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

When you first arrive, locals (especially those in the countryside) may 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 sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic by taking Instagram photos too slowly.

As long as you're a local, Arkansas residents tend to be welcoming. That may bode well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, but it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

The entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes of driving, but despite its diminutive size, its residents are anything but neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unapproachable because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Tragically, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Massachusetts residents aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference 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. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

There is a risk that New Jerseyans' demeanor will be misunderstood as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright and bold. However, at least the (possibly unfriendly) gas station worker will do the pumping for you.

Washington State may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human inhabitants are another story. 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 home. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Being a rural area with a stubborn local population, this place is not exactly teeming with opportunities to make new friends.

Vegas, Nevada is a state of extremes. 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.

When you consider that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States, you can see that Florida has its work cut out for it. 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.

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 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.

While many native Californians may believe that their state is known for its warm and welcoming culture, our readers have a different opinion. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

There's no denying that Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. While waiting in line, random people are likely to start talking to one another. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. 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 Alaska Natives, the vast majority of the locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point in their lives. Or, they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its massive landmass, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

The state of Virginia has always been known for its warm and welcoming culture, but the state's increasing diversity is only making that reputation stronger. 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 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. Newcomers to Vermont's small towns may have to wait a while before they're fully accepted, but once they are, they tend to stick around.

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

The people of Utah are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is a great place to live because of its vivacious culture and welcoming atmosphere toward the LGBTQ community.

Most of our readers agree that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known for being friendly and outgoing. This is something you'll notice as soon as you step foot in the door.

People from West Virginia are among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. Relaxed lifestyle that fosters friendly environment The state of West Virginia is characterized by a tight-knit community due in part to the state's natural barrier of 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, from the friendly cashiers to the farmers selling fresh produce on 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 are incredibly polite.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states in the country. Due to its welcoming nature, it is a lively and engaging place to spend time with others. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its pleasant residents known for their politeness, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

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. People from North Dakota are known for being friendly and helpful, even if they don't get anything in return. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the country.

Mississippi is a beautiful state brimming with authentic 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.

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

If you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that simple rule. To be polite, random people will do things like hold the door open or help 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. 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 are friendly. Whether you’ve been born and raised here or are just passing through, locals will treat you with the same kind attitude The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to convince anyone to pack up and move here tomorrow.

While cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," that is exactly what they are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a good chance a friendly local will offer assistance.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. To top it all off, two New Mexico cities were included in the Top 20 Cities for LGBT Retirement in 2018. So there you go.

With only ten people, This state in the southern United States is home to 3 million people and features a diverse collection of urban and rural communities, as well as welcoming residents. Even in major metropolises like Atlanta, getting to know 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. Actually, the locals are quite pleasant, and not in a stalkerish way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation as a welcoming and friendly place for visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. In comparison to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. 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. The sense of community is palpable, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. If you can perfect the "one finger" wave while driving, 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 what makes the state one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor, making the Buckeye State a prime example of the Midwest ideal. The locals have an open mind and will gladly show visitors their favorite restaurant or bar. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many events geared specifically toward children.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. There is a special "Aloha Spirit" there. Everyone you meet will give you a friendly smile, as if living in paradise actually has a positive effect on your mental health.

You can tell that Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country by visiting Oklahoma City, also known as "The Big Friendly." The locals are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. 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.

There are some of the friendliest people in the world living in Colorado, adding to the state's already pleasant atmosphere of progressiveness. 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. No matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

Hoosiers are known far and wide for their generous spirit and warm welcome. The locals have a positive demeanor and a great sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Despite Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make it a delight to visit. 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 the keys out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The jovial Texans and their "Howdys" are a trademark. There is no doubt that its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the United States is due in large part to the fact that people there are extremely nice wherever you The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. When you consider that it also has a thriving music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's most welcoming states.

Among the states in the United States, which one do residents rate as the friendliest? The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" because the state as a whole exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that is difficult to match.