Ranking the 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

In the beginning, locals (especially those living in the upstate) may It's true that New York City can be 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 linger in the street or impede traffic by taking Instagram photos.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), you'll find that people there are very welcoming. 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. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly undeserved) image as dull? Sad to say, it's one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Even though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts is not exactly the friendliest state in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

In some cases, the Jersey way of life can come across as rude. According to the results of this poll, that appears to be the case. The people of New Jersey are notorious for being very forthright. If nothing else, 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 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 the precipitation has played a role.

It's a beautiful state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage and their home. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misunderstood as arrogance by those from other cultures. Because of its stubborn natives and sparse rural population, making friends here can be challenging.

Las Vegas, Nevada is in a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Locals in the state of Nevada, on the whole, are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida certainly has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least friendly 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 true local. 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.

Though many native Golden State residents would like to believe that they have a reputation for being friendly, our readers do not share this perception. Los Angeles is no City of Angels when it comes to making strangers feel welcome, with an overall aloof-bordering-on-rude vibe The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

People in Arizona aren't as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough to ignore that. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. Rather, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. While not the most culturally rich state, its residents are able to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Despite the state of Alaska's infrastructure, the tourism industry is thriving, and locals are eager to meet visitors. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

You won't believe how friendly and helpful the locals of Montana are until you see it for yourself. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a single large city. They're nice, but don't expect an invitation to their house for tea. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is becoming increasingly diverse, which has a positive effect on the state's warm and inviting culture. 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.

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to meet new friends. Because tourism is so important to the area's economy, residents are generally eager to go the extra mile to accommodate visitors. 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. Hi's are commonplace in public places like Walmart or the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. One of the state's greatest features is the eclectic mix of people who call it home.

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 United States, and it is also recognized as one of the most accepting metropolises for the LGBTQ community.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are known for being some of the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. A relaxed way of life creates a friendly environment here. With the mountains serving as a sort of barrier between the people of West Virginia and the rest of the world, the state has a very tight-knit sense of community.

In general, Iowans are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor; it's not uncommon to see people smiling and greeting complete strangers as you walk down the street. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and roadside farmers who are eager to chat about their delicious wares.

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 like those you might find in the Midwest.

The population density in Maryland is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Having no barriers to entry, it is a lively and social place to spend some time with friends or meet new people. 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 residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because the city is consistently ranked as one of the happiest in the United States. 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. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. Those of you who rated the state on its friendliness as a community gave it high marks

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. 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.

Mississippi is a beautiful state bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. 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've even had a chance to say hello, a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life. People here are genuine in both their friendliness and interest in the perspectives of total strangers.

Everyone in Alabama is nice if you're nice to them. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. Just because they want to be nice, random people will do nice things for you like hold the door open or help you carry your groceries to your car.

South Dakota is full of vibrant, forward-looking communities filled with engaged and friendly people People here will strike up casual 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."

It doesn't matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always friendly. People here are friendly whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. It's the unique warmth of Kentuckians' hospitality that will have you packing your bags for the Bluegrass State right away.

Though cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," that is exactly what they are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; the locals here are always happy to help. We asked our readers how helpful they thought strangers were, and they gave it a high rating. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It's chill and full of different cultures. In addition, two New Mexico cities were among the 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. Thus, the conclusion

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 such as Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it was great.

You'll hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. Idaho's reputation for friendliness and openness towards visitors is well-deserved.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle 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.

Most Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet 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 like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area'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 in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in 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.

The hospitality industry in Hawaii is thriving because of the state's strong focus on tourism. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet will give you a friendly wave and a warm smile, proof that paradise really does do something good for the spirit.

This is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and it's not just because Oklahoma City is called "The Big Friendly." 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 total stranger. Those in this state have such a warm welcome for visitors because of the locals' genuine friendliness.

As a progressive state with some of the friendliest people on the planet, Colorado is a great place to visit. 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. The warmth of this place is something you can feel the moment you arrive, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

They call it "Hoosier hospitality," and locals in Indiana take great pride in it. Locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in the largest of cities, it is 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. Don't even bother coming back to get the keys. It's probably going to make it through unscathed.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are a trademark. Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the friendliest states in the United States. Locals in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to their small towns.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies 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 consider that it also has a thriving music scene, you can see why it's considered one of the friendliest states in the United States.

As for the most welcoming state in the Union, it is The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the nation, making the state a clear winner. 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.