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

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could ), but it's a great place to experience a wide range of different cultures in one place, and if you can make it through the initial chaos, you'll find that the neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs of New York City have a strong sense of community. If you must take pictures for Instagram while standing in the street, please do so quickly so as not to impede traffic.

You'll find a warm welcome in Arkansas if you're a local. However, 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. How much of our readers' negative impressions of Delaware come from the state's (possibly exaggerated) reputation as boring? 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 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 across as rude. This survey seems to confirm that to be the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. Even if the gas station attendant is rude, at least they'll pump your gas.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's all the wet weather

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. Locals tend to be unyielding, and the area's low population density and lack of urban centers can make it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, the site of the infamous city of Las Vegas, is a state of striking contrasts. Reno and other nearby cities are more welcoming than Las Vegas, which can have a cutthroat atmosphere. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist 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 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." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of our paper disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. Although it's a popular tourist destination, Los Angeles isn't exactly known for its friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere. In contrast to the hectic pace of the big city, life in a smaller metropolis tends to be more

Even though Arizonans don't exactly exude the Southern-style warmth, they're chill enough to be ignored. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

The people of Connecticut are friendly, if a bit reserved. Not really Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. While not the most culturally rich state, its residents are able to come 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. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of the locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

People in Montana will surprise you with their friendliness and hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some might say that its residents are too traditional and too 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 an ideal place to make new friends. Because tourism is so important to the area's economy, residents are generally eager to go the extra mile to accommodate visitors. While it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

To a person, North Carolinians are pleasant, helpful, and welcoming. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. A distinctive feature of the state is the large number of people who hail from different parts of the country.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and lively places to live in America, and it is also considered one of the most welcoming places for LGBTQ people among the nation's largest cities.

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.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. Those who choose to live here enjoy a relaxed tempo of life that fosters 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.

People in Iowa have a reputation for being friendly and helpful, often stopping to say hello to people they don't know on the street and waving as they pass by. There's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce from the side of the road.

Even though Michiganders like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. People here have a great sense of humor, are laid back and polite, and are 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 a thriving, social atmosphere. If you go to a bar in Baltimore, you're bound to meet some people you become fast friends with.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, populated by friendly people with a strong sense of community and a positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country. Is there a chance it's 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. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

One of Oregon's most notable qualities is its residents' friendliness toward total 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 brimming with genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. 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.

The people of Missouri are notoriously bad at keeping secrets. They are genuine in their friendliness, and they show genuine interest in the perspectives of total strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. You'll find that Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you just remember that one rule. People are so nice that they will help you with things like holding the door open and carrying your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. Everyone, even in the largest cities, is perfectly comfortable striking up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. It's safe to say that the residents of this region personify the term "Midwestern Nice."

Whatever the situation, you'll find that Kentuckians are friendly. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a visitor, you can expect the same warm welcome from the community members. It's the unique warmth of Kentuckians' hospitality that will have you packing your bags for the Bluegrass State right away.

Some cities, like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly," but that's exactly what you'll find. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; people in this state are genuinely warm and helpful. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Nearly every town in New Mexico is populated by warm and welcoming locals. It has a relaxed vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. New Mexico is home to two cities that were named among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. So there you go.

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas, and its residents are, on the whole, very warm and welcoming. In even the most populous places, like Atlanta, forming meaningful relationships with locals is a breeze. Some of the 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 nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. When it comes to welcoming visitors, Idaho more than lives up to its reputation.

Locationally, Illinois is right in the middle of the Midwest, and its people are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. 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. There is a palpable sense of community, with people of all walks of life pitching in to help out those in need. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, 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 friendliest and most enjoyable places to live in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. When visitors ask where they should go to eat or drink, locals are happy to give recommendations. Families will love it here, as there are many enjoyable options for their children.

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 will give you a friendly smile, as if living in paradise actually has a positive effect on your mental health.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

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 state's many attractions.

The welcoming locals and progressive culture of Colorado make it a top vacation destination. It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting history, and will soon have you feeling like a native. One of the first things you'll notice about Colorado, whether in the city of Denver or out in the country, is how friendly the people are.

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 demeanor and a humorous outlook. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

While Wyoming itself 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. Hopefully, everything will be fine.

Friendly Texans always have a "Howdy" ready for you. 'everywhere you go' has undoubtedly contributed to its status as one of the friendliest states in the USA. Locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

People in South Carolina are known for their warmth and hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has the famous warmth and friendliness of other Southern states, in abundance.

Tennessee is a great example of the classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. One of the most welcoming states in America, thanks in large part to its thriving music scene.

The most welcoming state in the United States is Its residents are the friendliest in the country, and this makes Minnesota number one. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.