List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

Some of the locals (especially those in the upstate) may come off as rude at 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. Simply don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

It's true that Arkansans are extremely welcoming, but only if you're a native. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Unfortunately, it is 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. 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 off as rude and impolite. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be true. When it comes to expressing themselves, New Jersey residents tend to be more forthright than those in other states. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas for you, though.

There is some consistency in Washington state's high rankings for environmentally friendly states, but when it comes to its population, things are a bit different. The locals aren't rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, which has earned the city the nickname "Seattle Freeze." Possibly the constant precipitation is to blame.

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. 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.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. The friendly atmosphere of cities like Reno makes a nice change from the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas. As a whole, Nevadans are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist 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. 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 some catching up to do.

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 didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

The Golden State's residents may think of themselves as sociable, but our readers beg to differ. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. In fact, the city has an air of indifference that occasionally crosses the line into rudeness. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. If you're waiting in line, you can expect to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. One might even call it a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Actually, no. 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. In spite of the state's lack of cultural vitality, its residents find common ground at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

While Alaskans may feel cut off from the rest of the world, the state's reliance on tourism means they'll go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here are immigrants who were once newcomers themselves. 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. Although large, the entire state has the feel of a large town. It's unlikely that anyone will invite you over for tea, but you'll find that these people are friendly. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.

The Commonwealth of Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and warm. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some might say that its residents are too traditional and too wary of strangers. C and other major cities, it's a promising location.

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 Vermont's smaller communities may have to wait a while before they're fully accepted, but once they do, they'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. In any public place, such as a supermarket, a parking lot, or even while waiting for a red light to turn green, you can expect to hear at least one person say "hi." One of the best features of the state is the diversity of its inhabitants.

Utahns are 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 culture and nightlife.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainens, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known for being friendly and outgoing. Once you get here, you'll notice this right away.

Many visitors to the United States are pleasantly surprised to discover that West Virginians rank among the friendliest and most hospitable people they encounter. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. West Virginia is a tight-knit community due in large part to the state's natural isolation from the rest of the country.

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 is a genuine sense of community, 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. 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. Because it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it's a lively and friendly place to hang out with friends. It's not hard to find your new best friends in a Baltimore bar.

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 America, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. 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 generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Portland's hipsters may be difficult to integrate into mainstream culture, but I promise they're cool once you do. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. When you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals with respect, you will quickly be accepted as one of the family.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. There is no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in one another.

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 just follow that one simple rule. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, such as holding the door open or carrying your groceries to your car.

South Dakota is home to many progressive, forward-thinking towns whose engaged and friendly residents are shaping the state's bright future. Even in the largest cities, it is common practice for people to strike up conversations with complete strangers on any number of topics, from the weather to the latest football game. One could say that 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 Kentuckians will treat you with kindness. Everybody here is friendly, whether you were born and raised here or are just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

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 A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Every town in New Mexico has friendly locals. The atmosphere is chill and the range of cultures represented is impressive. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you have it.

With only ten people, This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a varied landscape of urban and rural areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, forming meaningful relationships with locals is a breeze. They thought Georgia was great, according to Big 7 Travel readers.

It's been said many times, but our readers overwhelmingly agreed: Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. There is a genuine friendliness among the locals, and it is not accompanied by intrusive small talk. Indeed, Idahoans live up to the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. 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 in Nebraska. There is a palpable sense of community, with people of all walks of life pitching in to help one another. Acquiring the skill of the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

Recent natural disasters haven't stopped locals from making visitors feel at home here, however. Despite the state's ethnic diversity, Louisiana is home to some of the most welcoming and fun people in the United States.

Ohioans have impeccable manners and a genuine willingness to help one another, making the Buckeye State a shining example of the best of the Midwest. The locals have an open mind and are happy to recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so vacationers can expect a warm welcome. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly wave, so clearly paradise has some sort of healing effect on the human psyche.

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 taken aback by Kansas's well-deserved reputation for friendliness, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The friendly nature of the locals towards tourists is one of the state's many attractive features.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for taking the kids, there's a ton to learn, and you'll quickly feel like a native. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, 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.

Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, but its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Large urban areas still have a strong sense of community; it's not unusual for a stranger to help you carry groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are an indelible part of any trip to the Lone 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.

Locals in South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina has the warm hospitality and generous people for which the South is famous in abundance.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why it's widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

And the winner is, of all the welcoming American states: The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" because the state as a whole exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that is difficult to match.