List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first, locals (especially those in the upstate) may New York City may seem overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll see that each of the five boroughs offers a diverse range of neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're a local in Arkansas, the locals will treat you like family. Although this bodes well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

However, despite its diminutive size and the fact that the entire state can be covered in just 90 minutes by car, Delaware is anything but neighborly. Is our readership's perception of Delaware's unfriendliness based on 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. Additionally, it takes a considerable amount of time to establish oneself as a long-term resident of Boston rather than a temporary outsider.

There is a risk that New Jerseyans' demeanor will be misunderstood as rude. From the results of this poll, it appears that is indeed the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

In terms of environmental friendliness, Washington state may consistently place high, but when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. Even though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, which has earned the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Perhaps the precipitation has played a role.

New Hampshire is a stunning 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. Due to its small rural population and obstinate locals, this place can be difficult to make friends in.

Nevada, home to "Sin City," is a state of striking contrasts. A more welcoming and less cutthroat alternative to Las Vegas is Reno. Generally speaking, Nevadans are not very 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. 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.

If you aren't a native Rhode Islander, you probably won't fit in socially. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders are not very friendly. Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. A more relaxed pace of life can be found in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. 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. Instead, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Unfortunately, that's not the case. In spite of the region's reputation for coldness, you can count on a friendly greeting and a helping hand wherever you go. Even though it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Despite the state's remote location, Alaska relies heavily on tourism, and 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.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. Even though you won't be invited over for tea, these people are still pleasant. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

The state of Virginia is becoming increasingly diverse, which is fostering a warm and welcoming environment. 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 great place to live.

The people of Vermont are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor, making it simple to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to accommodate guests. The people of Vermont's small towns can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but 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. People will greet you with a "hi" practically anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

As Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. 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.

A large majority of our readers agree that Maine is a great place to call home due to its low crime rate and welcoming community. Most people in New England are known to be shy and reserved, but Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing. 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. 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.

It's common for Iowans to greet strangers with a smile and a hello as they pass one another on the street, contributing to the state's reputation for friendliness. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. As a whole, the locals here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

As one of the most populous states in the country, Maryland is also a culturally rich melting pot. 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.

The people of Wisconsin are the shining star of the Midwest; they are polite, connected, and joyful. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America. Might the Packers be involved in this somehow?

One of the least populated and least visited states in the USA, and it has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. In North Dakota, people are friendly and helpful, even if they don't get anything in return. The community spirit in the state received high marks from our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. In addition to being the friendliest state in the country toward pets, it is also a great place to bring Fido.

Charming and full of Southern sweetness, Mississippi is a wonderful place to visit. The friendliness of Mississippians is one of the state's most common points of surprise for visitors. Once you stop bragging about how great it is "up North" to the natives, they will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

People in Missouri are notoriously bad at keeping secrets, and they will spill the beans before you've even had a chance to say hello. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. By following this simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the most welcoming places in the United States. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, such as holding the door open or carrying your groceries to your car.

There are many thriving, progressive communities in South Dakota that are home to active and welcoming residents. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers on the street, even in the biggest cities, discussing anything from the weather to the latest football game. The residents of this region are the epitome of the term "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 convince anyone to pack their bags and head to the Bluegrass State.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. There's a reason the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" exists: the people here are famously warm and welcoming. As far as random acts of kindness from strangers go, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost If you ask nicely, a friendly local might even offer assistance.

Almost everywhere you go in New Mexico, you'll find nice people. There is a wide variety of people and cultures to experience. 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.

In a town of only 10 people, With a population of over 3 million, this southern state offers a diverse landscape of rural and urban areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Many of the readers of Big 7 Travel praised Georgia.

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 warm and inviting, and not in a stalkerish way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation as a welcoming and friendly place for visitors.

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. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help one another, 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.

In spite of the recent natural disasters, the locals here will do anything to make you feel at home. 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.

One of the best examples of good manners and genuine friendliness in the Midwest can be found in the state of Ohio. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. 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." The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warm hospitality they give locals.

Being prepared to strike up a conversation with complete strangers is a must when visiting Kansas, a state known for its hospitable locals and tourists alike. Because locals are so welcoming to visitors, the state is stunning.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for taking the kids, there's a ton to learn, and you'll quickly feel like a native. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers are known for their generous nature and "Hoosier hospitality," the state's unique brand of "hospitality." 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 the most populated areas, it is 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 bother getting out of the car. It is likely to arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans 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.

People in South Carolina are known for their warmth and hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. As with many other Southern states, South Carolina is famous for its warm welcome and generous residents.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of the most welcoming states in the United States.

And the winner is, of all the welcoming American states: The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and beyond exude a genuine friendliness and hospitality that are hard to find elsewhere.