States that rank among the top 50 for friendliness in the United States

At first, locals (especially upstate) might come across as a bit brusque. 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 get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from there, or at least a native Arkansan, you'll find that Arkansans are among the friendliest people in the country. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be traversed in under an hour and a half by car, its size should not be mistaken for neighborliness. How much of our readers' negative impressions of Delaware come from the state's (possibly exaggerated) reputation as boring? Regrettably, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Massachusetts residents are not necessarily rude, but their indifference to visitors can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to an outsider, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. That appears to be the case, at least according to this survey. People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright and bold. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. Though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, earning the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." 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. As a rural area with a stubborn local population, this can be a challenge.

Las Vegas, Nevada is in 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.

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.

Most people who weren't raised in Rhode Island have a hard time accepting those who weren't born and raised there. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders don't rate very high on the "friendliness scale." 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.

Readers of this publication disagree with the common belief that Californians are exceptionally sociable. 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 that you won't mind if you drop in. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. More than anything, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Locals may have a reputation for coldness, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you visit New England. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, its residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other gatherings.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so 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 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. Although large, the entire state has the feel of a large town. People are nice, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness.

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 the surrounding metropolitan areas make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. Given the region's reliance on tourism, residents are generally eager to accommodate tourists. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. You can hear a "hi" in the most unlikely places, such as the grocery store, the parking lot, or even while waiting for a red light to turn green. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

As Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

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 friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are known for being some of the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. 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.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "how are you" and "how are you doing" greetings in passing. There's a genuine sense of community there, 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, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

When it comes to population density, Maryland ranks high, and the state is also rich in cultural diversity. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it is a lively and engaging place to spend some time 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. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

A lack of residents and tourists has nothing to do with the quality of life in this state's communities, despite the fact that it is one of the least populated and visited in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. In terms of community, the state received overwhelmingly positive ratings from our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. That dog of yours will be just as welcome here as it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

Mississippi is a beautiful state bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors from elsewhere. 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 resident of Missouri will launch into a lengthy account of his or her life. Without any pretense, they are friendly and genuinely curious to hear from total strangers.

All the people you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the US if you follow that simple rule. Just to be nice, random people will hold the door open for you and assist you with your groceries as you walk out 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. Midwest nice is practically a synonym for the people who live here.

You'll find that Kentuckians are genuinely pleasant no matter what brings you there. 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.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" isn't just a cliche; the people here are genuinely warm and helpful. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Every town in New Mexico has friendly locals. There is a wide variety of people and cultures to experience. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

At a paltry 10 people, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities, but its residents are warm and welcoming no matter where you go. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. The citizens of Georgia were deemed to be quite delightful by Big 7 Travel readers.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The people of Idaho are as friendly and open as they are famously described.

Illinois is smack dab in the middle of the Midwest and is home to some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

Some of the friendliest people you'll encounter in the United States are from Nebraska. A sense of community characterized by people helping each other out can be found virtually anywhere you look. If you can master the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel, you'll feel like a true native.

The locals here will do anything to make you feel at home, despite the city's recent history of natural disasters. Louisiana is home to people of many different cultures, but they all share the trait of making their state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

If you want to see good manners and a genuine interest in others in action, look no further than Ohio. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. It's also fantastic for families because there are so many things to do there that cater specifically to children.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. It has a reputation for being filled with "Aloha Spirit." Everyone here seems happy all the time, so it's safe to assume that paradise does something good for the spirit.

One of the friendliest states in the USA, Oklahoma City deserves its moniker "The Big Friendly." The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. In addition to being welcoming to locals, they extend the same warmth to tourists.

Visitors from other states may be surprised by the famous Kansas friendliness, so strike up conversations with seemingly anyone you come across. 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. Guests quickly begin to feel like natives in this secure and family-friendly destination rich in history and tradition. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers in the state of Indiana are known far and wide for their generous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to make others' experiences better. The locals have a positive disposition and a humorous outlook. Even if you've only ever thought of Indiana as a "fly over" state, you should definitely make the trip.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large urban areas, it is not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as unsticking your car from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Assuming all goes well, it should be fine.

Locals in Texas are always upbeat and ready to say "Howdy" to anyone passing by. Its reputation as one of the friendliest states in the United States is due in no small part to the fact that people are generally nice wherever you go. Locals in its big cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are very warm and friendly, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has the warm hospitality and generous people for which the South is famous in abundance.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm in full swing, with residents who are vivacious and eager to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in its thriving music industry, it's easy to see why this is one of the most welcoming states in the United States.

The most welcoming state in the United States is Minnesotans are the friendliest in the nation. 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.