The 50 Friendliest States In The U.S.

At first glance, locals (especially upstate) could come off as rude. 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 Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. While that’s all well and good for Arkansas residents and their good neighbourly vibes, it can mean that visitors might feel like they don’t quite fit in and are 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? It is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, which is a shame.

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. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. The results of this poll seem to back up that conclusion. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker at least pumps your gas for you.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. The locals aren't exactly rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, which has earned the city the nickname "Seattle Freeze." Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

The people of New Hampshire are fiercely proud of their state and its beauty. However, this sense of pride is sometimes 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, the site of the infamous city of Las Vegas, is a state of striking contrasts. Reno and other nearby cities are more welcoming than Las Vegas, which can have a cutthroat atmosphere. 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 if Miami is viewed as one of the least friendly 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. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." While the local cashier is more likely to smile at you in a smaller neighborhood, they won't exactly be smiling at you in any case.

The Golden State's residents may think of themselves as sociable, but our readers beg to differ. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Less hectic lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

Unlike in the South, where friendliness is often a defining characteristic, locals in Arizona tend to be pretty chill about things. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. As a whole, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. No, not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but 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 have fun and get together at open mike nights and other community events.

Though Alaska is 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 may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

If you've never been to Montana before, prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the friendliness and hospitality of its residents. Despite its massive size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. There's no chance of being invited over for tea, but these people are pleasant enough. Between cities, there is friendly banter, with an upbeat outlook on visitors.

Virginia's growing diversity is making the state even more hospitable and inviting to newcomers. DC is a cultural mecca, but some may view the area as conservative and wary of outsiders. C to other major cities, which makes it a great place to live.

Because of the welcoming nature of Vermonters, 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.

North Carolinians, in general, are polite, helpful, and welcoming. Wherever two people are in close proximity, they will inevitably exchange "hi's," whether they're in Walmart, the parking lot, or waiting for a red light to change. An attractive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

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 also has a wonderful social scene.

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 counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. It's right in front of you when you walk in.

Some of the warmest and most friendly people you'll encounter in your travels across the United States will be West Virginians. This laid-back lifestyle creates a friendly environment. The state of West Virginia is characterized by a tight-knit community due in part to the state's natural barrier of mountains.

Waving at and saying "hello" to strangers on the street is commonplace in Iowa, contributing to the state's reputation for friendliness. People are friendly and helpful (even the cashiers), and you can buy fresh produce directly from farmers along the road.

While most Michiganders like to think of themselves as hospitable, those in Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be tough. 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. The welcoming atmosphere and abundance of people make it a great destination for a fun outing or social gathering. 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, with its friendly and welcoming citizens known for their strong sense of community and positive outlook on life. As one of the United States' happiest cities, Green Bay's residents are naturally friendly. Was it possibly related to the Packers?

Despite its great people, this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

The people of Oregon are widely known for their friendliness toward total strangers. Portland's hipsters may be difficult to integrate into mainstream culture, but I promise they're cool once you do. 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. It's common for visitors to Mississippi to be pleasantly surprised by the state's warm welcome from locals. Friendly locals will make you feel at home immediately, as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with 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 just follow that one simple rule. 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.

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 biggest cities, discussing anything from the weather to the latest football game. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

People in Kentucky are generally pleasant no matter what. 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.

It's not obvious at first glance that cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are warm and welcoming. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Almost everywhere you go in New Mexico, you'll find friendly locals. In a nutshell, it's chill and incredibly multi-ethnic. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

A town of only 10 people This southern state has a population of 3 million, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. The state is home to both rural and urban areas. 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.

The people of Idaho have been voted the friendliest in the country, confirming what you've probably heard from others. People are genuinely nice here, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. For international visitors, Chicago is second only to New York City in terms of its tourist friendliness. 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. All around you, you'll find people pitching in to help each other out, giving off a palpable sense of community. Acquiring the skill of the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

Residents here make every effort to make visitors feel at home, despite the city's recent history of natural disasters. Louisianans may come from many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to what makes the state one of the friendliest and best places to live 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 bar to visitors. As a bonus, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it an ideal destination for families.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. "Aloha spirit" is a trademark of Hawaii. 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," is appropriately named. There is a constant desire to strike up a conversation, and the people here will always look out for their own. Visitors can expect the same warm reception.

The famous friendliness of Kansans may surprise visitors from other states, so visitors 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 history, and will soon have you feeling like a native. The warmth of this place is something you can feel the moment you arrive, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. 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.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Large urban areas still have a strong sense of community; it's not unusual for a stranger to help you carry groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't bother getting out of the car. In all likelihood, everything will be fine.

Howdy's and other friendly Texans' demeanor. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. People in its big cities are friendly and helpful, like those in any small town.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and this is one of the reasons the state is so popular as a vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm welcome and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

It's easy to see that Tennessee is brimming with that classic Southern charm; the locals there have a positive, upbeat vibe and are eager to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in its vibrant 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 so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.