Ranking the 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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. 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.

Even though the state of Delaware is relatively compact and can be traversed in under an hour and a half by car, its size does not necessarily equate to neighborliness. Is it that our readers' preconceptions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

In general, locals in MA aren't rude to tourists, but their indifference can be wearing. Having a reputation for being unfriendly due to its residents' tendency to ignore them isn't exactly a selling point for Massachusetts's tourism industry. Furthermore, it takes a long time to establish oneself as a local, rather than a tourist, in Boston.

Some people may interpret the Jersey way of life as rudeness. The results of this poll seem to back up that conclusion. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The gas station attendant may be unfriendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. It's not that people in Seattle are rude per se, but rather that they give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze." Perhaps the constant precipitation is to blame.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents rightfully take great pride in their home state. 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, home to Sin City, is a state of extremes. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, more relaxed destinations like Reno offer a more pleasant vacation experience. It's safe to say that most Nevadans wouldn't go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked 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.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a native if you don't happen to be born there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." You'll get a warmer welcome in smaller communities, but don't expect the cashier at your local supermarket to crack a smile.

Readers of our paper disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. For all its claims to be the "City of Angels," Los Angeles has a reputation for being unfriendly to visitors. Towns and villages have a more relaxed vibe.

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 type of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. It’s more of a nice indifference towards others

The people of Connecticut are friendly and polite, but also somewhat reserved. However, that's not the case The people of New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you warmly when you visit. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to have fun and get together at open mike nights and other community events.

Though Alaska is remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. In fact, apart from Alaskan Natives, most residents here were newcomers at some stage, so they know how it feels to be new in town One of two things will happen; either that, or they will simply ignore you; in either case, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its vastness, the whole 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’s light-hearted banter between the various towns, with a positive attitude towards tourists and other visitors

Increasing diversity in Virginia 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 typically 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.

Natives of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, 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." A distinctive feature of the state is the large number of people who hail from different parts of the country.

The locals in Utah are 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 readers agree that Maine is a desirable place to settle because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. The moment you set foot in this location, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. This laid-back lifestyle creates a friendly environment. Because of the mountains' role as a buffer zone between the state of West Virginia and the rest of the country, its residents tend to stick together.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" greetings in public. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Most people in Michigan would like to believe that they are a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. The locals are known for their laid-back demeanor, good sense of humor, and Midwest-style politeness.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. Making new best friends in a Baltimore bar is a breeze.

Wisconsin is a Midwestern gem where people have good manners, a tight-knit sense of community and a fun attitude Green Bay ranks among the happiest cities in America, so its residents' natural disposition is one of friendliness. What role, if any, could the Packers play in this?

The low population and tourist volume in this state have nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for being friendly and helpful, even if they don't get anything in return. Our readers scored the state highly on its community vibe

A lot of people know that Oregon is the friendliest state in the country. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, 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.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming spirit typical of the South. Mississippians are known for their warm hospitality, which often surprises visitors. As long as you don't try to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals are extremely friendly, and you'll 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 interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you with nothing but kindness if you maintain a positive disposition. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. Strangers will hold the door open for you and even help you carry groceries to your car – just for the sake of being nice

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. The residents of this region are the epitome of the term "Midwestern Nice."

Regardless of your reason for visiting, you'll find that Kentuckians are consistently friendly. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. The unique warmth of Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

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, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a good chance a friendly local will assist you.

The people of New Mexico are among the friendliest you'll meet anywhere. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. And in 2018, two New Mexico cities were named among the Top 20 Retirement Cities for the LGBT community. So there you go.

Assuming a population of 10, 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 major metropolises like Atlanta, acquaintanceships can be formed quickly and easily. There was widespread agreement among Big 7 travelers that Georgia was a pleasant destination.

You'll hear it said often that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country, and our readers agree. In contrast to other places I've visited, the locals here are genuinely warm and welcoming. When it comes to welcoming visitors, Idaho more than lives up to its reputation.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. To top it all off, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists to visit.

Some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. 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 at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

In spite of the recent natural disasters, the locals here will do anything 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 in the country.

Ohioans have impeccable manners and a genuine willingness to help one another, making the Buckeye State a shining example of the best of the Midwest. The locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone here seems happy all the time, so it's safe to assume that paradise does something good for the spirit.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. In this area, people are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. They’re equally nice to visitors, too

Be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers, as visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous Kansas friendliness. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is what makes their state so special.

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 history, and will have you feeling like a native in no time. Whether in the city of Denver or out in the country, you'll quickly sense the warmth of the locals.

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 entertaining sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

The people of Wyoming make it a great place to visit, despite the state's reputation for relative tranquility. 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. Leave your keys in your car It's probably going to make it out unscathed.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have assured its place among the friendliest U.S. states. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

South Carolina is a great place to visit because its people are known for their warm hospitality. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

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

As for the most welcoming state in the Union, it 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 exude a genuine friendliness and hospitality that are hard to find elsewhere.