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 as a whole is a vibrant melting pot of cultures. If you must take pictures for Instagram while standing in the street, please do so quickly so as not to impede traffic.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. 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 state of Delaware is so small that it can be crossed in 90 minutes by car, but its size doesn't necessarily equate to neighborliness. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? A sad reality is that it is one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

In general, locals in MA aren't rude to tourists, but their indifference can be wearing. To say that Massachusetts has a reputation for being unfriendly is an understatement. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come off as rude. According to the results of this poll, that appears to be the case. Jersey natives are notoriously forthright. Nevertheless, at least the (possibly unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of eco-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. Unfortunately, this sense of pride is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of extremes. It's true that Las Vegas can be a rough place to visit, but other cities, like Reno, offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Individual Nevadans may not go out of their way to assist a stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami continues to be ranked as one of the least friendly cities in America. 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. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders aren't particularly hospitable. Although the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, they won't exactly go out of their way to make your day.

It's a common misconception that Californians are a friendly bunch, but our readers beg to differ. The people of Los Angeles aren't exactly the friendliest, and the city has a reputation for being unwelcoming to visitors. Compared to larger cities, those in the countryside tend to have a more relaxed vibe.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but its locals are chill enough to overlook this. In the waiting area, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. There's a pleasant lack of concern for other people's feelings.

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. 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. To the contrary, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of the locals are immigrants who have experienced life as a newcomer at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

People in Montana will surprise you with their friendliness and hospitality. Despite its vastness, the whole state feels more like a large village. There's no chance of being invited over for tea, but these people are pleasant enough. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state's already warm and inviting culture even more so. Washington, DC is a cultural mecca, but some may view the area as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, it's an attractive location.

As a result of Vermonters' warm and welcoming nature, making new friends is a breeze. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Though the locals of a small Vermont town may take some time to warm up to newcomers, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

People in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and locals. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." The diversity of its residents is one of the state's most notable features.

Those who live in Utah are known for their warm hospitality, so you will quickly feel at home here. 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. 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. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. In West Virginia, the community is tight-knit because the state's mountains serve as a buffer between the state and the rest of the country.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a hello whenever they pass one another on the street. It's the kind of place where the cashier always has a smile on their face, the roadside farmers brag about their delicious produce, and everyone knows your name.

While the people of Michigan would like to believe that they are a welcoming and sociable lot, those living in Detroit and Ann Arbor, in particular, can be difficult to get along with. There is a good sense of humor and a laid-back, polite Midwestern attitude among the locals.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. As a result of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and exciting place to hang out with friends. 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; 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. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

There's no reason to believe that the state's low population and low tourism numbers are due to the quality of its residents. Folks from North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful, often without any sort of payment or reward being expected. An overwhelming majority of you, our readers, gave the state high marks for its friendly locals.

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. Sure, it may be difficult to break into Portland's hipster scene, but the people there are nice (I swear!). It’s also the most pet-friendly state in America, so your pooch will be welcome here too

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. Mississippians are known for their warm hospitality, which often surprises visitors. 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 Missourian will launch into an epic monologue about their life experiences. There is no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in one another.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you obey this simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

Many towns and cities in South Dakota are progressive and full of involved and pleasant residents. People will casually strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. They are the epitome 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. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Though cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," that is exactly what they are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. When asked how helpful random people are, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost Chances are a good-natured local will help you out

There are welcoming locals in almost every community across New Mexico. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people You now have the full picture

With only ten people, There are 3 million people in this state in the southern United States, and while they may live in one of the many different types of neighborhoods, they are all very welcoming. 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.

You'll hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country, and our readers agree. In contrast to other places, the locals here are genuinely warm and welcoming. When it comes to welcoming visitors, Idaho more than lives up to its reputation.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the United States, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. It's also a pretty good state to visit: 19 of the safest cities in America are located in Illinois.

In the United States, you'll find some of the friendliest people in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, creating a strong sense of community. Once you master the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel, you'll feel like a true native.

Despite the recent natural disasters, the locals here will do anything 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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. A local's willingness to welcome visitors and tell them about his or her favorite restaurant or bar is a sure sign of a welcoming community. Additionally, it is a fantastic destination for families thanks to the abundance of fun things to do here that children will enjoy.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. As a result of its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained worldwide recognition. 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 the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," has earned that moniker for good reason. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as friendly to guests as they are to locals.

Kansas is known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so don't be surprised if you strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. The warmth of the locals toward visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

Having some of the friendliest people in the world, Colorado is a great place to visit thanks to its progressive culture. It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting history, and will have you feeling like a true native in no time. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

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 an excellent sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

People in Wyoming make it a lively and entertaining destination, despite the state's reputation for relative tranquility. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. The car keys are still in the ignition. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" I think it's safe to say that its reputation as one of the friendliest states in the United States has been solidified by the fact that it seems to be friendly 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, making the state a pleasant destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager 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.

What's more, the winner of the competition between the friendliest states in America is Superior customer service is what puts Minnesota on top. The Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals and numerous tourist-friendly attractions.