List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially upstate) could come off as a bit brusque. 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 as a whole is a fascinating melting pot of cultures. However, you shouldn't linger in the street or impede traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. 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 just 90 minutes of driving time, this does not necessarily make it a welcoming place to its neighbors. Is it the state of Delaware's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live that turns off our readers? Sad to say, it's 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. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Becoming a full-fledged resident of Boston rather than viewed as a temporary visitor 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 People from New Jersey tend to have bold and forthright characters. On the plus side, the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will do the pumping for you.

Despite Washington's perennially high standing on lists of the most environmentally-friendly states, the state's human population is a different story. Though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, earning the city its nickname, "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 can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. Stubborn locals and a low population density make it difficult to make friends in this area.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. Vegas is a cutthroat city, but Reno and other nearby cities offer a more relaxed atmosphere. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

When you consider that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States, you can see that Florida has its work cut out for it. Cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to improve the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

It's likely that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. The residents of Rhode Island weren't high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. Unfortunately, Los Angeles isn't exactly known for its friendliness toward visitors. In fact, the city has a reputation for being uninviting and even rude to those who aren't locals. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

Locals in Arizona may not have the Southern's trademark warmth, but they are generally chill. 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. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

The people of Connecticut are friendly, if a bit reserved. This is not the case. Locals may have a reputation for coldness, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you visit New England. Despite the state's lack of cultural vitality, residents still manage to pull together for occasional open mike nights and other community events.

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. Almost everyone in this city, with the exception of Alaska Natives, is a transplant who has experienced life as a newcomer. And if they don't, they're not exactly rude if they choose to ignore you.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. The entire state, despite its size, feels more like 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 increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C in comparison to other major cities, which makes it a good place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming. Given the region's reliance on tourism, residents are generally eager to accommodate tourists. Those in small towns in Vermont may be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

North Carolinians, in general, are polite, helpful, and welcoming. 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.

You'll quickly feel at home in Utah thanks to the state's welcoming population. 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 seem to agree that Maine is an attractive state to relocate to because of its low crime rate and generally welcoming locals. Mainens, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known for being friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most hospitable 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 complete strangers with a smile and a hello 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. Typical of the Midwest, locals here are friendly, laid-back, and humorous.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. A welcoming atmosphere for strangers makes this a fun and lively hangout. In a Baltimore bar, you'll likely meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Is there a chance it's related to the Packers?

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 seeking anything in return. In terms of community, the state received overwhelmingly positive ratings from our readers.

In general, Oregonians are known for their friendliness toward those they have never met before. It may be difficult to break into Portland's hipster scene, 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.

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. Visitors are often taken aback by the warm welcome they receive in Mississippi. Once you stop trying to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like one of the gang.

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 they seem to enjoy hearing from complete strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. 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.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved and hospitable people. People here will strike up casual conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. Midwest nice is practically a synonym for the people who live here.

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. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, are, in fact, quite welcoming. People in this state are so warm and welcoming that the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost There is a decent person in the area who will probably offer assistance.

The people of New Mexico are known to be among the friendliest you'll encounter anywhere. It's chill and full of different cultures. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there you go.

Only 10 people live there, so it's pretty empty. 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, it's not difficult to make friends. It seems that Big 7 travelers enjoyed their time in Georgia.

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. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to extremely welcoming locals. The number of tourists visiting Chicago annually exceeds that of New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. Anywhere you look, you'll find people pitching in to help one another, 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.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the city'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.

When it comes to good manners and genuine kindness toward strangers, Ohio is a shining example of the Midwest at its finest. 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. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many things to do here that are geared toward younger visitors.

With Hawaii's strong emphasis on tourism, guests are well taken care of in every aspect of their stay. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, suggesting that there is some psychological benefit to living in such a beautiful place.

Not without reason does Oklahoma City go by "The Big Friendly," for this is indeed 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.

Visitors from other states may be surprised by the famous Kansas friendliness, so strike up conversations with seemingly anyone you come across. 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 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 friendliness of Colorado right away, whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. Here, you'll find friendly, humorous people. Indiana, which is much more than just a "fly over" state, will capture your heart after just one visit.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother getting the keys out of the car. More likely than not, it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdy"s 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 right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the warm welcome and generous spirit that have come to define the Southern states.

The people of Tennessee have that classic Southern hospitality at full force, with a positive, upbeat vibe and a strong desire to share their city with visitors. 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, of all the welcoming states in the United States The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. It's not without good reason that the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an exceptionally warm welcome for visitors.