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 find that each borough's neighborhoods have a sense of community and that the city itself is a melting pot of many cultures. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on "if"), the people will treat you well. And while that 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. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? It's one of the least welcoming states in the country, which is a shame.

It's not that people in MA are rude, but their general lack of interest in interacting with tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts is not known as one of the friendliest states in the country due in large part to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. The results of this poll seem to back up that conclusion. The state's residents are known for being bold and forthright. Even if the gas station attendant is rude, at least they'll pump your gas.

Although Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. 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

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. While this is a positive trait, it is often misunderstood by strangers as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

The state of Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a land of extremes. Whereas Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, other cities like Reno offer a more relaxed and friendly alternative. In general, Nevadans are not 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 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. According to Big 7 Travel's readers, Rhode Islanders aren't particularly hospitable. It's true that people in smaller communities are warmer to strangers, but don't expect a friendly face at the register anywhere.

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 is no hospitable city. In fact, it has an air of disdain that borders on rudeness. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to overlook this. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

Most people from Connecticut are polite, reserved, and pleasant, but some are downright friendly. In any case Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Alaskans are happy to see visitors because the state relies so heavily on tourism, despite the state's remote location. 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.

Montanans will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the whole state feels more like a large town. The people are pleasant enough, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended 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 It's a great place to live because of its proximity to other major cities.

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to meet new friends. In general, due to the high volume of tourists, the locals here are extremely friendly and willing to go above and beyond to accommodate visitors' needs. 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. Many people will greet you with a "hi" in the most unlikely of places, such as a Walmart or a parking lot while you wait for a red light. One of the best things about the state is the diversity of its residents.

Because Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. To top it all off, Salt Lake City is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly major cities in the United States, making it a wonderful place to live if you enjoy a lively and social environment.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a great place to call home due to its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are known for being friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. 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.

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 fresh produce on the side of the road.

The people of Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has one of the highest population densities in the country and is also home to many different cultural groups. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. When you go out to a bar in Baltimore, you're guaranteed to meet some interesting people.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, which explains why its residents are so warm and welcoming. Might the Packers be involved in this somehow?

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.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Sure, it may be difficult to break into Portland's hipster scene, but the people there are nice (I swear!). In addition to being the friendliest state in the country toward pets, it is also a great place to bring Fido.

Mississippi is a beautiful state bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. Mississippians are known for their warm hospitality, which often surprises 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.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. They are genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

To put it simply, if you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. If you follow that rule, you'll soon discover that Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the Union. You can count on complete strangers to do nice things for you, like holding the door open or helping you carry your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. The culture here encourages open conversation between strangers, even in the largest cities. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

It doesn't matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always friendly. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, you can expect the same warm welcome from the locals. 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, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was written for a good reason; people here are genuinely kind to one another. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost One of the locals will probably lend a hand if you ask nicely.

The people of New Mexico are among the friendliest you'll meet anywhere. It is culturally diverse and has a relaxed atmosphere. In addition, two cities in New Mexico's Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT People in 2018 are located in the state's "Land of Enchantment." In any case, there it is.

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 communities, but its residents are warm and welcoming no matter where you go. In even the most populous places, like Atlanta, forming meaningful relationships with locals is a breeze. 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 way. As a state, Idaho truly lives up to its reputation for genuine friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, a state in the center of the Midwest, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. Even though New York City is widely considered to be the most tourist-friendly city in the United States, Chicago has recently overtaken it. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by the website Neighborhood Scout.

The people from Nebraska are some of the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Strong community spirit permeates the air, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. Becoming proficient in the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

Despite the region's recent history of natural disasters, the locals will do whatever they can 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.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. Most locals are friendly and willing to show visitors around, including recommending their favorite restaurants and bars. As a bonus, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it an ideal destination for families.

Hawaii puts a lot of effort into catering to tourists, so they are well taken care of in terms of hospitality. 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.

There's a reason Oklahoma is home to one of America's friendliest capitals: Oklahoma City. The locals are very sociable and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warmth and hospitality they do locals.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous Kansas friendliness, so strike up a conversation with seemingly anyone you come across. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is one of the state's most attractive features.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. 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'll feel the welcoming vibes of Colorado right away, whether you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

"Hoosier hospitality" refers to the residents of Indiana going out of their way to make others feel welcome. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

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. Don't bother getting out of the car. Hopefully, everything will be fine.

Texas is known for its friendly locals and their constant use of the phrase "Howdy." Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

Residents of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina has the warm hospitality and generous people for which the South is famous in abundance.

Tennessee is a great example of the classic Southern charm that has made the South so popular, with friendly, outgoing locals who are eager to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

Among the states in the United States, which one do residents rate as the friendliest? The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country, 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 friendliness and hospitality that are unrivaled anywhere else.