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

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from here, Arkansas will treat you like family. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Can it be that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? To make matters worse, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

While residents of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, their lack of interest in interacting with tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly going to make the list of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

One possible interpretation of the Jersey way of life is as blatant rudeness. That seems to be the case, at least according to this survey. When it comes to expressing themselves, New Jersey residents tend to be more forthright than those in other states. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, 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. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps the constant downpours are to blame.

New Hampshire is a gorgeous state full of patriotic citizens. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It's difficult to make friends among the locals, and there aren't that many people living in the area because of the lack of urbanization.

Nevada, the site of Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. Travelers looking for a less cutthroat vacation destination should consider Reno or Salt Lake City instead of Las Vegas. In general, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

With Miami consistently ranking as one of the unfriendliest cities in the United States, Florida has its work cut out for it. 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 all your 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 "friendly scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

The Golden State's residents may think of themselves as sociable, but our readers beg to differ. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Most people tend to take it easier in smaller towns.

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.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. 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. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Despite the state of Alaska's isolation, the tourism industry is thriving and locals are always happy to see visitors. Aside from Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here were once foreigners, so they understand what it's like to start over in a strange place. They might do that, or they might just ignore you, but either way, they're not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. While large, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. All the towns have a good sense of humor and welcome 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 may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and hospitable, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. There is a lot of tourism in this area, so people will generally go out of their way to assist those who are visiting. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The locals in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. 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 readers seem to agree that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. Although New Englanders as a whole have a reputation for being reserved, Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. The moment you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

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. A tight-knit sense of community exists in West Virginia because the state is largely isolated from the rest of the country by mountains.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the prevalence of "hellos" and "waves" to passers-by. There's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and roadside farmers who are eager to chat about their delicious wares.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

There is a wide range of cultural traditions represented in Maryland, which is one of the most populous states. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. A Baltimore bar is a great place to meet potential new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Is there a chance it's connected to the Packers?

The low population and tourist volume in this state have 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. When asked about the state's sense of community, our readers gave it high marks.

The people of Oregon are known for their friendliness toward total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

The state of Mississippi is absolutely lovely, full of warm hospitality and delicious Southern cuisine. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. When you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals with respect, you will quickly be accepted as one of the family.

Missourians have a habit of launching into lengthy monologues before you've even had a chance to say hello. There is no pretense or false friendliness here; people are genuinely kind and curious to hear from total strangers.

Alabama is a state full of nice people, and if you treat them with kindness, they will treat you with kindness. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that simple rule. For no other reason than to be friendly, total strangers will do things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive and forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming locals. Some of the most open conversations I've ever had were with total strangers in the midst of busy city streets. 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 will find that people in Kentucky are friendly. Whether you are a lifelong resident or just passing through, you can expect the same warm welcome from the locals. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to convince anyone to pack up and move here tomorrow.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are friendlier than you might expect. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. According to our poll, people are more likely to help complete strangers if they see them featured. Look lost You can expect some assistance from a friendly local.

New Mexicans, in general, are known for their warmth and hospitality. It's chill and full of different cultures. Even more impressive, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the United States in 2018. So there you go.

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is home to a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

There is a common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Centrally located in the United States' Middle American region, the people of Illinois are among the warmest you'll ever meet. In comparison to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. To top it all off, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists to visit.

Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. You can pass for a true native if you just learn the "one finger" wave to use while driving.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. Louisiana is home to a diverse population of people of many different ethnic backgrounds, but they all share a commitment to making their state a welcoming and enjoyable destination for visitors.

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 bar to visitors. It's also fantastic for families because there are so many things to do there that cater specifically to children.

Tourists in Hawaii are the top priority, so the state's reputation for warm hospitality is well-deserved. Because of its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained worldwide recognition. All the people you meet in paradise will give you a friendly greeting.

The Big Friendly isn't just a catchy moniker for Oklahoma City; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country. The locals are very sociable and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warm hospitality they give 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.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, there's lots to do, and newcomers will quickly feel at home among the friendly locals and fascinating history. 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 famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. Here, you'll find friendly, humorous people. Indiana is more than just a passing state; it will forever hold a special place in your heart after just one visit.

In spite of Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make visiting the state a delight. 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. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are a staple of any trip to the Lone Star State. 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.

South Carolinians are known for their warm hospitality, which is one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina has the famous warmth and friendliness of other Southern states, in abundance.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm going strong, with residents who are buzzing with excitement and 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 the most welcoming states in the United States.

And the winner is among the most welcoming American states Winner: Minnesota, whose residents stand out for their warmth and hospitality. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.