List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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 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 dull place to live? Unfortunately, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Massachusetts residents aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference toward tourists can be off-putting. 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. Becoming a full-fledged resident of Boston rather than viewed as a temporary visitor can take years.

Sometimes, the Jersey way of life is misunderstood as rudeness. This survey seems to back up that notion. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

The Evergreen State may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human residents are a different story. The locals aren't rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

The people of New Hampshire are extremely loyal to their home state and its beauty. However, this sense of pride can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as a haughty attitude. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, the state in which Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, more relaxed destinations like Reno offer a more pleasant vacation experience. The general population of Nevada is not particularly friendly toward strangers.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a big boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

The Golden State's residents may think of themselves as sociable, but our readers beg to differ. When it comes to making guests feel at home, Los Angeles is not the City of Angels. Less hectic 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. When waiting in line, it's the kind of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open the door for you and greet you if you happen to pass by. Although it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able to come together through 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. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point in their lives. They might not respond to you at all if you bother them, but they are not rude if they do.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. While large, 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 with one another in a friendly manner, and they welcome visitors.

Virginia's growing 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 open-minded and friendly, making it a great place to meet new people. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Though 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.

As a whole, people in North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. This state's diversity comes from its residents coming from all over the United States.

The locals in Utah are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease 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.

Among the people you'll encounter in your travels across the United States, you'll find West Virginians to be among the most warm and friendly. 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 total strangers with a smile and a wave 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 in this area tend to be humorous, laid-back, and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. As a result of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and exciting place to spend time with friends. Making new best friends in a bar in Baltimore is a simple process.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their friendliness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country. Is there a chance it's related to the Packers?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with its fantastic residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. According to your ratings, the community spirit in this state is very strong.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Yes, Portland's hipster scene can be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice (I swear) once you do. Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals like family, you will quickly find that you have made many new friends.

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a detailed account of their entire lives. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. If you follow that simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. Sometimes, random people will go out of their way to help you, such as by 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 biggest cities. Those who live here are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll meet friendly people in Kentucky. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, you can expect the same warm welcome from the locals. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make you pack your bags and head here right away.

The likes of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are not necessarily the first places that come to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but they are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost One of the locals will probably lend a hand if you ask nicely.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Even more impressive, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the United States in 2018. Thus, the conclusion

Having only 10 people in it, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is home to a fascinating blend of suburban and rural areas. Even in bigger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. 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 warm and welcoming, and not in a creepy, prying way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. And if safety is a concern, rest assured that Illinois has 19 of the country's top 100 safest cities.

When it comes to Americans, you won't find a nicer bunch than those who live in Nebraska. You can feel the strong sense of community wherever you go because of all the people who are willing to help each other out. If you can master 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. Despite its ethnic diversity, Louisiana is a great place to live because of its welcoming and warm people.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor, making the Buckeye State a prime example of the Midwest ideal. 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. Those who visit praise 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.

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 country. It's easy to make friends and acquaintances here because everyone is friendly and looks out for one another. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Kansas is known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so don't be surprised if you strike up a conversation with a total stranger. In my opinion, the friendliness of the locals is what makes their state so stunning.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, there's a ton to see and do, and tourists quickly begin to feel at home in this cultural hotspot. 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 consistently go out of their way to help others. The locals have a positive demeanor and an entertaining sense of humor. Once you visit Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively calm 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. Don't even bother coming back for the keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Residents of Texas are very friendly, and they often greet visitors with a hearty "Howdy!" 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 right at home with their warm hospitality.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well known, and it's one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has a lively attitude and the locals are excited to show off their city to visitors, exuding classic Southern hospitality. 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 unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.