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. Please don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. The friendly atmosphere in Arkansas is great, but it may make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong there.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes of driving time, this does not necessarily make it a welcoming place to its neighbors. Is our readership's perception of Delaware's unfriendliness based on the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? A sad reality is that it is one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Massachusetts residents aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America if its residents are known for ignoring each other. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. That appears to be the case, at least according to this survey. The people of New Jersey are notorious for being very forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas for you, though.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. 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 due to the deluge of recent days

New Hampshire is a gorgeous state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. In dealings with those from outside the group, however, that pride is sometimes misread as arrogance. It can be challenging to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. Compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. When it comes to helping strangers, Nevadans generally won't go out of their way.

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 a ways to go.

It's likely that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, this is not the case in larger cities.

People in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers don't agree. 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. The pace of life tends to be slower in smaller towns.

Although the locals in Arizona lack the Southerners' blatant friendliness, they are usually relaxed enough to not be a major distraction. 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. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

In general, Connecticut residents are courteous, reserved, and pleasant; however, they can be downright warm and welcoming to visitors. Actually, no. Although New Englanders may have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to have fun and get together at open mike nights and other community events.

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. Or, they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

You won't believe how friendly and helpful the locals of Montana are until you see it for yourself. Although large, the entire state has the feel of a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. Positive attitudes toward visitors and tourists are shared among the towns, and there is a lot of playful back and forth between them.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, DC is a cultural mecca, but some may view the area as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities make it an appealing location to live in

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, so it shouldn't be hard to make friends here. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Newcomers to Vermont's small towns may have to wait a while before they're fully accepted, but once they are, they tend to stick around.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome to visitors. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

You'll quickly feel at home in Utah thanks to the state's welcoming population. It is widely acknowledged that Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community.

Our readers agree that Maine is a desirable place to settle because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Contrary to popular belief, Mainers are not as reserved as their New England counterparts. 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 tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. The state of West Virginia has a tight-knit community because the mountains serve as a buffer between the state and 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.

Even though Michiganders like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. The locals have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite for being from the Midwest.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it's a lively and friendly place to hang out with friends. Baltimore bars are great places to meet potential best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwestern states, with a friendly and welcoming populace that values community and has a positive outlook on life. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

It's not because of the quality of the locals that 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 generosity. When asked about the state's sense of community, our readers gave it high marks.

There is a common perception that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly toward those they have never met before. 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 attractive state that exudes plenty of traditional Southern warmth. The warmth of Mississippians is often a pleasant surprise to visitors. The natives are extremely friendly, and they will make you feel at home as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. There's no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in chatting with strangers.

In Alabama, if you're a nice person, everyone will be nice to you. If you follow that simple rule, 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.

South Dakota is home to many progressive, forward-thinking towns populated by involved, helpful locals. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. Everyone here is the epitome of "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. 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, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; people here are genuinely kind to one another. Those who read it gave it high marks for the generosity of total strangers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Friendly locals can be found in almost every community across New Mexico. 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 have it.

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, getting to know people is simple. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it was great.

A large majority of our readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. Indeed, Idahoans live up to the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois is located in the center of the Midwest and has incredibly warm and welcoming residents. The number of tourists visiting Chicago annually exceeds that of New York City. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

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 while driving, 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.

When it comes to good manners and genuine kindness toward strangers, Ohio is a shining example of the Midwest at its finest. To the contrary, locals are extremely hospitable and will gladly show visitors to their favorite restaurants and watering holes. It's also a fantastic destination for families, as there are many fun things to do here with children.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. For its "Aloha Spirit," it has become famous. Everyone you meet will give you a friendly smile, as if living in paradise actually has a positive effect on your mental health.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. Residents of this area are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are 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 total stranger. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

Because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals, Colorado is a great vacation destination. Guests quickly begin to feel like natives in this secure and family-friendly destination rich in history and tradition. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers in the state of Indiana are known far and wide for their generous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to make others' experiences better. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. A single trip to Indiana will convince you that it is so much more than a "fly over" state.

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 help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't even bother getting out of the car. Hopefully, everything will be fine.

The friendly people of Texas and their constant "Howdys" 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 warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well known, and it's 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.

There is no shortage of that quintessential Southern hospitality in Tennessee; the locals there are friendly and 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.

Finally, the most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state wins. Because of its friendly locals and picturesque landscape, the Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice."