List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first, locals (especially those further north) 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 fascinating melting pot of cultures. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic by taking Instagram photos.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the people will treat you well. Even though Arkansans pride themselves on being friendly neighbors, this can make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

However, despite its diminutive size and the fact that the entire state can be covered in just 90 minutes by car, Delaware is anything but neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Unhappily, 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. To say that Massachusetts has a reputation for being unfriendly is an understatement. Acceptance as a bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it seems like that's the case Jersey natives are notoriously forthright. But at least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will fill up your tank.

The state of Washington might consistently rank highly when it comes to environmentally-friendly states, but when it comes to people it’s a different story 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 and their home. 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.

Nevada, the site of the famous gambling mecca known as "Sin City," is a state of striking contrasts. A more welcoming and less cutthroat alternative to Las Vegas is Reno. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to help a complete stranger.

The state of 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. The state's reputation is improving thanks in large part to Orlando and the work of its tourism-friendly initiatives, but the state as a whole still has work to do.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

A lot of people in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers would disagree. When it comes to making guests feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are generally chill. 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. There's a pleasant lack of concern for other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Maybe not as much Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Despite the state's lack of cultural vitality, residents still manage to pull together for occasional 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. Despite how nice they are, you won't be invited over for tea. Communities joke and tease one another in a way that is both fun and welcoming 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 to other major cities, which makes it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. Because tourism is so important to the area's economy, residents are typically eager to go the extra mile to accommodate visitors. Those in small towns in Vermont may 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 reception of guests. 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 diversity of its residents.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in the United States, and it also happens to be one of the most welcoming cities for the LGBTQ community.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is something you'll notice as soon as you step foot in the door.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter in the United States. Life here is relaxed, making for a friendly ambiance. 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.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. Cashiers will greet you with a smile, roadside farmers will tell you all about their tasty crops and there’s a real sense of community

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, are laid back, and are polite in that 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 some time with friends. Going out to a bar in Baltimore is a great way to meet new people and quickly become best friends with them.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents 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. Is the Packers a possible factor?

One of the least populated and least visited states in the USA, and it has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. Our readers scored the state highly on its community vibe

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance 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.

As a Southern state, Mississippi has a lot of charm. The friendliness of the locals is often cited as a point of surprise for visitors to Mississippi. When you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals with respect, you will quickly be accepted as one of the family.

Some Missourians are so eager to share their lives with you that they'll do so before you've even said hello. Nobody here is pretending to be anything other than friendly and genuinely interested in talking to complete strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. If you obey this simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. 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.

You can find progressive, forward-thinking communities full of involved and welcoming people all over South Dakota. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers on the street, even in the largest cities, discussing 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. There's not much of a difference in the locals' welcoming demeanor depending on whether you're a long-time resident or a tourist. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

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; locals truly are friendly. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost It's likely that a friendly local will offer assistance.

To a person, New Mexicans are generally warm and welcoming. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. Additionally, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people Well, there you have it.

With only ten 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. It's not hard to make friends, even in larger cities like Atlanta. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness towards visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to 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.

Most Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet in the United States. There is a palpable sense of community, with people of all walks of life pitching in to help out those in need. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

After a period of turmoil caused by natural disasters, the locals here still go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. Louisianans may come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but they all contribute to what makes the state one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. 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. Popularity stems from its "Aloha Spirit," which emphasizes friendliness and hospitality. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a smile, 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 is one of the friendliest states in the country. The locals here are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. Not only are they welcoming to locals, but also to tourists.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The friendly nature of the locals is 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. No matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

Hoosiers are known far and wide for their generous spirit and warm welcome. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a passing state; it will forever hold a special place in your heart after just one visit.

Despite Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make it a delight to visit. Despite their size, cities still have a strong sense of community, with strangers often offering to help you with things like unsticking your car from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its big cities will make you feel right at home, as if you'd traveled to one of the smaller towns that surround them.

Locals in South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the warm hospitality and generous spirit that have come to define the Southern states.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm going strong, with residents who are buzzing with excitement and eager to show off their city to visitors. One of the most welcoming states in America, thanks in large part to its thriving music scene.

And the winner is among America's friendliest states 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.