Ranking the 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

It's possible that at first the locals (especially those in the upstate) will come off as a 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 itself is a melting pot of many cultures. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're a local, and I stress if, everyone in Arkansas will treat you with respect. The friendly atmosphere in Arkansas is great, but it may make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong there.

Even though the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. How much of our readers' negative impressions of Delaware come from the state's (possibly exaggerated) reputation as boring? It is one of the states with the lowest ratings for friendliness in the United States, which is a shame.

In general, locals in MA aren't rude to tourists, but their indifference can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly going to make the list of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. Becoming a full-fledged resident of Boston rather than viewed as a temporary visitor can take years.

A New Jerseyan's demeanor may come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case When it comes to expressing themselves, New Jersey residents tend to be more forthright than those in other states. However, at least the (possibly unfriendly) gas station worker will do the pumping for you.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. The people of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a certain "polite but unfriendly" air about them, hence the nickname "the Seattle freeze." Possibly the constant precipitation is to blame.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. As a rural area with a stubborn local population, this can be a challenge.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. If you're looking for a more welcoming vacation destination than Las Vegas, consider heading to Reno. Locals in Nevada, on the whole, aren't particularly willing to 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. The state's reputation has some catching up to do, but cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are making a huge difference.

To put it bluntly, if you weren't raised in Rhode Island, you probably always will be an outsider here. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders don't rate very high on the "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 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. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. 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 polite, but they tend to be reserved and quiet. In any case Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. 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.

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. It's either that or they'll completely ignore you; either way, they're 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 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 area as conservative and wary of newcomers. C and other major cities make it a great place to live

Since Vermonters tend to be open and gregarious, it shouldn't be hard to meet new people and form friendships there. Since tourism is so important to the area's economy, residents are generally eager to accommodate visitors. The people of Vermont's small towns can be slow to warm up to newcomers, 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. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are well-known for their warmth and hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease in your new surroundings. 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 readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. New Englanders have a reputation for being withdrawn and reserved, but Mainers are friendly and outgoing. 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. An easygoing lifestyle creates a friendly environment here. There is a tight-knit sense of community in West Virginia because the state is largely isolated from the rest of the country by 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 is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares 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 unapproachable. People in this region are known for their laid-back demeanor, good sense of humor, and Midwestern politeness.

It is no surprise that the cultural landscape of Maryland reflects the state's status as one of the most culturally diverse in the country. 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, with its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and carefree outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, which explains why its residents are so warm and welcoming. What role, if any, could the Packers play in this?

You won't find many people living here or tourists passing through, but that has nothing to do with the quality of the people who do call it home. Residents of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. Because it ranks highest in pet-friendliness, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here.

There's plenty of amiable, down-home wholesomeness in Mississippi. Visitors are often taken aback by the warm welcome they receive in Mississippi. 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.

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. There's no pretense or false friendliness here; people are genuinely kind and curious to hear from total strangers.

Everyone in Alabama is nice if you are 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, strangers will do things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

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 largest cities. People in this region are the epitome of "Midwestern nice."

It doesn't matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always 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. Friendly Kentuckians have a special quality that will make you want to settle here permanently.

You might not immediately associate cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with friendliness, but you'd be wrong. People in this state are so warm and welcoming that the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost Assume that a friendly local will lend a hand if you ask.

You can count on meeting pleasant locals in just about any town in New Mexico. There is a wide variety of people and cultures to experience. New Mexico is home to two cities that were named among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. Now you know

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 larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. The citizens of Georgia were deemed to be quite delightful by Big 7 Travel readers.

There is a common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. It's true that Idahoans are known for their friendliness and willingness to help strangers.

You can't get more Midwestern than Illinois, and the people there couldn't be friendlier. When it comes to welcoming tourists, Chicago is second only to New York City in the United States. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

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. Learn the "one finger" wave while driving, and you'll blend in like a native.

Natural disasters have a recent history, but the locals here still go out of their way to make you feel at home. Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, but its residents all share a commitment to making their home state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable places to live 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 eatery or watering hole to visitors. There are plenty of things to do here that children will enjoy as well, making it a fantastic destination for families.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. No wonder everyone you meet in paradise is so happy to see you—life in this place must be good for the spirit.

For good reason, Oklahoma is known as "The Big Friendly," and its capital city bears the same moniker. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Guests are treated with the same warmth and hospitality.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The warmth of the locals towards tourists is what makes their state so special.

A pleasant state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and is home to some of the friendliest people anywhere. Family-friendly and secure, there is a wealth of cultural experiences to be had here, and in no time at all, visitors will feel as at home as the locals. Friendly people are easy to find in Denver and the surrounding area.

"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. When you finally make it to Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

The people of Wyoming are what really make this state exciting, even if it is a relatively quiet place. Despite their size, cities still have a strong sense of community, with strangers often offering to help you with things like unsticking your car from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother getting the keys out of the ignition. Likely, everything will be fine.

All the friendly Texans and their "Howdys" Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the United States is due in no small part to the fact that people are generally nice there. The people in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to a friendly small town.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which is one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina exemplifies the Southern tradition of warm welcome and generous spirit.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens 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 the most welcoming states 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 wins. 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.