List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could New York City may be overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll see that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic by taking Instagram photos.

If you're a local, and I stress if, everyone in Arkansas 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.

Although the state of Delaware is relatively compact (it takes only about 90 minutes to drive from one end to the other), its size does not necessarily equate to neighborliness. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? It is one of the least welcoming states in the USA, which is a shame.

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. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come off as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from the Garden State have a reputation for being bold and forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas for you, though.

Though Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. The people of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a certain "polite but unfriendly" air about them, hence the nickname "the Seattle freeze." Possibly the constant precipitation is to blame.

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

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. It's true that Las Vegas can be a rough place to visit, but other cities, like Reno, offer a more relaxed atmosphere. As a whole, Nevadans are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist 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. 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 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.

It's a common misconception that Californians are a friendly bunch, but our readers beg to differ. The people of Los Angeles aren't exactly the most welcoming, giving off an air of disinterestedness that sometimes crosses into outright rudeness. Compared to larger cities, those in the countryside tend to have a more relaxed vibe.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. When waiting in line, it's the kind of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. To be more precise, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. However, that's not the case People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you warmly. The state isn't exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, but open mike nights and other community gatherings do their part to keep people connected.

Despite the state's relative isolation, Alaska relies heavily on tourism; consequently, locals are always happy to meet new visitors. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. You'll either get no response at all, which isn't rude, or they'll pretend you don't exist.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, 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. Conversation between cities is friendly and humorous, and people generally enjoy having visitors.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is becoming increasingly diverse, which has a positive effect on the state's warm and inviting culture. Washington, DC is a cultural mecca, but some may view the area as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and the surrounding metropolitan areas make it 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. Locals in Vermont's smaller communities may take some time to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

People in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and locals. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. A distinctive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

Utahns are well-known for their warmth and hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease in your new surroundings. 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 readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

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. 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.

The people of Iowa are known for their friendliness and politeness; it's common to see them greet complete strangers as they pass one another on the street and even wave. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Although Michiganders like to think of themselves as a warm and welcoming people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. The locals have a genial disposition and a Midwestern politeness that complements their good humor.

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 a thriving, social atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you're sure to meet some of your new closest friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its citizens are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Considering Green Bay's status as one of the United States' happiest cities, its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. Have the Packers played 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. Residents of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. Those of you who rated the state on its friendliness as a community gave it high marks.

People in Oregon have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. As the most pet-friendly state in the USA, your dog is guaranteed a warm welcome.

Mississippi is an attractive state that exudes plenty of traditional Southern warmth. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. The locals 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."

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into an epic monologue about their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

To put it simply, if you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. 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.

There are many progressive and forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming locals. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. One could say that the residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

Whatever the situation, you'll find that Kentuckians 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, are, in fact, quite welcoming. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; the locals here are always happy to help. As far as random acts of kindness from strangers go, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost There is a decent chance that a friendly local will assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Not only that, but two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it onto the Top 20 Cities list this year! So there you go.

An area with a population of 10 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. A majority of Big 7 Travel readers found Georgia to be a pleasant surprise.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. These locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish way. There's no denying that 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 incredibly warm and welcoming people. If you're looking for a city that welcomes tourists more than New York City, look no further than Chicago. Moreover, it is a pleasant state to visit: 19 of the safest cities in America are located in Illinois.

You won't find nicer people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. A sense of community characterized by people helping each other out can be found virtually anywhere you look. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in like a native.

Recent natural disasters haven't stopped locals from making visitors feel at home here, however. Louisianans may come from many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable in the United States.

An ideal representation of good manners and genuine friendliness towards strangers, Ohio is a shining example of the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. Moreover, it's a fantastic destination for families thanks to the abundance of fun things to do here that children will love.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. Because of its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained worldwide recognition. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly wave, so clearly paradise has some sort of healing effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Tourists 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. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the things that draws tourists to the state.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. This destination is great for families, as it is both secure and rich in cultural experiences, and visitors will quickly begin to feel at home there. One of the first things you'll notice about Colorado, whether in the city of Denver or out in the country, is how friendly the people are.

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 are pleasant and humorous. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; it will forever hold a special place in 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 complete stranger to offer assistance with tasks such as unsticking your car from snow or carrying groceries. Don't even bother getting the keys out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have assured its place among the friendliest U.S. states. The people of its big cities will make you feel right at home, as if you'd traveled to one of the smaller towns in the region.

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

Locals in Tennessee are full of life and eager to show off their city to visitors, exemplifying the classic Southern hospitality that has made the state famous. When you consider that it also has a thriving music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's most welcoming states.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country, making the state a clear winner. There's a reason why the state's nickname is "Minnesota Nice": the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.