List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

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

As long as you're a local, Arkansas residents tend to be welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Even though the state of Delaware is relatively compact and can be traversed in under an hour and a half, 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? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts isn't exactly going to make the list of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

When taken to its extreme, the Jersey attitude can be rude. This survey seems to confirm that to be the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. 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. Though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, earning the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state full of devoted citizens who take great pride in their home. Still, when dealing with unfamiliar people, that sense of pride can easily come across as arrogance. 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 extremes. Reno and other nearby cities are more welcoming than Las Vegas, which can have a cutthroat atmosphere. Locals in Nevada, on the whole, are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

With Miami consistently ranking as one of the unfriendliest cities in the United States, Florida has its work cut out for it. 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.

In Rhode Island, anyone who wasn't raised there by their parents is automatically at a disadvantage. 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 in a smaller town, 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. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Cities of a smaller size have a more relaxed atmosphere.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill nonetheless. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. To a lesser extent People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly. In spite of the state's lack of cultural vitality, its residents find common ground at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Even though Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, welcoming tourists is a major source of revenue, 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. Or they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its vastness, the entire state has the feel of a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. The nation's capital is a cultural mecca, but some may view it as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a promising location.

Vermonters are known for being open and hospitable, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Although 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.

Citizens of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome of visitors. It's not uncommon for strangers to greet one another in public places like Walmart, parking lots, and even while waiting at a red light. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it hosts.

Famously warm and welcoming, Utahns will make you feel right at home. One of the most sociable and lively places to live in the United States, Salt Lake City is also known for its welcoming attitude toward the LGBTQ community.

It seems that our readers share our opinion that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. It's common knowledge that Mainers are friendly and outgoing compared to their New England counterparts, who are known for their reserved demeanor. This is something you'll see the moment you step foot in this location.

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 helps create 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.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "how are yous" and "hellos" in passing pedestrians. 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. They have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

One of the most populous states, Maryland is also culturally rich. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it is a lively and engaging place to spend time with friends. If you go to a bar in Baltimore, you're bound to meet some people you become fast friends with.

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, which explains why its residents are so warm and welcoming. Do the Packers play 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. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. Those of you who rated the state on its friendliness as a community gave it high marks.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene might be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is a beautiful state full of genuine Southern hospitality. It's common for visitors to Mississippi to be pleasantly surprised by the state's warm welcome from locals. Friendly locals will make you feel at home immediately, 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 a lengthy account of their life experiences. No pretenses, just genuine kindness and interest in one another among strangers.

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.

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

You'll find that Kentuckians are a genuinely pleasant bunch. There's not much of a difference in the locals' welcoming demeanor depending on whether you're a long-time resident or a tourist. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Although cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," you'll find that they are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was written for a good reason; people here are genuinely kind to one another. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost There is a decent person in the area who will probably offer assistance.

Friendly locals are a common sight in New Mexico's many small towns. It has a relaxed vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there you go.

With only ten people, Population of 3 million, this southern state is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it is not difficult to make new friends. Some of the readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

There is a common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying sort of way. It's true that Idahoans are known for their friendliness and willingness to help strangers.

It's hard to beat the friendliness of the people in Illinois's neighboring states. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

People from Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. The sense of community is palpable, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in 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 a wide variety of 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. Tourists can confidently ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or drink, as the people living there are friendly and open. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

The hospitality industry in Hawaii is thriving because of the state's strong focus on tourism. The "Aloha Spirit" is a hallmark of Hawaii. 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, "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.

Visitors 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 of the local people toward visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

People in Colorado are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet, and the state itself has a progressive vibe that makes for a great vacation. 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. Feeling welcome here is something you'll notice right away, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

They call it "Hoosier hospitality," and locals in Indiana take great pride in it. The locals are pleasant, humorous people. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Although Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make it a great place to visit. It's not unusual to have a complete stranger help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow in even the largest of cities. Just drive off without your keys. 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. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and this is one of the reasons the state is so popular as a vacation destination. South Carolina is a shining example of the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Typical of the South, Tennesseans are friendly and eager to show off their city to visitors. When you consider that it also has a thriving music scene, it becomes 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 so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.