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 find that each borough's neighborhoods have a sense of community and that the city itself is a melting pot of many cultures. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking pictures 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 awkward and unwelcome.

While 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? It is one of the least welcoming states in the USA, which is a shame.

Even though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. 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.

There is a risk that New Jerseyans' demeanor will be misunderstood as rude. And judging by the results of this poll, it appears to be the case. People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright and bold. However, at least the (possibly unfriendly) gas station worker will do the pumping for you.

While Washington state consistently performs well on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it fares much worse when it comes to its residents. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's all the wet weather

Beautiful scenery and a population that takes great pride in their home state make New Hampshire a desirable place to live. That self-respect, however, is often misread as arrogance by those from the outside looking in. The locals are unfriendly, and the area's low population density and widespread farmland make it difficult to make new friends.

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. Generally speaking, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

The state of Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Tourist-friendly initiatives in places like Orlando are making a big difference for the state's economy, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before it earns its reputation as it should.

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." 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 particularly friendly. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. City life is typically more relaxed 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. One might even call it a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. To a lesser extent Although New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly when you visit. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep people connected.

Though Alaska is 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. One of two things will happen; either that, or they will simply ignore you; in either case, 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. It's unlikely that anyone will invite you over for tea, but you'll find that these people are friendly. All the towns have a good sense of humor and welcome visitors with open arms.

To Virginia's already warm and inviting vibe, the state's increasing diversity is sure to appeal. 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 open-minded and friendly, making it a great place to meet new people. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Those in small towns in Vermont may be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

People in North Carolina are generally polite, helpful, and welcoming. Anyone can be approached with a "hi" in almost any setting, be it a Walmart, a parking lot, or even a red light. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in the country, and it is also recognized as one of the most welcoming places for the LGBTQ community among large U.S. cities.

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, have a reputation for being friendly and outgoing. The moment you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

The people of West Virginia are known to be among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. To some extent, the mountains in West Virginia serve as a barrier between the state and the rest of the country, contributing to the state's tight-knit sense of community.

Iowans have a reputation for being a warm and welcoming lot, always quick to smile and say hello to a stranger they pass on the street. There's a genuine sense of community, from the friendly cashiers to the farmers selling fresh produce 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. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Population-wise, Maryland is high up there with the rest of the states, 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. If you go to a bar in Baltimore, you're bound to meet some people you become fast friends with.

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

The low population and tourism numbers in this state have nothing to do with the quality of its residents. People from North Dakota are friendly and helpful, and they don't expect anything in return. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

The citizens of Oregon have earned a reputation for friendliness toward those they do not know. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Since it also ranks as the most pet-friendly state in the USA, Fido is more than welcome here, too.

State of Mississippi has a lot of southern hospitality and appeal. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you refrain from ranting about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you always belonged there.

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," people from Missouri will launch into a lengthy recounting of their personal histories. They're genuine in their friendliness, and they seem to enjoy hearing from total strangers.

In Alabama, if you're a nice person, everyone will be nice to you. 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.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking towns in South Dakota populated by engaged and welcoming locals. The culture here encourages open conversation between strangers, even in the largest cities. In many ways, the residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. It doesn't matter if you're a lifelong resident or just passing through; the locals will treat you with the same warmth and friendliness. 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, actually are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers rated it highly. Look lost Hopefully, a friendly local will be able to assist you.

Nearly every town in New Mexico is populated by warm and welcoming locals. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. And in 2018, two New Mexico cities were named among the Top 20 Retirement Cities for the LGBT community. So there you go.

The town has a total of 10 residents. Three million people call this state in the southern United States home, and while its rural and urban areas are distinct, the people here are warm and welcoming. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Many of the readers of Big 7 Travel praised Georgia.

Our readers agreed with the common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. Indeed, Idahoans live up to the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

You can't get more Midwestern than Illinois, and the people there couldn't be friendlier. When compared to New York City, Chicago is often regarded as the more welcoming destination for international visitors. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

Sweethearts abound in the state of Nebraska. An overwhelming sense of community service can be observed in every direction. Master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, and you'll blend in just like a native.

Even though the area has had a rough go of it recently due to natural disasters, the locals will do anything they can to make you feel at home. Despite its ethnic diversity, Louisiana is a great place to live because of its welcoming and warm people.

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 watering hole to visitors. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many events and attractions geared specifically toward children.

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 give you a friendly hello, suggesting that there is some psychological benefit to living in such a beautiful place.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital city for nothing; Oklahoma truly is one of the friendliest states in the Union. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Their hospitality extends to outsiders.

If you're from out of state, prepare to have friendly conversations with complete strangers because Kansas is known for its hospitable residents. Because locals are so welcoming to visitors, the state is stunning.

The welcoming locals and progressive culture of Colorado make it a great vacation destination. 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. The warmth of this place is something you can feel the moment you arrive, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

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 have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. 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. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

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. Locals in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to their small towns.

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.

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 America's friendliest 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 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.