List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first, locals (especially upstate) might come across as a little brusque. Even if you don't like the crowds (New York City is a cultural melting pot, after all), the neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs have a sense of community if you stick around for a while. Just don't linger in the street or block traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas, and I stress if, you'll find the locals to be very welcoming. 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. Have our readers' perceptions of Delaware's friendliness been colored by the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? As unfortunate as it is, it is considered 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 is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years.

A New Jerseyan's demeanor may come across as 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. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Although Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. There is a "polite but unfriendly" vibe among locals, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze," though nobody in the city would ever intentionally be rude. 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 home. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Getting along with the locals can be challenging due to their stubbornness, and the area's sparse rural population.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. Las Vegas is a place where "dog eats dog," but neighborly Reno is a better option. Overall, Nevadans are not very hospitable, and few will 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 unfriendliest 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.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. The residents of Rhode Island weren't high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as the rest of the country would like to believe. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. The tempo of life tends to slow down in smaller urban centers.

There's no denying that 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. Rather, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really It's true that New Englanders have a rep for being cold and unfriendly, but you'll still be greeted warmly and offered assistance getting through doorways. 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.

It's true that Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, but the state relies heavily on tourism, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Except for Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current locals here can relate to the experience of being a stranger in a strange land. They might not respond to you at all, which is not rude, or they might.

Montanans will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the whole state feels more like a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.

Increased diversity is making Virginia an even more inviting and friendly place to live. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities make it a promising location to live in

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist foreigners in any way they can. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

North Carolinians are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and fellow citizens. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Locals in Utah are known for their warm hospitality. With a reputation as one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to live.

Our readers agree that Maine is a great place to settle down because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. New Englanders have a reputation for being withdrawn and reserved, but Mainers are friendly and outgoing. That's the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

People from West Virginia are among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. Our relaxed way of life 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.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the prevalence of "hellos" and "waves" to passers-by. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

There's a perception that Michiganders are a warm and welcoming people, but the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be difficult to navigate. People here have a great sense of humor and are laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

In addition to having a high population density, Maryland also features a culturally rich population. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it's a lively and friendly place to hang out with friends. Making lifelong friends in a Baltimore bar is a breeze.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its pleasant residents known for their politeness, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. Since Green Bay is located in one of the happiest regions of the United States, its residents are naturally friendly and outgoing. It might be related to the Packers, right?

However, the low population and low tourism numbers in this state have nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

They say Oregonians are some of the friendliest people in the country. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

Charming and full of Southern sweetness, Mississippi is a wonderful place to visit. 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.

Before you've even said "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. The people here are genuine in their friendliness and interest in the stories of total strangers.

People in Alabama are known for their friendliness, so make an effort to be one of them. Follow that guideline, and you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. 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.

The towns and cities throughout South Dakota are thriving hubs of progressive thought and progressive people. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the largest cities. You can pretty much use the phrase "Midwestern Nice" to describe the people here.

Kentucky residents are generally friendly and helpful. People here are friendly regardless of whether you were born and raised here or are just passing through. There's something about a Kentuckian's warmth and hospitality that makes you want to settle down here right away.

The likes of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are not necessarily the first places that come to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but they are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; people here are genuinely warm and helpful. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It's chill and full of different cultures. Plus, in 2018, two New Mexico cities were named among the Top 20 Retirement Cities that are LGBT-friendly. 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. The Georgians were viewed favorably by Big 7 Travel readers.

The people of Idaho have been voted the friendliest in the country, confirming what you've probably heard from others. These locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish way. A visitor to Idaho will find that the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to outsiders is well-deserved.

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 great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

In the United States, you'll find some of the friendliest people in Nebraska. There is a genuine sense of community, with people constantly pitching in to help one another. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

In spite of the recent natural disasters, the locals here will do anything to make you feel at home. Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, but its residents share a common trait that makes it a great place to live: their welcoming nature.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. Many locals are more than happy to show visitors around their favorite restaurant or bar. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

Travelers to Hawaii will find exceptional hospitality thanks to the state's dedication to the industry. Because of its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained worldwide recognition. No wonder everyone you meet in paradise is so happy to see you—life in this place must be good for the spirit.

To put it simply, Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and Oklahoma City is one of its friendliest cities. Regardless of the situation, people here will always look out for their own community and are always up for a chat. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

When visiting Kansas, visitors from other states may be taken aback by the state's renown friendliness. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

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 friendliness 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 demeanor and an entertaining sense of humor. You'll develop a soft spot for Indiana after just one trip there, as it's much more than a typical "fly over" state.

Although Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. In fact, even in the busiest of cities, it's 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. With any luck, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdys" have a reputation for being outgoing and positive. There is no doubt that its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the United States is due in large part to the fact that people there are extremely nice wherever you The locals in its major cities will make you feel like you've come home to a small town when you visit.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the warm welcome 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.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state wins. There's a reason why the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting, friendly demeanor that's hard to find elsewhere.