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

At first glance, locals (especially upstate) could come off as a little rude. If you can make it through the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll be rewarded with a community feel in one of New York City's many culturally diverse boroughs. 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), you'll find that people there are very welcoming. Although this bodes well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be traversed in under an hour and a half by car, its size should not be mistaken for neighborliness. What makes our readers assume that Delaware is unwelcoming? Is it its (possibly unfair) reputation as boring? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Residents of Massachusetts aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts is not exactly the friendliest state in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, is a lengthy process.

The Jersey way of thinking can come across as rude. In fact, according to the results of this poll, that appears to be the situation People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright and bold. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Although Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. The constant precipitation could be to blame, after all.

People in New Hampshire are very proud of their state and its beauty. Unfortunately, this sense of pride 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 famous gambling mecca known as "Sin City," is a state of striking contrasts. 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.

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.

To put it bluntly, if you weren't raised in Rhode Island, you probably always will be an outsider here. Big 7 readers did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Local cashiers are less likely to greet you with a smile in larger cities, but they may do so in smaller ones.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough for the most part. In the waiting area, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. In other words, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and polite, but they tend to be reserved and quiet. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, its residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other gatherings.

Despite the state's remote location, Alaska relies heavily on the tourism industry; consequently, locals are always happy to meet new 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; either way, they are not rude.

It will come as a pleasant surprise to you how welcoming and friendly people in Montana are. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. Tourists and other visitors are met with a warm welcome and friendly banter between the cities.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. The cultural mecca of Washington, D.C., may come across as traditional and wary to outsiders. C and other major cities make it a promising location to live in

Because of the welcoming nature of Vermonters, making new friends is a breeze. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Vermonters in smaller communities 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 reception of guests. Even while waiting at a red light, people will often greet one another in the aisles of a Walmart or the parking lot. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

You'll quickly feel at home in Utah thanks to the state's welcoming population. In addition to being one of the most sociable and lively cities in the country, Salt Lake City is also known for its welcoming attitude toward 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. People from New England tend to have a reputation for being quiet and reserved, but Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing. This will be readily apparent to you upon your arrival.

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. Since West Virginia is somewhat sheltered from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, the people who live there tend to be very close-knit.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness, 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 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. The locals are known for their laid-back demeanor, good sense of humor, and Midwest-style politeness.

Among the most populous states, Maryland also features a wide range of ethnic and cultural communities. A welcoming atmosphere for strangers makes this a fun and lively hangout. Going out to a bar in Baltimore is a great way to meet new people and quickly become best friends with them.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its citizens are known for their politeness, community spirit, and 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 and least-populated states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with its fantastic residents. Folks from North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful, often without any sort of payment or reward being expected. Readers were very complimentary of the state's friendly atmosphere.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Mississippi is a beautiful state bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. To many visitors, the friendliness of Mississippians comes as a pleasant surprise. If you refrain from bragging about how great it is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like family.

You can't even say "hello" to a Missourian before you've heard their entire life story. They are genuine in their friendliness, and they show genuine interest in the perspectives of total strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. If you follow that simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. Random people will go out of their way to help you, such as by holding the door open or carrying your groceries to your car.

Across South Dakota, you'll find progressive towns teeming with involved, welcoming residents. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. It doesn't matter if you're a lifelong resident or just passing through; the locals will treat you with the same warmth and friendliness. If you've never been to Kentucky, you'll want to move here the second you meet a typical Kentuckian.

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. As far as random acts of kindness from strangers go, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost Assume that a friendly local will lend a hand if you ask.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. Casual and rich in cultural variety. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people This is it; consider the matter settled.

With only ten people, Despite its size (3 million), this state in the southern United States has a very welcoming population. Getting to know people here is simple, even in major metropolises like Atlanta. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it was great.

Numerous readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. True friendliness among the populace, without the intrusiveness Indeed, Idahoans live up to the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to extremely welcoming locals. Chicago is arguably more tourist-friendly than New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

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. 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. Despite its ethnic diversity, Louisiana is a great place to live because of its welcoming and warm people.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor, making the Buckeye State a prime example of the Midwest ideal. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many events and attractions geared specifically toward children.

Due to Hawaii's strong commitment to the tourist industry, the state's guests are lavished with exceptional levels of service and care. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. All the people you meet in paradise will give you a friendly greeting.

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 anything they can to protect those within their own community. They treat guests with the same warm hospitality as 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 state's many attractions.

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. Denver or the suburbs, the welcoming atmosphere is the same no matter where you go.

Locals in Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," where they go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and an entertaining sense of humor. Visit Indiana just once, and you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

While Wyoming as a whole is relatively tranquil, the people who call it home make it anything but boring. Even in the most populated areas, it is not unusual for a complete stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Hopefully, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" 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 like you've come home to a small town when you visit.

Visitors will find that the people of South Carolina go out of their way to make them feel at home. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Locals in Tennessee are full of life and eager to show off their city to visitors, exemplifying the classic Southern hospitality that has made the state famous. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of the friendliest states in the United States.

Which state in America is the most welcoming? The people of Minnesota are so warm and inviting that the state wins. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.