Ranking the 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

At first glance, locals (especially those in the upstate) 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 cause traffic delays by taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you happen to be from Arkansas (emphasis on if), locals will treat you with respect. While this is great 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. Why do some of our readers view Delaware negatively? Is it because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Unfortunately, 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 is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Also, it takes a while to establish oneself as a local, rather than a tourist, in Boston.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. Based on the results of this poll, it appears that is the case. New Jersey residents are notoriously forthright. In any case, the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will do what they can to help you out by pumping your gas.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. Locals aren't rude, but they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's the deluge of rain we've been having

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. That self-respect, however, is often misread as arrogance by those from the outside looking in. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

The home of Sin City, Nevada is a state of vast contrasts When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. Nevadans, on the whole, are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

The state of 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.

The majority of Rhode Islanders were not born and raised there, so anyone who moves there from another state is likely to be treated as an oddity. The residents of Rhode Island weren't very high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. Smaller communities tend to be friendlier, but even the cashier at the corner store probably won't smile at you.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. In fact, the city has an air of indifference that occasionally crosses the line into rudeness. The pace of life tends to be slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough for the most part. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. To be more precise, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open the door for you and greet you if you happen to pass by. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep people connected.

Even though Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, welcoming tourists is a major source of revenue, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Aside from Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here were once foreigners, so they understand what it's like to start over in a strange place. 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 large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They're pleasant enough to interact with, but you won't be invited to their homes 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. The nation's capital is a cultural mecca, but some may view it as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other metro areas make it a positive place to be

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. Small-town Vermonters 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. It's not uncommon for strangers to greet one another in public places like Walmart, parking lots, and even while waiting at a red light. A distinctive feature of the state is its population, which represents a cross-section of the United States.

The people of Utah are well-known for their warmth and 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 country, and it is also recognized as one of the most welcoming places for the LGBTQ community among large U.S. cities.

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 their New England contemporaries, are known for their friendliness and openness. Right when you walk in, 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. West Virginia is a tight-knit community due in large part to the state's natural isolation from the rest of the country.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting total strangers with a smile and a wave whenever they pass one another on the street. It's the kind of place where the cashier always has a smile on their face, the roadside farmers brag about their delicious produce, and everyone knows your name.

The people of Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but 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.

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. 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; its citizens are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and welcoming. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

One of the least populous and least visited states in the United States, and not because of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

There is a common perception that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly toward those they have never met before. Of course, Portland's hipster scene is notoriously difficult to break into, but I promise you, the people there are nice. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Charming and full of Southern sweetness, Mississippi is a wonderful place to visit. 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 one of the gang.

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

People in Alabama are known for their friendliness, so make an effort to be one of them. Follow that guideline, and you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. People you don't know will go out of their way to be helpful, holding doors open and even offering to carry your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. Here, people of all ages and backgrounds will strike up casual conversations with total strangers, even in the biggest cities. 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. It doesn't matter if you're a lifelong resident or a tourist; the locals will treat you with the same warmth and friendliness. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Although cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," you'll find that they are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" isn't just a cliche; the people here are genuinely warm and helpful. According to our poll, people are more likely to help complete strangers if they see them featured. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

When visiting New Mexico, you can count on finding welcoming locals in almost any municipality. Cultures from all over the world coexist peacefully here. Additionally, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

Population: 10 With a population of over 3 million, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in bigger cities like Atlanta, it's not hard to strike up conversations with locals. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Repeatedly, you will hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country; our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, a state in the center of the Midwest, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. In comparison to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

You won't find nicer people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. There's a real sense of community here, with people pitching in to help one another. Acquiring the skill of the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. Despite its ethnic diversity, Louisiana is home to some of the friendliest and most welcoming people 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 bar to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

With Hawaii's strong emphasis on tourism, guests are well taken care of in every aspect of their stay. 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 home to some of America's friendliest people, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. The hospitality they show locals extends to strangers.

Kansas is known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so don't be surprised if you strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

To top off its progressive vibe, Colorado is home to some of the friendliest people on the planet, making for a fantastic vacation destination. 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.

"Hoosier hospitality" refers to the residents of Indiana going out of their way to make others feel welcome. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make it a lively and exciting destination. Even in major metropolitan areas, strangers will often help you out if you get stuck in the snow or need assistance carrying groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. With any luck, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" vibe have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the top amiable U.S. states. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

South Carolinians are known for their warm hospitality, which is one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warm welcome with gusto.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. When you factor in the state's thriving music scene, it's easy to see why Texas is widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" for good reason: the state's major cities and surrounding areas exude a warm, welcoming vibe that is hard to find elsewhere.