Ranking the 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

At first glance, locals (especially those from the countryside) could New York City may be overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each borough's neighborhoods have a sense of community and that the city as a whole is a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Keep in mind that you shouldn't linger in the street or block traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you happen to be from Arkansas (emphasis on 'if,' though), you'll find the locals to be extremely welcoming. And while that bodes well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

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? Sadly, 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 isn't exactly going to be on the map of the friendliest states in America if its residents are known for ignoring one another. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. The results of this poll seem to back up that conclusion. People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

The Evergreen State may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human residents are a different story. The locals aren't rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage and their home. 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 here, and the small population and rural setting don't help.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, friendlier cities like Reno offer a more relaxing vacation experience. Most people in Nevada won't go out of their way to help a complete stranger.

Florida certainly 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 all your life, you'll probably be treated as an outsider. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." The local cashier might give you a friendly wave in the smaller neighborhoods, but they won't exactly go out of their way to help you.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Towns and villages have a more relaxed vibe.

It's not like the people of Arizona are as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill. If you're waiting in line, you can expect to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. As a whole, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their politeness, reserve, and general niceness. Actually, no. Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. 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. Almost everyone in this city, with the exception of Alaska Natives, is a transplant who has experienced life as a newcomer. They might not respond to you at all, which is not rude, or they might.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. There's no chance of being invited over for tea, but these people are pleasant enough. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

It's clear that Virginia's growing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly to newcomers. 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 simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. People here go out of their way to assist tourists because the industry is so important to the local economy. Though the locals of a small Vermont town may take some time to warm up to newcomers, 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 reception of guests. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One of the best features of the state is the diversity of its inhabitants.

You'll quickly feel at home in Utah thanks to the state's welcoming population. The LGBTQ community can feel safe and accepted in Salt Lake City, as it is consistently ranked as one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States.

The low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers have made this state a favorite among our readers. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

People from West Virginia are among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed rhythm of life here makes for 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.

Waving at and saying "hello" to strangers on the street is commonplace in Iowa, contributing to the state's reputation for friendliness. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

There's a perception that Michiganders are a warm and welcoming people, but the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be difficult to navigate. Everyone here has a great sense of humor and is laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

With a population density that ranks high among the states, Maryland represents a cross-section of American society. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. 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 is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America. A connection to the Packers is possible.

Although the locals may be wonderful, this state is one of the least populated and visited in the United States. Locals in this state are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. On a scale from 0 to 10, how well do you think this state fosters a sense of community?

As a state, Oregon is known for its residents' friendliness toward those they have never met before. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, 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 brimming with genuine Southern hospitality. People from out of state are often taken aback by how welcoming Mississippians are. Once you stop bragging about how much better it is "up North" and start acting like one of the locals, the locals here will treat you like family.

Some Missourians are so eager to share their lives with you that they'll do so before you've even said hello. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking towns in South Dakota populated by engaged and welcoming locals. People will strike up 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 are friendly. People here are friendly regardless of whether you were born and raised here or are just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make you pack your bags and head here right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was written for a good reason; people here are genuinely kind to one another. With regards to random acts of kindness, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost Assume that a friendly local will lend a hand if you ask.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It's chill and full of different cultures. Even more impressive, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the United States in 2018. What you needed to know is now at your fingertips

With only ten 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 simple. There was widespread agreement among Big 7 travelers that Georgia was a pleasant destination.

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 creepy, prying sort of way. As a state, Idaho truly lives up to its reputation for genuine friendliness and openness to visitors.

Chicago and the rest of Illinois, and the rest of the Midwest, are home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. Chicago is known for being one of America’s most tourist-friendly cities, knocking NYC out of the water As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

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 one another, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Acquiring the skill of the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

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.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of the Ohioan people are legendary throughout the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. With so many options geared toward younger visitors, it's also a fantastic destination for families.

Travelers to Hawaii will find exceptional hospitality thanks to the state's dedication to the industry. The "Aloha Spirit" that is so characteristic of Hawaii. The friendly disposition of the locals suggests that paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

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. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. When guests come to visit, they are treated with the same warmth and hospitality.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the legendary friendliness of Kansans, so strike up conversations with complete strangers at will. Because locals are so welcoming to visitors, the state is stunning.

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 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.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. Locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. A single trip to Indiana will convince you that it is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. A genuine sense of community exists even in the largest of cities; it is not unusual for a complete stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't bother getting out of the car. In all likelihood, everything will be fine.

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. Its large cities are boosted with small town vibes from locals, who will welcome you with open arms

The people of South Carolina are known far and wide for their warmth and hospitality, which is just one of the many reasons the state is a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm going strong, with residents who are buzzing with excitement and eager to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, 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 Superior customer service is what puts Minnesota on top. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals and numerous visitor-friendly attractions.