Ranking the 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

At first glance, locals (especially upstate) could come off as a little rude. New York City may seem overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Just don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. While this is great news 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? The bad news is that it's 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 is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Additionally, it takes a considerable amount of time to establish oneself as a long-term resident of Boston rather than a temporary outsider.

One possible interpretation of the Jersey way of life is as blatant rudeness. Indeed, according to the results of this poll, that is the situation The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. At least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

Washington State may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human inhabitants are another story. There is a "polite but unfriendly" vibe among locals, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze," though nobody in the city would ever intentionally be rude. Possibly the constant precipitation is to blame.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. But to others, that pride can seem like arrogance. 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. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. In general, Nevadans are not very 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. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a huge boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island all your life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, readers gave Rhode Islanders a low score on the "friendliness scale." Although local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, this is not the case in larger cities.

While many native Californians may believe that their state is known for its warm and welcoming culture, our readers have a different opinion. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. The pace of life is slower 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. This attitude is more of a pleasant indifference to other people.

The people of Connecticut are friendly and polite, but also somewhat reserved. Not really There's a stereotype that New Englanders are rude and unfriendly, but actually, most will open doors and smile at you when you visit. Even though it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able to come together at 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. Or they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

We think you'll find Montanans to be some of the friendliest people you meet. Despite its vastness, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. 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. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. It may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, 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 welcome to visitors. Anyone can be approached with a "hi" in almost any public place, be it a Walmart, a parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. 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. Being one of the most LGBTQ-friendly major cities in the United States, Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to live if you're looking for a lively and social environment.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. The people of New England are known for their reserved nature, but Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

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 rugged 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. There's a genuine sense of community, from the friendly cashiers to the farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

It's a common misconception that all Michiganders are warm and welcoming; in fact, some of the state's largest cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be downright unapproach 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. The welcoming atmosphere and abundance of people make it a great destination for a fun outing or social gathering. In a Baltimore bar, you're sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay ranks among the happiest cities in America, so its residents' natural disposition is one of friendliness. 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. People from North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful, often without any sort of payment or reward being expected in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. You can bring your dog along because it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. The warmth of Mississippians is often a pleasant surprise to visitors. After you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals with respect, you will quickly feel at home among them.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness, and they seem to enjoy hearing from total strangers.

Everyone in Alabama is nice if you're nice to them. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. Just to be nice, random people will hold the door open for you and assist you with your groceries as you walk out to your car.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, innovative communities populated by actively involved, warm and welcoming locals. Here, even in the largest cities, people are comfortable striking up conversations with total strangers about 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 always friendly. Friendly locals will greet you with open arms whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone pack their bags and head to the Bluegrass State.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities whose reputations for friendliness may not be as high as they deserve. Pennsylvanians are so warm and welcoming that the state's motto, "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania," was coined for this very reason. The amount of assistance from total strangers was rated highly by our readers. Look lost You can expect some assistance from a friendly local.

Almost everywhere you go in New Mexico, you'll meet nice people. 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.

A ten-person community At a population of over 3 million, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities, but its residents are universally warm and welcoming. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. The Georgians were viewed favorably 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 a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho is as welcoming and friendly to visitors as its reputation suggests.

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. The state is also relatively safe for tourists, with 19 of the country's Safest Cities located in Illinois.

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, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

Residents here make every effort to make visitors feel at home, despite the city's recent history of natural disasters. Louisianans may come from many different 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.

When it comes to good manners and genuine kindness toward strangers, Ohio is a shining example of the Midwest at its finest. Locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. 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. It is famous for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet will greet you with a friendly smile, as if living in paradise actually had a positive 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 anything they can to protect those within their own community. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Kansas is well-known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so feel free to strike up conversations with anyone you happen to meet. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is what makes their state so special.

Colorado is a great place to visit thanks to its progressive culture and the fact that its residents are among the friendliest people in the world. 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. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Locals in Indiana pride themselves on their exceptional ‘Hoosier hospitality’, going above and beyond for other people The locals have a positive disposition and an excellent sense of humor. Even if you've only ever thought of Indiana as a "fly over" state, you should definitely make the trip.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. In fact, even in the busiest of cities, it's not unusual for a complete stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Never take your keys out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" I think it's safe to say that its reputation as one of the friendliest states in the United States has been solidified by the fact that it seems to be The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warmth and hospitality, making the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has the warm hospitality and generous people for which the South is famous in abundance.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager 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.

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 unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals and numerous tourist-friendly attractions.