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

At first, locals (especially upstate) might come across as a little brusque. New York City may be overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll see 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 happen to be from Arkansas (emphasis on if), locals will treat you with respect. This may bode well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, but it may leave visitors with a sense of alienation and rejection.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Is it that our readers' perception of Delaware as unwelcoming stems from the state's (possibly exaggerated) image as dull? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Residents of Massachusetts aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference toward tourists can be off-putting. A tendency to ignore other people is hardly a quality that would rank Massachusetts among the friendliest states in America. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, 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 The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Washington state may consistently place high on lists of environmentally-friendly states, but this is not the case when considering its population. It's not that people in Seattle are rude per se, but rather that they give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a gorgeous state full of patriotic citizens. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from outside the community. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help matters.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. On the whole, Nevadans are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as 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.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. According to Big 7 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.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. Los Angeles is not exactly the City of Angels when it comes to making visitors feel at home. The locals can be cold and even rude to those they don't know. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

The people of Connecticut are friendly and outgoing despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Alaskans are happy to see visitors because the state relies so heavily on tourism, despite the state's remote location. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Although large, the entire state has the feel of a large town. Someone who won't invite you over for tea, but is nice all the same. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural hub, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities make it a great place to live

Making new friends in Vermont is simple because its residents are warm and welcoming. Travelers can expect the locals to go above and beyond to accommodate them. 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 welcome to visitors. Anyone can be approached with a "hi" in almost any public place, be it a Walmart, a parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. 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 here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it is a wonderful place to live.

Most of our readers agree that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. It's common knowledge that Mainers are friendly and outgoing compared to their New England counterparts, who are known for their reserved demeanor Once you get here, you'll notice this right away.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. West Virginia is a tight-knit community because the mountains serve as a natural barrier between the state and the rest of the country.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. A genuine sense of community permeates the area, as evidenced by the friendly service you'll receive from the cashiers and the eagerness of the roadside farmers to share their wares with you.

The people of Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

State of Maryland is highly populated and culturally diverse. Because 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 best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, populated by friendly people with a strong sense of community and a positive outlook. Green Bay ranks among the happiest cities in America, so its residents' natural disposition is one of friendliness. The Packers might have a role in this, 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. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. As a whole, the community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

Those in Oregon are known for their friendliness toward total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of the locals is often cited as a point of surprise for visitors to Mississippi. 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. There's no pretense or false friendliness here; people are genuinely kind and curious to hear from total strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow that rule, you'll soon discover that Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the Union. Just because they want to be helpful, strangers will hold the door open for you and assist you with your groceries as you make your way to your vehicle.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. People will 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."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. One encounter with a typical Kentuckian and you'll want to pack your bags and head to the Bluegrass State right away.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but that's not how it is at all. 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 Assume that a friendly local will lend a hand if you ask.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of cultural influences. Also, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT people in 2018. So there you go.

The town has a total of 10 residents. With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it's not hard to strike up conversations with strangers. There was widespread agreement among Big 7 travelers that Georgia was a pleasant destination.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. People are genuinely nice here, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho is as welcoming and friendly to visitors as its reputation suggests.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the United States' "Midwest," are known for their warmth and hospitality. As a top tourist destination in the United States, Chicago rivals New York City in popularity. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

Sweethearts abound in the state of Nebraska. Anywhere you look, you'll find people pitching in to help one another, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. You can pass for a true native if you just learn the "one finger" wave to use while driving.

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 the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable places to live in the United States.

Ohioans have impeccable manners and a genuine willingness to help one another, making the Buckeye State a shining example of the best of the Midwest. Tourists can confidently ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or drink, as the people living there are friendly and open. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Tourists in Hawaii are the top priority, so the state's reputation for warm hospitality is well-deserved. Those who visit praise its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, suggesting that paradise life has a positive effect on the human spirit.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital city for nothing; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Tourists 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.

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. No matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

People in Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help those in need. People in this area tend to be friendly and humorous. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Though Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. 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. Assuming all goes well, it should be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly contributed to its status as one of the friendliest states in the USA. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and the state is often cited as a top vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warmth and friendliness that has made the region 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 friendliest states.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country. 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.