Ranking the 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

Some of the locals (especially those in the upstate) may come off as rude at 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 get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. Despite the state of Arkansas's reputation for neighborly warmth, some out-of-staters may feel they don't belong there.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. 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.

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

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. That appears to be the case, at least according to this survey. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas for you, though.

While Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. 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." All this rain might be to blame,

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of pride can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. Getting along with the locals can be challenging due to their stubbornness, and the area's sparse rural population.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Due to the fact that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the unfriendliest cities in the United States, Florida has its work cut out for it. Tourist-friendly initiatives in places like Orlando are greatly enhancing the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before it is widely recognized.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. Visitors to Rhode Island weren't very well received on the "friendliness scale" by 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 common belief that Californians are exceptionally sociable. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Smaller urban centers have a more relaxed atmosphere.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. Waiting in line here might lead to a chat with a complete stranger, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. Positive indifference to other people rather than animosity

People from Connecticut are friendly and polite if a little withdrawn. No, not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you ask. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, its residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other gatherings.

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. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case 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. However, you won't be invited over for tea, they are nice people nonetheless. Cities joke and tease one another in a way that is lighthearted and friendly, especially to visitors.

The state of Virginia has always been known for its warm and welcoming culture, but the state's increasing diversity is only making that reputation stronger. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, despite the fact that some may view it as quite traditional and wary of strangers. C and other major cities, the area is 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. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. 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.

North Carolinians, in general, are polite, helpful, and welcoming. Anyone can be approached with a "hi" in almost any setting, be it a Walmart, a parking lot, or even a red light. A notable aspect of the state is the diversity of its inhabitants.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Aside from being one of the most sociable and lively cities in the country, Salt Lake City also has a reputation for being extremely welcoming to 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. That's the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

You won't find a more hospitable or friendly group of people anywhere in the United States than West Virginians. The relaxed tempo of life creates a friendly environment. As the mountains create a sort of buffer zone between West Virginia and the rest of the country, the people who live there tend to stick together.

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's a genuine sense of community, from the friendly cashiers to the farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. As a whole, the locals here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Being welcoming to strangers makes for a lively and engaging hangout spot. 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. Green Bay is one of the happiest places in the country, so its residents' natural disposition is to be friendly. 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. Residents of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. 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 bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. The natives are extremely friendly, and they will make you feel at home as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. 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. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, from holding the door open to assisting you with your groceries to your car.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, innovative communities populated by actively involved, warm and welcoming locals. People will strike up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. They are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

Anyone visiting Kentucky will quickly learn that Kentuckians are genuinely good people. People here are friendly whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to convince anyone to pack up and move here tomorrow.

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; locals truly are friendly. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a decent chance that a friendly local will assist you.

It's typical of New Mexico to find welcoming locals in even the smallest communities. Casual and rich in cultural variety. And in 2018, two New Mexico cities were named among the Top 20 Retirement Cities for the LGBT community. So, there you have it.

Home to just 10 people Despite its size (3 million), this state in the southern United States has a very welcoming population. Even in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, getting to know locals is a breeze. Peach-loving Big 7 travelers rated Georgia a 7.

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 way. Idaho's reputation for friendliness and openness towards visitors is well-deserved.

The people of Illinois, who can be found in the center of the Midwest, are exceptionally warm and welcoming. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere 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 at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Despite the recent natural disasters, the locals here will do anything to make you feel at home. 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.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor across the region. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or bar to visitors. A lot of the attractions are geared toward children, making it a fantastic destination for families.

With Hawaii's strong emphasis on tourism, guests are well taken care of in every aspect of their stay. This place is famous for its "Aloha Spirit." 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 one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. Here, people are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers, as visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous Kansas friendliness. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is one of the state's greatest attractions.

This state has some of the friendliest people in the world and a progressive environment that makes for a great vacation. It's great for taking the kids, has a wealth of cultural attractions, and will quickly have you feeling like a native. You can feel the warmth of this place from the moment you land, 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. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. If you think of Indiana as a "fly over" state, think again.

The people of Wyoming make it a great place to visit, despite the state's reputation for relative tranquility. 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 the keys out of the car. Likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdy"s are a trademark. Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have assured its place among the friendliest U.S. states. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

People in 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 warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Classical Southern hospitality is alive and well in Tennessee, where the people are friendly and excited to show off their hometown. 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 country, making the state a clear winner. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.