List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

It's possible that at first, locals, even those in upstate, will come off as a The city may be overwhelming at first, with so many different people and cultures to take in, but if you give it some time, you'll find that each of the five boroughs of New York City has a distinct and welcoming sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. 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. Why do some of our readers view Delaware negatively? Is it because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Unfortunately, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

In general, locals in MA aren't rude to tourists, but their indifference can be wearing. Massachusetts is not 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.

Oftentimes, New Jerseyans' demeanor comes across as downright rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from New Jersey have a reputation for being blunt and direct. In any case, the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will do what they can to help you out by pumping your gas.

While Washington State often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, its reputation among its residents is decidedly mixed. While Seattleites aren't outright rude, they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe (hence the "Seattle freeze"). Perhaps it's all the wet weather

The people of New Hampshire are extremely patriotic and proud of their state, and the state itself is stunning. 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, the site of Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Nevadans, on the whole, 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. Tourist-friendly initiatives in places like Orlando are greatly enhancing the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before it is widely recognized.

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 at you in a smaller neighborhood, they won't exactly go out of their way to make your day.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. Los Angeles is not exactly the City of Angels when it comes to making visitors feel at home. The locals can be cold and even rude to those they don't know. The pace of life tends to be slower in smaller towns.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough that you won't mind if you drop in. In the waiting area, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Actually, no. People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly. Although it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able to come together through open mike nights and other community events.

Despite the state's relative isolation, Alaska relies heavily on tourism; consequently, locals are always happy to see visitors. In fact, with the exception of Alaska Natives, the vast majority of the locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

People in Montana will surprise you with their friendliness and hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. The people are pleasant enough, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. Conversation between cities is friendly and humorous, and people generally enjoy having 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 help to make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. Because tourism is so important to the area's economy, residents are generally eager to go the extra mile to accommodate visitors. Though the locals of a small Vermont town may take some time to warm up to newcomers, 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 reception of guests. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One of the state's best features is the eclectic mix of people who call it home.

Famously warm and welcoming, Utahns will make you feel right at home. 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 readers seem to agree that Maine is an attractive state to relocate to because of its low crime rate and generally welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. Upon your arrival, you'll notice this right away.

It's likely that you'll meet some of the friendliest people in the United States in West Virginia. 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. Authentic community spirit is present, as are friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

In general, Michiganders have a reputation for being a warm and welcoming people, but the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular have a reputation for being difficult to navigate. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

In addition to having a high population density, Maryland also features a culturally rich population. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, populated by friendly people with a strong sense of community and a 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. What role, if any, could the Packers play in this?

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 willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The community spirit in the state was highly rated by our readers.

People in Oregon have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. I hear it can be difficult to break into Portland's hipster scene, but I'm here to tell you that despite the stereotypes, hipsters actually are nice people. Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Mississippi is a beautiful state bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as 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."

Some Missourians are so eager to share their lives with you that they'll do so before you've even said hello. They're not pretending to be friendly or interested in what others have to say; they genuinely care about others.

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. 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.

Communities across South Dakota are forward-thinking and brimming with active, welcoming residents. Strangers here will talk to one another freely about anything from the weather to the latest football game, even in the biggest cities. You can pretty much use the phrase "Midwestern Nice" to describe the people here.

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. You'll want to make a quick decision to relocate to Kentucky because of the unique warmth of its people.

Even though Philadelphia and Pittsburgh might not be the first cities that come to mind when you think of "friendly," that is exactly what they are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; locals truly are friendly. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers rated it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. Additionally, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

10 people make up the entire population. 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. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, Georgia received a score of 4.5 out of 7.

Many people will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest people you'll meet in the United States; our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. Those who visit Idaho will find that the state lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to outsiders.

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.

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 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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in 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.

The hospitality industry in Hawaii is thriving because of the state's strong focus on tourism. Because of its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained worldwide recognition. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, Oklahoma City, is appropriately dubbed "The Big Friendly." Here, people are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. They treat guests with the same warmth and hospitality they do locals.

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 warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is one of the state's most attractive features.

As a progressive state with some of the friendliest people on the planet, Colorado is a great place to visit. 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 right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosier residents take great pride in their "Hoosier hospitality," which is known nationally. In general, 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 large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Lock your keys in the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly contributed to its status as one of the friendliest states in the USA. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has the famous warmth and generosity of the other Southern states.

There is no shortage of that quintessential Southern hospitality in Tennessee; the locals there are friendly and excited to show visitors around. And when you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

The most welcoming state in the United States is Minnesotans are the friendliest in the nation. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals and numerous tourist-friendly attractions.