Ranking the 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

There's a chance visitors will encounter some grumpy locals (even in the countryside) New York City may seem overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll see that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

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 make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

Even though 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? A sad reality is that it is one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Locals in MA aren't rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case New Jersey residents are notoriously forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

While Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. Residents of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do exude a certain "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." All this rain might be to blame,

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misunderstood 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 infamous Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. The general population of Nevada is not particularly friendly toward strangers.

Florida certainly has its work cut out for it, what with Miami consistently ranking as one of the least hospitable cities in the United States. While 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.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island all your 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." A local cashier might be friendlier in a smaller town, but in general, don't expect a warm welcome.

Many of our readers do not agree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly, despite the state's widespread promotion of this stereotype. 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. Most people tend to take it easier in smaller towns.

People in Arizona aren't as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough to ignore that. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

The people of Connecticut are friendly and polite if a bit reticent. Not really Though New Englanders may have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help 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. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here are immigrants who were once newcomers themselves. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its vastness, the whole state feels more like a large village. They are pleasant enough without inviting you over for tea, but you won't be invited to anyone's house. 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. The cultural mecca of Washington, D.C., may come across as traditional and wary to outsiders. C and other major cities make it an appealing location to live in

It's not hard to meet new people and form friendships in Vermont because of the state's affable populace. 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, you'll have friends for life.

In my experience, natives of North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming to anyone. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is how diverse its population is.

Utahns are well-known for their warmth and hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease in your new surroundings. 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 readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to the stereotype of New Englanders, are outgoing and friendly. This will be readily apparent to you upon your arrival.

West Virginians are known for being some of the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. An easygoing lifestyle creates a friendly environment here. There is a tight-knit sense of community in West Virginia because the state is largely cut off from the rest of the country by mountains.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful to one another, and it's not uncommon to see them greet complete strangers as they pass one another on the street or wave at passing cars. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Even though Michiganders like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. Everyone here has a great sense of humor and is laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

In addition to having a high population density, Maryland also features a culturally rich population. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it's a lively and friendly place to hang out with friends. Bars in Baltimore are great places to meet potential best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. 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. Locals in North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. Communities in the state received high marks from our readers.

The people of Oregon have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. Granted, it may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I hear they're pretty chill. This is the most pet-friendly state in the USA, so Fido is more than welcome here.

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. After you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. There's no pretense here; they're genuinely friendly and interested in talking to strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you just follow that one simple rule. In the spirit of neighborliness, total strangers will do things like hold the door open and help you load your groceries into your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. People here will strike up casual conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. These folks 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 will treat you with kindness. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a visitor, you can expect the same warm welcome from the community members. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Some cities, like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly," but that's exactly what you'll find. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was written for a good reason; people here are genuinely kind to one another. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost There is a good chance that a friendly local will offer assistance.

New Mexicans, in general, are known for their warmth and hospitality. Casual and rich in cultural variety. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

A town of only 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 straightforward. 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. True to its reputation, Idaho welcomes visitors with open arms and genuine kindness.

Locals in Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are known for their warmth and hospitality. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Chicago is often ranked above even New York City. It's also a pretty good state to visit: 19 of the safest cities in America are located in Illinois.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. People are always pitching in to help one another, and there's a real sense of community. Master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, and you'll blend in just like a native.

Even though 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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. Tourists can confidently ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or drink, as the people living there are friendly and open. A lot of the attractions are geared toward children, making it a fantastic destination for families.

Since tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service while they're here. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, suggesting that there is some psychological benefit to living in such a beautiful place.

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 Union. Locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warmth and hospitality as locals.

It's important for out-of-staters to be prepared to strike up conversations with complete strangers due to the state of Kansas's renowned friendliness. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

Having some of the friendliest people in the world, Colorado is a great place to visit thanks to its progressive culture. 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.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have an excellent sense of humor and are generally pleasant to be around. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is 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 bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Friendly Texans always have a "Howdy" ready for you. The welcoming people you meet "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly helped make this state one of the friendliest in the United States. Its locals will welcome you with open arms and bring a sense of small-town friendliness to its big cities.

South Carolinians are known for their warmth and hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

It's easy to see that Tennessee is brimming with that classic Southern charm; the locals there have a positive, upbeat vibe and are eager to show off their city to visitors. And when you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

Finally, the winner among the most welcoming U.S. states is The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting warmth and go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.