List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first, locals (especially those in the upstate) may 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'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. Are our readers predisposed to view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a bore? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

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. In addition, it takes a considerable amount of time to earn the respect of locals and to feel like you belong in Boston and aren't just a tourist.

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 and bold. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. This "polite but unfriendly" atmosphere is what gives Seattle its nickname, "the Seattle freeze," even though the locals themselves aren't rude. 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. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help matters.

Las Vegas, Nevada is in a state of extremes. Compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. In general, Nevadans are not overly 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.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island all your life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. Visitors to Rhode Island weren't very well received on the "friendliness scale" by Big 7 Travel readers. 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 a friendly bunch. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. More relaxed lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. The attitude is one of pleasant indifference to other people.

Most people from Connecticut are polite, reserved, and pleasant, but some are downright friendly. No, not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will always open doors for you and greet you with a friendly hello. Although it's not exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep the state from feeling too stale.

In spite of the state's relative isolation, Alaskans 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. They may not respond to you at all, or they may appear uninterested, but either way, they are not rude.

You won't believe how friendly and helpful the locals of Montana are until you see it for yourself. Despite its massive land area, the entire state has the feel of a large town. The people are pleasant enough, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. 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. 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 warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Given the region's reliance on tourism, residents are generally eager to accommodate tourists. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The locals in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

The people of Utah are well-known for their warmth and hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. In addition to being one of the most sociable and lively cities in the country, Salt Lake City is also known for its welcoming attitude toward the LGBTQ community.

The low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers have made this state a favorite among our readers. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. As soon as you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

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. 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 kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a wave as they pass them on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

There's a perception that Michiganders are a warm and welcoming people, but the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be difficult to navigate. People here have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

With a population density that ranks high among the states, Maryland represents a cross-section of American society. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it is a lively and engaging place to spend some time with friends. Making new best friends in a Baltimore bar is a breeze.

Wisconsin is a hidden gem in the Midwest, known for its friendly locals, strong sense of community, 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?

Despite its great people, this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, 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.

Charming and full of Southern sweetness, Mississippi is a wonderful place to visit. 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," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone in Alabama is nice if you're nice to them. 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 thriving, progressive communities in South Dakota that are home to active and welcoming residents. The culture here encourages open conversation between strangers, even in the largest cities. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

The people of Kentucky, no matter who they are or where they're from, are always pleasant. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, you can expect the same warm welcome from the community's natives. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but you'd be wrong. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. To the extent that random people can be helpful, our readers rated it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

The people of New Mexico are known to be among the friendliest you'll encounter anywhere. It's chill and full of different cultures. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

Home to just 10 people This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a varied landscape of urban and rural areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, getting to know locals is a breeze. There was widespread agreement among Big 7 travelers that Georgia was a pleasant destination.

It's been said many times, but our readers overwhelmingly agreed: Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. Those who visit Idaho will find that the state lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to outsiders.

Locationally, Illinois is right in the middle of the Midwest, and its people are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Chicago is often ranked above even New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. An overwhelming sense of community service can be observed in every direction. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

Although 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. 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.

For good manners and a genuine willingness to help others, look no further than Ohio, a model of the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. Family-friendly events abound, making this a fantastic destination.

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 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 are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. They are just as welcoming 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. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

It's a pleasure to visit Colorado because of its progressive environment and the fact that its residents are among the friendliest anywhere. It's great for families, there's lots to do, and tourists 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.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "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. A single trip to Indiana will convince you that it is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, but its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a complete stranger to offer assistance with tasks such as unsticking your car from snow or carrying groceries. Don't even bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The jovial Texans and their "Howdys" are a trademark. Its welcoming people "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the friendliest states in the USA. Locals in its big cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

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.

Classical Southern hospitality is alive and well in Tennessee, where the people are friendly and excited to show off their hometown. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

Finally, the most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota have been voted the friendliest in the country. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals who go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.