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

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could It's true that New York City can be 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. Just don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), you'll find that people there are very welcoming. It's great that Arkansans have such welcoming neighbors, but some tourists may feel like outsiders if they don't feel like they fit in with the locals.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes of driving time, this does not necessarily make it a welcoming place to its neighbors. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? 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 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 temporary resident, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across 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. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

When it comes to environmental friendliness, Washington state may consistently rank high, but when it comes to people, it's a different story. People in Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but there is a distinct "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned the city the nickname "Seattle freeze." Could be the constant downpours.

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. People in this area tend to be unyielding, and the few residents in the surrounding countryside can make it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of extremes. Reno and other nearby cities are more welcoming than Las Vegas, which can have a cutthroat atmosphere. When it comes to helping strangers, Nevadans generally won't go out of their way.

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.

Being an outsider is something you can expect to always be labeled as if you weren't born and raised in Rhode Island. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." Neighborhood cashiers are friendlier in smaller towns, but in general, don't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Although many native Californians and transplants like to think of themselves as friendly, our readers beg to differ. When it comes to making guests feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. The tempo of life tends to slow down in smaller urban centers.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough that you won't mind if you drop in. If you're waiting in line, you can expect to 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.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Maybe not as much The people of New England may have a reputation for coldness, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you warmly when you visit. 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.

Although Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, the state relies heavily on tourism, so its residents 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. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case they are not rude.

People in Montana are surprisingly friendly and welcoming. 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. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

As the state's population becomes more ethnically and racially diverse, it becomes even more welcoming and friendly. Washington, D.C., is a cultural mecca, but some might say that it's too traditional and too wary of strangers. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. There is a lot of tourism in this area, so people will generally go out of their way to assist those who are visiting. Some Vermonters in smaller communities may take some time to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Citizens of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome of visitors. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." A distinctive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

The people of Utah are well-known for their warmth and hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in the United States, and is also recognized as one of the most welcoming metropolises for 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. Contrary to popular belief, Mainers are not as reserved as their New England counterparts. When you first set 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. Because of the relaxed nature of life here, you'll find a friendly vibe. With the mountains serving as a sort of barrier between the people of West Virginia and the rest of the world, the state has a very tight-knit sense of community.

Iowans have a reputation for being a warm and welcoming lot, always quick to smile and say hello to a stranger they pass on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

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.

The population density of Maryland is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. This is a great place to spend time because of how welcoming it is to newcomers. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

The people of Wisconsin are the crown jewel of the Midwest; they are polite, connected, and full of joie de vivre. Given that Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. It might be related to the Packers, right?

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 approachable and helpful without demanding anything in return. The community spirit in the state was highly rated by our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Granted, it may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I hear they're pretty chill. It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. Most visitors to Mississippi are pleasantly surprised by the state's warm welcome. The natives are extremely friendly, and they will make you feel at home as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

Before you can even say "hello," a resident of Missouri will launch into a lengthy account of his or her life. Nothing fake about them; they're friendly and genuinely interested in chatting with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. You'll find that Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you just remember that one rule. Just because they want to be nice, random people will do nice things for you like hold the door open or help you carry your groceries to your car.

In South Dakota, you'll find a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. The culture here encourages open conversation between strangers, even in the largest cities. In many ways, the residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter what you're going through, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always willing to help you out. No matter if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through, the locals will treat you with kindness. There's something about a Kentuckian's warmth and hospitality that makes you want to settle down here right away.

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; locals truly are friendly. When asked how helpful random people are, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost If you ask nicely, a friendly local might even offer assistance.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. As an added bonus, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. Well, there you have it.

In a town of only 10 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 warm hospitality. In even the most populous places, like Atlanta, forming meaningful relationships with locals is a breeze. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it was great.

As has been said many times before, our readers agree that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are among the friendliest you'll ever meet. 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. There is a palpable sense of community everywhere you look, with people lending a hand to those in need. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

There has been a lot of natural disasters recently, but the locals will do anything to make you feel at home. Although Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, its residents have one thing in common: they make it one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. People in the area tend to be friendly and welcoming, always happy to recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. Also, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it a fantastic destination for families.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors are treated like royalty. The "Aloha Spirit" is what makes this place famous. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could heal your soul.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," has earned its moniker for good reason. People here are very talkative and will always look out for their own. They are just as friendly to guests as they are to 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. Because locals are so welcoming to visitors, the state is stunning.

Traveling to Colorado is a pleasure because of its progressive culture and the fact that its residents are among the friendliest anywhere. It's great for taking the kids, has a wealth of cultural attractions, and will quickly have you feeling like a native. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers are famously helpful and friendly to visitors, earning the state's nickname of "Hoosier Hospitality." The locals have a positive disposition and an excellent sense of humor. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is 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. 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. Don't even bother getting the keys out of the ignition. With any luck, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are a trademark. 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.

Locals in South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

There is no shortage of that quintessential Southern hospitality in Tennessee; the locals there are friendly and excited to show visitors around. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why Texas is widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

As for the most welcoming state in the Union, it is The people of Minnesota are so welcoming that the state ranks first. You'll quickly learn why the state earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice": the friendly people of the Twin Cities and beyond go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home.