List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could Even if you don't like the crowds (New York City is a cultural melting pot, after all), the neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs have a sense of community if you stick around for a while. But don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

If you happen to be from Arkansas (emphasis on if), locals will treat you with respect. Arkansas locals have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming, but this can leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

The entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes of driving, but despite its diminutive size, its residents are anything but neighborly. How much of our readers' negative impressions of Delaware come from the state's (possibly exaggerated) reputation as boring? It is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, which is a shame.

While most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America if its residents are known for ignoring each other. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to being seen as a temporary resident, 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 The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. The locals aren't rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents rightfully take great pride in their home state. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Getting along with the locals can be challenging due to their stubbornness, and the area's sparse rural population.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of striking contrasts. It's true that Las Vegas can be a rough place to visit, but other cities, like Reno, offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Most people in Nevada won't go out of their way to help a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least friendly cities in America. The state's reputation has some catching up to do, but cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are making a huge difference.

Many Rhode Islanders have a hard time accepting anyone who wasn't raised there. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." While the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller neighborhood, they won't exactly go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

While many native Californians may believe that their state is known for its warm and welcoming culture, our readers have a different opinion When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. More relaxed lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they tend to be chill about most things. While waiting in line, you may strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. To be more precise, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. No, not really Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep people connected.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, 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. They might not respond to you at all, which is not rude, or they might.

You won't believe how welcoming and friendly everyone in Montana is. Although large, the entire state has the feel of a large town. People are nice, 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.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more hospitable and warm. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and hospitable, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Locals in Vermont's smaller communities may take some time to warm up to newcomers, but 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. Greetings are commonplace in public places like Walmart and parking lots, or even while waiting at a red light. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it hosts.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. In addition to being one of the most sociable and lively cities in the country, Salt Lake City is also known for its welcoming attitude toward the LGBTQ community.

It seems that our readers share our opinion that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

People from West Virginia are among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. An easygoing lifestyle creates a friendly environment here. In West Virginia, the community is tight-knit because the state's mountains serve as a buffer between the state and the rest of the country.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness, as evidenced by their frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" greetings in public. The locals are very friendly, from the cashiers to the roadside farmers who will gladly tell you all about their delicious produce.

While the people of Michigan would like to believe that they are a welcoming and sociable lot, those living in Detroit and Ann Arbor, in particular, can be difficult to get along with. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most densely populated states in America. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

Despite its great people, this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. 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. The Portland hipster scene may 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 beautiful state bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians is often a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you stop bragging about how great it is "up North" to the natives, they will treat you like family and treat you like one of their own.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. They are 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. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. 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. There is a strong culture of open conversation, even in the largest cities. Topics range from the weather to sports. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

You'll find that Kentuckians are a genuinely pleasant bunch. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. Kentucky residents exude a special brand of friendliness that will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but that's not how they really are at all. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a decent chance that a friendly local will assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. 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.

Having only 10 people in it, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

It's been said many times, but our readers overwhelmingly agreed: Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish way. It's true that Idahoans are known for their friendliness and willingness to help strangers.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Chicago is often ranked above even New York City. In addition, the state is pleasant for tourists to visit because it is home to 19 of the 100 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. There is a palpable sense of community, with people of all walks of life pitching in to help out those in need. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just 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 the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable places to live in the United States.

An ideal representation of good manners and genuine friendliness towards strangers, Ohio is a shining example of the Midwest. The natives are friendly and willing to give visitors recommendations on where to eat and drink. Moreover, it's a fantastic destination for families thanks to the abundance of fun things to do here that children will love.

As a state with a strong focus on tourism, Hawaii provides excellent service to its guests. It has a reputation for having an "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, suggesting that there is some psychological benefit to living in this location.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, Oklahoma City, is appropriately dubbed "The Big Friendly." In this area, people are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. When guests come to visit, they are treated with the same warmth and hospitality.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous Kansas friendliness, so strike up conversations with seemingly anyone you come across. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is what makes their state so stunning.

The welcoming locals and progressive culture of Colorado make it a great vacation destination. It's great for families, there's a ton to do culturally, and tourists quickly feel at home here. One of the first things you'll notice about Colorado, whether in the city of Denver or out in the country, is how friendly the people are.

Hoosiers are known for their generous nature and "Hoosier hospitality," the state's unique brand of "hospitality." The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

It's true that Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state overall, but its residents are what really set the mood. Even in major metropolitan areas, it is not unusual for a complete stranger to offer assistance with tasks such as shoveling snow or carrying groceries. Don't even bother getting the keys out of the ignition. The odds are good that everything will be fine.

The vivacious Texans and their "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. There's a touch of small-town friendliness in the country's major cities.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which is one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited 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.

As for the most welcoming state in the Union, it is Winner: Minnesota, whose residents stand out for their warmth and hospitality. 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.