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. New York City may seem overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or cause traffic delays by taking photos for Instagram, though.

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 make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

While the state of Delaware is small enough to be traversed in under an hour and a half, this relative proximity has not necessarily translated into neighborliness. Is it that our readers' perception of Delaware as unwelcoming stems from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts may not be one of the friendliest states in the country because its residents tend to ignore them. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. As this survey shows, that appears to be the case The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. At least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas 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. 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. It can be challenging to make friends among the locals here, what with their stubborn natures and the small population.

Nevada, home 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. 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. Florida's reputation is slowly but surely improving thanks to cities like Orlando and their tourist-friendly initiatives, but the state as a whole still has some work to do.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always feel like an outsider there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." You'll get a warmer welcome in smaller communities, but don't expect the cashier at your local supermarket to crack a smile.

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.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. Waiting in line here might lead to a chat with a complete stranger, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. One might even call it a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. This is not the case. People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you ask. The state isn't exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, but open mike nights and other community gatherings do their part to keep people connected.

While Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, its residents are more than happy to open their arms to visitors because the tourism industry is so important to the state's economy. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. Or, they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

People in Montana will surprise you with their friendliness and hospitality. In spite of its considerable size, the entire state has the feel of a single 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.

To Virginia's already warm and inviting vibe, the state's increasing diversity is sure to appeal. The cultural mecca of Washington, D.C., may strike some as conservative and wary of outsiders, but the city is home to a vibrant arts scene. C and other major cities make it a promising location to live in

Vermonters are known for being open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go the extra mile to accommodate their needs. Those in small towns in Vermont may be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Residents of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." 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. One of the most sociable and lively places to live in the United States, 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. However, Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing, in contrast to their New England counterparts' perceived coolness. As soon as you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most hospitable people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. Because of the relaxed nature of life here, you'll find a friendly vibe. 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 are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "how are yous" and "hellos" in everyday situations. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

It's a common misconception that all Michiganders are warm and welcoming; in fact, some of the state's largest cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be downright unapproachable. People here have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. As a result of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and exciting place to spend time with friends. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new closest friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America. Is the Packers a possible factor?

One of the least populous and least visited states in the United States, and it has nothing to do with the friendly locals there. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The state's community spirit received high marks from our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. That dog of yours will be just as welcome here as it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

The state of Mississippi is absolutely lovely, full of warm hospitality and delicious Southern cuisine. It's common for visitors to Mississippi to be pleasantly surprised by the state's warm welcome from locals. 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 detailed account of their entire life. They're genuine, friendly, and interested in chit-chat with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that simple rule. Just because they want to, random people will do nice things for you, like holding the door open or helping you carry your groceries to your car.

Communities across South Dakota are forward-thinking and brimming with active, welcoming residents. People here will strike up casual 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 will treat you with kindness. Friendly locals will greet you with open arms whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

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 coined for good reason; people here are genuinely warm and helpful. When asked how helpful random people are, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a relaxed vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. To top it all off, two New Mexico cities were included in the Top 20 Cities for LGBT Retirement in 2018. Thus, the conclusion

With only ten people, This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a diverse landscape of urban and suburban areas, but its residents are known for their warmth and hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Some of the readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Overwhelmingly, our readers agreed with the claim that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the United States. People are genuinely nice here, and not in a stalkerish manner. Indeed, Idahoans live up to the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. If you're looking for a city that welcomes tourists more than New York City, look no further than Chicago. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than those who call Nebraska home. Anywhere you look, you'll find people pitching in to help one another, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in like a native.

Locals make an extra effort to make you feel at home despite the city'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.

One of the best examples of good manners and genuine friendliness in the Midwest can be found in the state of Ohio. Those who live there are friendly and willing to give visitors recommendations on where to eat and drink. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

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" 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 America, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. When guests come to visit, they are treated with the same warmth and hospitality.

Kansas is known for its warm hospitality, so visitors from other states should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Those in this state have such a warm welcome for visitors because of the locals' genuine friendliness.

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. Whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the suburbs, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

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 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.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. People in even the largest cities often go out of their way to help strangers, whether it's digging a car out of the snow or carrying groceries. Please lock your car and leave the keys inside. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Greetings of "Howdy" and the friendly Texans Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. Locals in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to their small towns.

The people of South Carolina are very warm and friendly, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warmth and friendliness that has made the region famous.

Tennessee has a lively attitude and the locals are excited to show off their city to visitors, exuding classic Southern hospitality. Adding in the vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of the most welcoming states in the United States.

Among the states in the United States, which one do residents rate as the friendliest? Minnesotans are the friendliest in the country, so the state wins. There's a reason why the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting, friendly demeanor that's hard to find elsewhere.