Ranking the 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

When you first arrive, locals (especially those in the countryside) may Even if you don't like the crowds (New York City is a cultural melting pot, after all), the neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs have a sense of community if you stick around for a while. Just don't linger in the street or block traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas, and I stress if, you'll find the locals to be very welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

Although the state of Delaware is relatively compact (it takes only about 90 minutes to drive from one end to the other), its size does not necessarily equate to neighborliness. Is it that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware as unwelcoming stem from the state's (possibly unfair) image as dull? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

Massachusetts residents aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Becoming a full-fledged resident of Boston rather than viewed as a temporary visitor can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as extremely impolite. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. But at least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will fill up your tank.

While Washington state often places highly in lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. 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." The constant precipitation could be to blame, after all.

In addition to its natural beauty, New Hampshire is home to a population that is justifiably proud of its state. This sense of pride, however, is often 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, the site of the infamous Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. It's true that Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, but neighborly cities like Reno offer a more pleasant alternative. Individual Nevadans may not go out of their way to assist a 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. Tourist-friendly initiatives in places like Orlando are making a big difference for the state's economy, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before it earns its reputation as it should.

If you aren't a native Rhode Islander, you probably won't fit in socially. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." Generally speaking, the local cashier will not be smiling and friendly, even if you happen to be in a smaller town.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. In terms of friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. In fact, the city has an air of indifference that occasionally crosses 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. When waiting in line, it's the kind of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. Kind of a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and polite, but they tend to be reserved and quiet. However, that's not the case Although New Englanders have a reputation for being distant, they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly. In spite of the state's lack of cultural vitality, its residents find common ground at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Despite the state's remote location, Alaska relies heavily on tourism, and locals are always happy to see visitors. All but Alaskan Natives are recent arrivals. They understand what it's like to be a stranger in a strange land. They might not respond to you at all if you bother them, but they are not rude if they do.

Montanans will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its vastness, the whole state feels more like a large village. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. 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. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of newcomers. C and other major cities help make it a great place to live

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go out of their way to accommodate them. People in Vermont's smaller communities may take some time 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 polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome. At Walmart, in the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light, people will randomly say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to agree that the low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers contribute to the state's popularity as a relocation destination. 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 among the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. 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.

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 there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road who are more than happy to tell you all about their delicious produce.

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 and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and exciting place to spend time with friends. Finding your new best friends in a bar in Baltimore is a simple process.

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 one of the happiest cities in America, so its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

One of the least populated and least visited states in the USA, and it has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The community spirit in the state received high marks from our readers.

Oregonians are known for their friendliness toward total strangers. Sure, it may be difficult to break into Portland's hipster scene, but the people there are nice (I swear!). Also, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here, as this state is ranked highest in the country for pet friendliness.

Mississippi is a beautiful state brimming with genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you stop bragging about how great it is "up North" to the natives, they will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. There's no pretense or false friendliness here; people are genuinely kind and curious to hear from total strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow that simple rule, you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. Some random person will hold the door open for you, and others will offer to help you carry your groceries out 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 biggest cities. Those who live here are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

Kentucky residents are generally friendly and helpful. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a tourist, you can expect the same warm welcome from the locals. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

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 decent person in the area who will probably offer assistance.

People in nearly every town in New Mexico are warm and welcoming. It's chill and full of different cultures. Not only that, but two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it onto the Top 20 Cities list this year! So there it is.

For a total of 10 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. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

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 warm and welcoming, and not in a creepy, prying way. 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. When compared to New York City, Chicago is often regarded as the more welcoming destination for international visitors. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

Among the states in the United States, Nebraska is home to some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. 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 will be almost as good as 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 what makes the state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

One of the best examples of good manners and genuine friendliness in the Midwest can be found in the state of Ohio. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. 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 you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly 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 are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. As friendly to locals as they are to tourists,

When visiting Kansas, visitors from other states may be taken aback by the state's renown friendliness. People in this state have such a warm welcome attitude toward tourists, it makes visiting this state a dream.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, there's a ton to do culturally, and tourists quickly feel at home here. 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 famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. The locals are pleasant, humorous people. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Although Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. 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. Do not enter the vehicle until you have returned to retrieve the keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Greetings of "Howdy" and the friendly Texans Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the friendliest U.S. states. The people of its big cities will make you feel right at home, as if you'd traveled to one of the smaller towns in the region.

In addition to its beautiful landscapes, South Carolina is also known for its warm and friendly locals. 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. And 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 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 exude a genuine warmth and friendly welcome to visitors that is hard to find elsewhere.