List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially upstate) could come off as a little rude. But if you can make it through the hustle and bustle, you'll find a welcoming community in any of the city's five boroughs, each of which is a veritable cultural melting pot. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

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 may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Although 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 boring place to live? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

Even though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America if its residents are known for ignoring each other. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

At times, the Jersey way of life can come across as rude. 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, its reputation among its residents is decidedly mixed. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Possibly the constant precipitation is to blame.

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. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Vegas, Nevada is a state of extremes. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, more relaxed destinations like Reno offer a more pleasant vacation experience. In general, 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. Although 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.

Most people who weren't raised in Rhode Island have a hard time accepting those who weren't born and raised there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." While the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller neighborhood, they won't exactly go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. In fact, the city has an air of indifference that occasionally crosses the line into rudeness. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

No one would mistake Arizona for the South because of its blatant lack of friendliness, but locals are generally chill. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. As a whole, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and polite, but they tend to be reserved and quiet. No, not really Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Though not the most culturally rich, open mike nights and other community gatherings help to keep people connected.

Although Alaska is quite 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 win you over with their genuine hospitality. Despite its large size, 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 growing 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 to other major cities, which makes it a great place to live.

It's not hard to meet new people and form friendships in Vermont because of the state's affable populace. There is a lot of tourism in this area, so people will generally go out of their way to assist those who are visiting. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but 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. Even while waiting at a red light, people will often greet one another in the aisles of a Walmart or the parking lot. 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 warm 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. 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. Because of the mountains' role as a buffer zone between the state of West Virginia and the rest of the country, the people who live there tend to stick together.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, often stopping to say hello to those they pass on the street and waving as they pass. People are friendly and helpful (even the cashiers), and you can buy fresh produce directly from farmers along the road.

In general, Michiganders have a reputation for being a warm and welcoming people, but the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular have a reputation for being difficult to navigate. People here have a great sense of humor and are laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural 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.

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. 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. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

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. Also, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here, as this state is ranked highest in the country for pet friendliness.

It's undeniable that Mississippi is a beautiful state, full of all the warmth and hospitality that the South is famous The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. The natives are extremely friendly, and they will make you feel at home as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

Before you've even said "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

People in Alabama are known for their friendliness, so make an effort to be one of them. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. 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. People will strike up conversations with complete 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."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a tourist, you can expect the same warm welcome from the locals. Kentucky residents exude a special brand of friendliness that will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

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. Readers gave it high marks for the amount of assistance they received from total strangers. Look lost It's likely that a friendly local will offer assistance.

Friendly locals can be found in almost every community across New Mexico. There is a wide variety of people and cultures to experience. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people Finally, you have it

Home to just 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. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Most of the Big 7 Travel readers who visited Georgia found it to be a pleasant experience.

Our readers agreed with the common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. It's true that everyone here is warm and welcoming, and not in a nosy or intrusive way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness towards visitors.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are among the friendliest you'll ever meet. 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. Anywhere you look, you'll find people pitching in to help one another, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Master the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel, and you'll blend in just like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the city's recent history of natural disasters. Even though Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, its residents have one thing in common: they make it one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

When it comes to good manners and genuine kindness toward strangers, Ohio is a shining example of the Midwest at its finest. 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. "Aloha spirit" is a trademark 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. People here are very talkative and will always look out for their own. It's not just locals who treat guests well.

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. The warmth of the locals toward tourists is one of the state's greatest attractions.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, there's lots to do, and newcomers will quickly feel at home among the friendly locals and fascinating history. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers are famously helpful and friendly to visitors, earning the state's nickname of "Hoosier Hospitality." 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.

Although Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. 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. You should just leave the car unlocked. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Friendly Texans always have a "Howdy" ready for you. 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 embodies the warm hospitality and generous spirit that have come to define the Southern states.

Locals in Tennessee are full of life and eager to show off their city to visitors, exemplifying the classic Southern hospitality that has made the state famous. One of the most welcoming states in America, thanks in large part to its thriving music scene.

And the winning state among those deemed the most welcoming in the United States is 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 surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.