List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first, the locals (especially those in the upstate) may 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 vibrant melting pot of cultures. Simply don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from there (emphasis on if), the people of Arkansas will treat you like family. Although this bodes well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Is our readership's perception of Delaware's unfriendliness based on the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Tragically, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Even though 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 due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Being a real Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, takes time.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. Still, at least the (possibly unfriendly) gas station worker will fill up your tank.

While Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's the deluge of rain we've been having

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. This sense of pride, however, is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. If you're looking for a more welcoming vacation destination than Las Vegas, consider heading to Reno. Locals in Nevada, on the whole, aren't particularly 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. 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." Although the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, they won't exactly go out of their way to make your day.

Readers of this publication disagree with the common belief that Californians are exceptionally sociable. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. One might even call it a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and polite, but they tend to be reserved and quiet. Not really Despite the region's reputation for coldness, you can count on a friendly greeting and a helping hand wherever you go. Even though it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

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

The folks in Montana will win you over with their genuine hospitality. Despite its massive land area, the entire state has the feel of a large town. Nobody will invite you over for tea, but they're still pleasant. Friendly banter between cities, with an upbeat outlook on visitors of all kinds.

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

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to meet new friends. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go out of their way to assist foreigners. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow 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. Anywhere from the supermarket to the parking lot to a stoplight, people will say "hi." A distinctive feature of the state is the large number of people who hail from different parts of the country.

Since Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it is a wonderful place to live.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Most people in New England are known to be shy and reserved, but Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

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. Since West Virginia is largely isolated from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, its residents tend to stick together.

People in Iowa have a reputation for being friendly and helpful, often stopping to say hello to people they don't know on the street and waving as they pass by. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce from 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. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. Getting drunk in a Baltimore bar will quickly lead you to some of your new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its friendly locals and strong sense of community. Because Green Bay is one of the happiest cities in America, its residents are naturally friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with its fantastic residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. According to your ratings, the state has a strong sense of community.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Even though Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, 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.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming spirit typical of the South. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors from elsewhere. 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.

Missourians are notorious for launching into lengthy monologues before you've even said hello. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. It's amazing how many strangers go out of their way to help you, from holding the door open to assisting you with your groceries as you make your way 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 on the street, even in the largest cities, discussing anything from the weather to the latest football game. 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. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a visitor, you can expect the same warm welcome from the community members. If you've never been to Kentucky, you'll want to move here the second you meet a typical Kentuckian.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; people in this state are genuinely warm and helpful. The amount of assistance from total strangers was rated highly by our readers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

The people of New Mexico are known to be among the friendliest you'll encounter anywhere. A melting pot of people from all walks of life, it's easygoing and diverse. As an added bonus, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. What you needed to know is now at your fingertips

With only ten people, There are 3 million people in this state in the southern United States, and while they may live in one of the many different types of neighborhoods, they are all very welcoming. Even in bigger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is straightforward. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Innumerable readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. 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. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Illinois is a good state to visit because it is home to 19 of the 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. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Locals make an extra 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 what makes the state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. Tourists can confidently ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or drink, as the people living there are friendly and open. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. Those who visit praise the island's "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, suggesting that there is some psychological benefit to living in this location.

Not without reason does Oklahoma City go by "The Big Friendly," for this is indeed one of the friendliest states in the Union. There is a constant desire to strike up a conversation, and the people here will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

If you're from out of state, prepare to have friendly conversations with complete strangers because Kansas is known for its hospitable residents. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is one of the state's most attractive features.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. 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 residents of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and a humorous outlook. 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 the most populated areas, it is not unusual for a complete 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 coming back for the keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Howdy's and other friendly Texans' demeanor. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the United States is due in no small part to the fact that people are generally nice there. People in its big cities are friendly and helpful, like those in any small town.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the Southern tradition of warm hospitality and generous spirit.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. If you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why it's consistently ranked as one of the friendliest in the United States.

The most welcoming state in the United States is 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 has an inviting, friendly vibe that is hard to find elsewhere.