The 50 Friendliest States In The U.S.

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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 while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. 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 covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? The bad news is that it's one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

While most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America if its residents are known for ignoring each other. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years of hard work.

New Jerseyans' demeanor is sometimes misunderstood as rudeness. And according to the results of this poll, that's unquestionably the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Even though Washington state consistently performs well on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it fares much worse when it comes to its human inhabitants. While Seattleites aren't outright rude, they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe (hence the "Seattle freeze"). Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. But that pride is often misunderstood as arrogance by those on the outside. Getting along with the locals can be challenging due to their stubbornness, and the area's sparse rural population.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. In general, Nevadans are not 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. Tourist-friendly initiatives in places like Orlando are greatly enhancing the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before it is widely recognized.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Neighborhood cashiers are friendlier in smaller towns, but in general, don't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Towns and villages have a more relaxed vibe.

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.

Locals in the Constitution State are courteous, unassuming, and pleasant overall, but they'll go out of their way to make you feel Not really Although New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will always open doors for you and greet you with a friendly hello. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage 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. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They might not respond to you at all, which is not rude, or they might.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. Despite how nice they are, you won't be invited over 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 newcomers. C with other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for their openness and friendliness, making it a state where it's simple to meet new people. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

North Carolinians, in general, are polite, helpful, and welcoming. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warmth and hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and lively places to live in America, and it is also considered one of the most welcoming places for LGBTQ people among the nation's largest cities.

Our readers seem to agree that the low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers contribute to the state's popularity as a relocation destination. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are known for their friendliness and openness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

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. 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.

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. There's a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

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. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. Making new best friends in a Baltimore bar is a breeze.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the middle of the country, populated by friendly people with a strong sense of community and a positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. What role, if any, could the Packers play in this?

This is one of the least-populated and visited states in America, but it’s certainly nothing to do with its great locals People from North Dakota are friendly and helpful, and they don't expect anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

It is common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. As the most pet-friendly state in the USA, your dog is guaranteed a warm welcome.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The warmth and hospitality of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you refrain from ranting about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you always belonged there.

Even before you've had the chance to say "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a lengthy recounting of their personal histories. They're genuine in their friendliness, and they seem to enjoy hearing from total strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. For no other reason than to be friendly, total strangers will do things like hold the door open and 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 will strike up conversations with complete strangers on the street, even in the largest cities, discussing anything from the weather to the latest football game. This town is the epitome of "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. People from other states will be envious of the warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities whose reputations as friendly places to live may not be what you'd expect at first glance. Residents are so warm and welcoming that the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost In most cases, a friendly local will offer assistance.

You can count on meeting pleasant locals in just about any town in New Mexico. The atmosphere is chill and the range of cultures represented is impressive. Also, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT people in 2018. You now have the full picture

With only ten people, 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 major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, forming meaningful relationships with 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. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. When compared 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 can be found in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

It's true what they say about Nebraskans: they're some of the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. There's a genuine sense of community here, with people constantly pitching in to help one another out. If you can master the 'one finger' wave while driving, you'll blend in 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 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. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

With Hawaii's strong emphasis on tourism, guests are well taken care of in every aspect of their stay. Those who visit praise its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly wave and a positive attitude suggests that there must be some psychological benefit to living in paradise.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals here are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. The hospitality they show locals extends to strangers.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be prepared to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

People in Colorado are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet, and the state itself has a progressive vibe that makes for a great vacation. It's great for families, is very secure, and has so much history and culture that tourists quickly begin to feel at home. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Indiana residents take great pride in their famously generous "Hoosier hospitality," which is known worldwide. The locals are friendly and humorous. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

It's true that Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state overall, but its residents are what really set the mood. In fact, even in the busiest of cities, it's not unusual for a complete stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. It's probably going to make it out unscathed.

People in Texas are always upbeat and ready to say "Howdy" to anyone passing by. Its welcoming people "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the friendliest states in the United States. 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.

To the fullest extent, Tennessee embodies the quintessential Southern character, with friendly, outgoing locals who are eager to share their state with visitors. One of the most welcoming states in America, thanks in large part to its thriving music scene.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas exude a genuine friendliness and hospitality that are hard to find elsewhere.