List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the upstate) 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. Just don't block the sidewalk or get in the way while taking photos for Instagram.

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

You can drive across the entire state of Delaware in under an hour, but that doesn't make it any more neighborly. Is it the state of Delaware's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live that turns off our readers? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

Locals in MA aren't rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts may not be one of the friendliest states in America, but that isn't because its residents are known for ignoring them. Acceptance as a bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

While Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. It's not that people in Seattle are rude per se, but rather that they give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe (hence the "Seattle freeze"). Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. Yet, this sense of pride is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help matters.

Vegas, Nevada is a state of extremes. If you're looking for a more welcoming vacation destination than Las Vegas, consider heading to Reno. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami continues to be ranked as one of the least friendly cities in America. While Orlando and its tourist-friendly initiatives are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

It's likely that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. The residents of Rhode Island were not high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. The local cashier might give you a friendly wave in the smaller neighborhoods, but they won't exactly go out of their way to help you.

Although many native Californians and transplants like to think of themselves as friendly, our readers beg to differ. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. The tempo in smaller urban centers is generally slower.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. Waiting in line is the perfect time to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

Locals in the Constitution State are courteous, unassuming, and pleasant overall, but they'll go out of their way to make you Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you ask. 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.

Alaska may be remote, but the state's reliance on tourism means that locals are always happy to see visitors. In fact, with the exception of Alaska Natives, the vast majority of the locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point in their lives. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

Montanans are among the friendliest people you'll ever meet. 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. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more hospitable and inviting to newcomers. 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 an appealing location to live in

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to meet new friends. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Vermonters in smaller communities 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 welcome to visitors. You can hear someone say "hi" in almost any public place, including Walmart, parking lots, and even while waiting at a red light. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in America, and it is also recognized as one of the most welcoming cities for the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

If you're traveling around the United States, you'll definitely want to stop in West Virginia and meet some of the friendliest people you meet. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly ambiance. Strong communities can be found in West Virginia due to the state's relative isolation due to its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness, as evidenced by their frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" greetings in public. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares 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.

A state with a rich cultural history and a high population density, Maryland has a lot to offer. Thanks to its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and engaging hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. 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 Midwest thanks to its friendly and polite citizens and their strong sense of community. Green Bay is consistently ranked as 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. A large majority of you, our readers, gave the state a high score in our polling of community

One of Oregon's most notable qualities is its residents' friendliness toward total strangers. Portland's hipsters may be difficult to integrate into mainstream culture, but I promise they're cool once you do. You can bring your dog along because it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. Foreigners are often taken aback by the warm welcome they receive in Mississippi. Friendly locals will make you feel at home immediately, as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

The people of Missouri are notoriously bad at keeping secrets. There is no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in one another.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. In case you hadn't heard, Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the Union so long as you remember to "Just Say 'Hello.'" 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.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved and hospitable people. 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. 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. 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 make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Some cities, like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly," but that's exactly what you'll find. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. The amount of assistance from total strangers was rated highly by our readers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

It's typical of New Mexico to find welcoming locals in even the smallest communities. The atmosphere is chill and the range of cultures represented is impressive. As an added bonus, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. What you needed to know is now at your fingertips

A town of only 10 people With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Getting to know people here is simple, even in major metropolises like Atlanta. Peach-loving Big 7 travelers rated Georgia a 7.

A large majority of our readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. There's no denying that the state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois is a state in the center of the United States's Midwest, and its residents are some of the friendliest you 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.

Sweethearts abound in the state of Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can perfect the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

The locals here will do anything to make you feel at home, despite the city's recent history of natural disasters. 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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. People living in an area are generally friendly and willing to recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Due to Hawaii's strong commitment to the tourist industry, the state's guests are lavished with exceptional levels of service and care. This place is famous for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, suggesting that there is some psychological benefit to living in such a beautiful place.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals are very sociable and will always look out for their own. Also, they're very welcoming to outsiders.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be prepared to strike up conversations with complete strangers. 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 famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. 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. Never take your keys out of the car. There is a good chance that everything will be fine.

Warm welcomes and "Howdy"s from Texans are a staple. Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have assured its place among the friendliest U.S. states. You'll feel right at home among its friendly locals in any of its big cities.

The people of South Carolina are very warm and friendly, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the warm hospitality and generous spirit that have come to define the southern states.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. It's already one of the most welcoming places in America, but when you factor in the exciting music scene, you can see why.

Finally, the most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota have been voted the friendliest in the country. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting warmth and go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.