, as there are many enjoyable options for their children.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. Because of its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained worldwide recognition. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

One of the friendliest states in the USA, Oklahoma City deserves its moniker "The Big Friendly." People here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. And they're 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 friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

As a progressive state with some of the friendliest people on the planet, Colorado is 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'll feel the welcoming vibes of Colorado right away, whether 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 positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Once you visit Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

Although Wyoming is a relatively calm state, its residents make it a great place to visit. Even in large cities, strangers often help each other out with things like unsticking their cars from snow or carrying groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are a trademark. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel like you've come home to a small town when you visit.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and the state is often cited as a top vacation destination. South Carolina is a shining example of the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

People in Tennessee have that classic Southern attitude, always ready to greet visitors and proud to show off their hometown. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

And the winner is among the most welcoming American states The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.