List of the 50 Most Welcome States in the USA

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 as a whole is a vibrant melting pot of 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. Even though Arkansans pride themselves on being friendly neighbors, this can make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Is it the state of Delaware's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live that turns off our readers? Tragically, 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 one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Furthermore, it takes a long time to establish oneself as a local, rather than a tourist, in Boston.

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 the Garden State have a reputation for being bold and forthright. While the gas station attendant may not be particularly pleasant, at least they'll pump your gas.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. People in Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but there is a distinct "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned the city the nickname "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's the deluge of rain that has been falling recently.

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.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Most people in Nevada won't go out of their way to help a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, what with Miami consistently ranking as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, but 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 didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." 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 common belief that Californians are exceptionally sociable. In terms of friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. In fact, the city has an air of indifference that occasionally crosses into rudeness. 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 usually chill. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Rather not People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you ask. Despite the state's lack of cultural vitality, residents still manage to pull together for occasional open mike nights and other community events.

Despite the state's relative isolation, Alaskans are eager to have visitors because the tourism industry is so important to the state's economy. Other than Alaska Natives, most of the locals here have been transplants at some point in their lives. They might not respond to you at all, which is not rude, or they might.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. A nice person like this won't invite you over for tea, but they will still treat you well. Friendly banter between cities, with an upbeat outlook on visitors of all kinds.

More and more people from all walks of life are settling in Virginia, giving the state a warm and inviting vibe. 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 a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make 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, they tend to stick around.

North Carolinians are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and fellow citizens. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." An attractive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

Feel at home immediately because Utahns are known for their warm hospitality. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large U.S. cities for the LGBTQ community.

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

Locals in West Virginia are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness, making it one of the best places to visit in the United States. Living here is relaxed, which 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.

The people of Iowa have a reputation for friendliness and kindness, especially in urban areas where they frequently engage in small talk with passers-by and offer a friendly wave. There is a genuine sense of community there, 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.

Population-wise, Maryland is high up there with the rest of the states, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Thanks to its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and engaging hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. 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, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country. Perhaps the Packers have something to do with it.

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. An overwhelming majority of you, our readers, gave the state high marks for its friendly locals.

Those in Oregon are known for their friendliness toward total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but the people there are nice, I swear. It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

In Mississippi, you can find all the charm and sweetness of the South and more. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you stop trying to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you always belonged there.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of his or her life experiences. There is no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in one another.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. People are so nice that they will help you with things like holding the door open and carrying your groceries to your car.

In South Dakota, you'll find a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. 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."

The people of Kentucky, no matter who they are or where they're from, are always pleasant. 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.

Unlike their reputations, cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are actually quite welcoming. People in this state are so warm and welcoming that the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined. When asked how helpful random people are, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Every town in New Mexico has friendly locals. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. Also, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT people in 2018. Well, there you have it.

Ten people strong. 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. The citizens of Georgia were deemed to be quite delightful by Big 7 Travel readers.

Innumerable readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in an intrusive manner. When it comes to welcoming visitors, Idaho more than lives up to its reputation.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. If you're looking for a city that welcomes tourists more than New York City, look no further than Chicago. 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. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other out, creating a strong sense of community. If you can perfect the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. While Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, its residents all share a commitment to making the state one of the friendliest and most enjoyable 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 favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are plenty of things to do here that children will enjoy as well, making it a fantastic destination for families.

There is a strong emphasis on tourism in Hawaii, which means that guests are well taken care of in terms of hospitality. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. 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 here are always up for a chat and will always look out for 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 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 taking the kids, has a ton of interesting things to learn about, and will have you feeling more at home in no time. 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, which is much more than just a "fly over" state, will capture your heart after just one visit.

Despite Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make it a delight to visit. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Hopefully, everything will be fine.

In Texas, the locals are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy." Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. There's a touch of small-town friendliness in the country's major cities.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina is a shining example of the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

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.