List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the upstate) could ), but it's a great place to experience a wide range of different cultures in one place, and if you can make it through the initial chaos, you'll find that the neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs of New York City have a strong sense of community. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

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 can make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

The entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes of driving, but despite its diminutive size, its residents are anything but 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.

While most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly going to be on the list of friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. A lot of time and effort is required to earn the respect of locals and to be considered a "real" Bostonian rather than a "fly-in."

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And according to the results of this poll, that's unquestionably the situation People from New Jersey have a reputation for being blunt and direct. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

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

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. To make matters more difficult, the locals here are notoriously unfriendly, and the area suffers from low population density and a largely rural demographic.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. 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.

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.

A person who was not raised in Rhode Island is likely to always be treated as a foreigner there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the magazine's "friendly scale." Local cashiers are less likely to greet you with a smile in larger cities, but they may do so in smaller ones.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. There is a more relaxed atmosphere in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. Waiting in line here might lead to a chat with a complete stranger, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. As a whole, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really The people of New England may have a reputation for coldness, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you warmly when you visit. 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.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of the locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. It's either that or they'll completely ignore you; either way, they're 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. A friendly atmosphere prevails among the cities, and visitors are warmly welcomed.

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 area as conservative and wary of newcomers. C and other major urban centers make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. In general, due to the high volume of tourists, the locals here are extremely friendly and willing to go above and beyond to accommodate visitors' needs. People in Vermont's smaller communities may take some time to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Natives of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. The supermarket, the parking lot, and even the intersection at a red light are just some of the places where you might hear someone say "hi." A distinctive feature of the state is its population, which represents a cross-section of the United States.

The people of Utah are well-known for their warmth and hospitality, so you should feel right 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.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Contrary to popular belief, Mainers are not as reserved as their New England counterparts. 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. Living here is relaxed, which creates a friendly environment. As the mountains create a sort of buffer zone between West Virginia and the rest of the country, the people who live there tend to stick together.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a hello whenever they pass one another on the street. 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. People here have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

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. A Baltimore bar is a great place to meet potential new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its citizens are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. 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. Community spirit in the state was highly rated by our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Sure, it may be difficult to break into Portland's hipster scene, 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 brimming with authentic Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. As long as you don't try to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals are extremely friendly, and you'll quickly feel at home among them.

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with friendliness if you treat them with friendliness first. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you just follow that one simple rule. 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 progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. Here, even in the largest cities, people are comfortable striking up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. Those who live here 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 unique warmth of Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

Unlike their reputations, cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are actually quite welcoming. 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 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 is culturally diverse and has a relaxed atmosphere. Even more impressive, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the United States in 2018. Hence, you now have it.

There are 10 people living here. 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 such as Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Most of the Big 7 Travel readers who visited Georgia found it to be a pleasant experience.

Repeatedly, you'll hear that Idaho is home to some of the friendliest people in the United States. Our readers agreed. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. When it comes to welcoming visitors, Idaho more than lives up to its reputation.

Illinois, a state in the middle of the United States, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. 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.

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. Master the "one finger" wave while driving, and 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 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.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. The locals are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. It is celebrated worldwide for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

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. Residents of this area are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. In addition to being welcoming to locals, they extend the same warmth to tourists.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by Kansas's well-deserved reputation for friendliness, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Friendly locals are one of the state's many 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. A sense of welcome is something you'll notice right away, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

Hoosier residents take great pride in their "Hoosier hospitality," which is known nationally. 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. You can still find a strong sense of community even in the largest of cities, with complete strangers often offering to help you with mundane tasks like unsticking your car from snow or carrying your groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdys" have a reputation for being outgoing and positive. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. Its locals will welcome you with open arms and bring a sense of small-town friendliness to its big cities.

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.

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.

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 unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals and numerous tourist-friendly attractions.