State by State Ranking of the 50 Friendliest Places to Live in the USA

In the beginning, locals (especially those living in the upstate) may New York City may be overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll see that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Simply don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. 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. Is it the (possibly unfair) stereotype of Delawareans as unsociable that causes our readers to form such an opinion? To make matters worse, 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 is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Being a real Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, takes time.

The Jersey way of life can come off as rude and impolite. As this survey shows, that 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 (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will do the pumping for you.

Even though Washington state consistently performs well on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it fares much worse when it comes to its human inhabitants. Even though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, which has earned the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

The people of New Hampshire are extremely loyal to their home state and its beauty. A lot of times, though, other people take that pridefulness for arrogance. The locals are known to be obstinate, and the area's low population density and widespread farmland can make it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is full of extremes. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, more relaxed destinations like Reno offer a more pleasant vacation experience. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami continues to be ranked as one of the least friendly cities in America. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a big boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

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 did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Although the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, they won't exactly go out of their way to make your day.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. The people of Los Angeles aren't exactly the friendliest, and the city has a reputation for being unwelcoming to visitors. There is a more relaxed atmosphere in smaller towns.

While the locals in Arizona lack the Southerners' blatant friendliness, they are usually relaxed enough to not be a major distraction. 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. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their politeness, reserve, and general niceness. Not really They may have a reputation for being cold and distant, but New Englanders will always open doors and smile at you. While not the most culturally rich state, its residents are able to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

While Alaskans may feel cut off from the rest of the world, the state's reliance on tourism means they'll go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. Almost everyone in this city, with the exception of Alaska Natives, is a transplant who has experienced life as a newcomer. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

People in Montana are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Despite its vastness, the whole state feels more like a large village. There's no chance of being invited over for tea, but these people are pleasant enough. Communities joke and tease one another in a way that is both fun and welcoming to visitors.

Increased diversity is making Virginia an even more inviting and friendly place to live. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C as well as other major cities, make it a great place to live.

It's simple to meet new people and form friendships in Vermont because its residents are warm and welcoming. The locals here are very friendly and helpful because of the abundance of tourists. 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. Greetings are commonplace in public places like Walmart and parking lots, or even while waiting at a red light. One of the best things about this state is the diverse population it contains.

Since Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. Being one of the most LGBTQ-friendly major cities in the United States, Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to live if you're looking for a lively and social environment.

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. Upon your arrival, you'll notice this right away.

When traveling across the United States, you'll find that West Virginians are among the most warm and friendly people you'll meet. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. 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.

The people of Iowa have a reputation for friendliness and kindness, especially in urban areas where they frequently engage in small talk with passers-by and offer a friendly wave. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

While most Michiganders like to think of themselves as hospitable, those in Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be tough. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Although it has one of the highest per capita incomes in the country, Maryland also has one of the highest per capita poverty rates. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly 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 and strong sense of community. As one of the United States' happiest cities, Green Bay's residents are naturally friendly. Was it possibly related to the Packers?

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. People from North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful, often without any sort of payment or reward being expected in return. According to your ratings, the state has a strong sense of community.

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. Yes, Portland's hipster scene can be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice (I swear) once you do. It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. Mississippians are known for their warm hospitality, which often surprises visitors. Once you refrain from ranting about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you always belonged there.

Before you've even said "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness. Follow that guideline, and you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. In the spirit of neighborliness, total strangers will do things like hold the door open and help you load your groceries into your car.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by active, engaged, and welcoming locals. There is a strong culture of open conversation, even in the largest cities. Topics range from the weather to sports. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter what you're going through, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always willing to help you out. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading south right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, are, in fact, quite welcoming. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was written for a good reason; people here are genuinely kind to one another. According to polls, it has a high rating for readers who value assistance from total strangers. Look lost You can expect some assistance from a friendly local.

The people of New Mexico are known to be among the friendliest you'll encounter anywhere. Cultures from all over the world coexist peacefully here. Plus, in 2018, two New Mexico cities were named among the Top 20 Retirement Cities that are LGBT-friendly. So there you go.

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, it's not hard to strike up conversations with locals. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

It's common knowledge that Idaho is home to some of the friendliest people in the United States, and our readers overwhelmingly agreed. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. Idaho's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors is well-deserved.

You can't get more Midwestern than Illinois, and the people there couldn't be friendlier. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's most popular destinations for international visitors. The state is also relatively safe for tourists, with 19 of the country's Safest Cities located in Illinois.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. There is a palpable sense of community everywhere you look, with people lending a hand to those in need. Master the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel, and you'll blend in just 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 most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

When you think of the Midwest, Ohio is the state that comes to mind. 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.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors can expect to be treated exceptionally well. "Aloha spirit" is a trademark of Hawaii. 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. Regardless of the situation, people here will always look out for their own community and are always up for a chat. They are just as welcoming to guests as they are to locals.

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 friendly nature of the locals is one of the things that draws tourists to the state.

People in Colorado are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet, and the state itself has a progressive vibe that makes for a great vacation. 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.

Residents of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help those in need. People in this area tend to be friendly and humorous. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Although Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make it a lively and exciting destination. You can still find a strong sense of community even in the largest of cities, with complete strangers often offering to help you with mundane tasks like unsticking your car from snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother coming back for the keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Locals in Texas are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy" or "Howdy, neighbor!" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. A small-town feel is amplified in its major cities by the friendly locals who will make you feel right at home.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and this is one of the reasons the state is so popular as a vacation destination. South Carolina has all the warmth and friendliness that the South is famous for.

Tennessee has a lively attitude and the locals are excited to show off their city to visitors, exuding classic Southern hospitality. If you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why it's consistently ranked as one of the friendliest in the United States.

And the winner is among America's friendliest states The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" because the state's capital and surrounding areas exude a warm, welcoming vibe that is hard to find elsewhere.