List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially upstate) could come off as a little rude. 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. Don't block the sidewalk or cause traffic delays by taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you happen to be from Arkansas (emphasis on if), locals will treat you with respect. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Even though 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? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

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

The Jersey way of life can come off as rude and impolite. Based on the results of this poll, it appears that is the case. People from New Jersey tend to be more outspoken than those from other states. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Washington state may be near the top of lists comparing environmentally friendly states, but its human inhabitants are another story. People in Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe that's given rise to the term "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. A lot of times, though, other people take that pridefulness for arrogance. Because of its stubborn natives and sparse rural population, making friends here can be challenging.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of striking contrasts. If you're looking for a more welcoming vacation destination than Las Vegas, consider heading to Reno. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to help a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a huge boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

Unless you've spent your entire life in Rhode Island, you probably won't feel like you belong there. Rhode Islanders scored low on Big 7 Travel readers' "friendly scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

A lot of people in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers would disagree. Despite its nickname, Los Angeles does not have the warm and friendly vibe of the City of Angels; rather, it has an aloofness that sometimes borders on rudeness. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

There's no denying that Arizona doesn't have the same kind of blatant friendliness as the South, but the locals are chill enough to ignore that. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. The attitude is one of pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Maybe not as much People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open the door for you and greet you if you happen to pass by. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to come 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. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

People in Montana are surprisingly friendly and welcoming. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. In general, the towns have a good time with each other and have welcoming attitudes toward 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 and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

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. Even though it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, 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. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere, including Walmart, the parking lot, and even while waiting for a red light to turn green. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

The people of Utah are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large U.S. cities for the LGBTQ community, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

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 counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. If you come here, you'll notice this right away.

If you're traveling around the United States, you'll definitely want to stop in West Virginia and meet some of the friendliest people you meet. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. The state of West Virginia is characterized by a tight-knit community due in part to the state's natural barrier of mountains.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and polite. It's not uncommon to see them greet complete strangers as you walk down the street. People are friendly and helpful, whether it's the cashiers at the store or the roadside farmers selling their fresh produce.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. The locals have a great sense of humor, are laid back and polite, and embody the Midwest ideal of a friendly community.

The population density of Maryland is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and exciting place to spend time with friends. A Baltimore bar is a great place to meet potential new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Given that Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

In spite of its great residents, this is one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without demanding anything in return. Readers were very complimentary of the state's friendly atmosphere.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Of course, Portland's hipster scene is notoriously difficult to break into, but I promise you, the people there are nice. The state is the most pet-friendly in the country, so Fido is guaranteed to fit right in.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The warmth and hospitality of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Friendly locals will make you feel at home immediately, as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. 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. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. Sometimes, random people will go out of their way to help you, such as by holding the door open or carrying 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."

No matter what you're going through, people in Kentucky will treat you with kindness. 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.

Unlike their reputations, cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are actually quite welcoming. In fact, the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason: the locals here are among the friendliest people you'll ever meet. To the extent that random people can be helpful, our readers rated it highly. Look lost Most likely, a friendly local will offer assistance.

Almost everywhere you go in New Mexico, you'll find nice people. In a nutshell, it's chill and incredibly multi-ethnic. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people That sums it up

With only ten people, This southern state has a population of over 3 million, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. The state is home to both rural and urban areas. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people here is simple. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

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. It's true that Idahoans are known for their friendliness and willingness to help strangers.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are among the friendliest you'll ever meet. New York City's rival, Chicago, is widely regarded as one of the best U.S. cities for tourists. According to Neighborhood Scout, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in the state of Illinois, making it a good destination for tourists.

You won't find nicer people anywhere in America than in Nebraska. Strong community spirit permeates the air, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Locals here will do anything to make you feel at home, despite the troubled history of natural disasters in the area. Even though Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, its residents have one thing in common: they make it one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or bar to visitors. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many events geared specifically toward children.

The hospitality industry in Hawaii is highly developed due to the state's strong focus on tourism. This place is famous for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

OKC isn't called "The Big Friendly" for nothing; OK is truly one of the friendliest states in the USA. 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 the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Friendly locals are one of the state's many attractions.

A pleasant state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and is home to some of the friendliest people anywhere. It's great for families, is very secure, and has so much history and culture that tourists quickly begin to feel at home. You can feel the warmth of Colorado right away, whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country.

Indiana residents take great pride in their famously generous "Hoosier hospitality," which is known worldwide. The locals have a positive disposition and an excellent sense of humor. Indiana is much more than a "fly over" state, and after just one trip there, you'll feel like you know it forever.

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 assistance with tasks such as unsticking your car from snow or carrying groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. It's probably going to make it out unscathed.

Native Texans are very friendly, and they frequently say "Howdy" to visitors. 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 the state is often cited as a top vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the warm hospitality and generous spirit that have come to define the Southern states.

Tennessee is a great example of the classic Southern charm that has made the South so popular, with friendly, outgoing locals who are eager to show off their city to 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 among the most welcoming American states Winner: Minnesota, whose residents stand out for their warmth and hospitality. There's a reason why the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice" by visitors: the Twin Cities and surrounding areas exude a genuine warmth and friendly welcome that can't be found elsewhere.