The 50 Friendliest States In The U.S.

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. You should not linger in the street or impede traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. In spite of the state of Arkansas's reputation for neighborly friendliness, some out-of-staters may feel they don't belong there.

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.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America if its residents are characterized by their tendency to ignore one another. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come off as extremely impolite. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be true. Individuals from the Garden State have a reputation for being bold and forthright. But at least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will fill up your tank.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-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 the constant precipitation.

It's a beautiful state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage and their home. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Locals tend to be unyielding, and the area's low population density and lack of urban centers can make it difficult to make new friends.

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. It's safe to say that most Nevadans wouldn't go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

The state of 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 image, 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. Rhode Islanders scored low on Big 7 Travel readers' "friendly scale." It's true that people in smaller communities are warmer to strangers, but don't expect a friendly face at the register anywhere.

Some people in California may have a rosy self-image, but our readers don't think so. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. Locals in smaller towns tend to take life a little easier.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. 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 welcome The answer is no. In spite of the region's reputation for coldness, you can count on a friendly greeting and a helping hand wherever you go. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, its residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other gatherings.

It's true that Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, but the state relies heavily on tourism, 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 in their lives. One of two things will happen; either that, or they will simply ignore you; in either case, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. In spite of its considerable size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. They're pleasant enough to interact with, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. The townspeople joke around with one another in a friendly manner, and they welcome visitors.

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 area as conservative and wary of newcomers. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. 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.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome to visitors. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about this 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 U.S. cities for the LGBTQ community.

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. Upon your arrival, you'll notice this right away.

Some of the warmest and most friendly people you'll encounter in your travels across the United States will be West Virginians. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. The state of West Virginia has a tight-knit community because the mountains serve as a buffer 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 "how are yous" and "hellos" in everyday situations. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road who will gladly tell you all about their delicious produce.

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. They have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it's a lively and friendly 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, with its friendly and polite citizens and their strong sense of community. Given that Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. 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. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

The citizens of Oregon have earned a reputation for being friendly toward those they have never met before. Getting in with Portland's hipsters may be difficult, but I promise you, they're cool. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

The state of Mississippi is incredibly endearing, full to bursting with sweet, authentic Southern culture. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to 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."

Some Missourians are so eager to share their lives with you that they'll do so before you've even said hello. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

To put it simply, if you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you just follow that one simple rule. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, such as holding the door open or carrying 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 about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. People in this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

You'll find that Kentuckians, regardless of their background or circumstances, are a friendly bunch. 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 convince anyone to pack up and move here tomorrow.

Although cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," you'll find that they are. 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 There is a decent person in the area who will probably offer assistance.

Every town in New Mexico has friendly locals. It's chill and full of different cultures. Moreover, two New Mexico cities were among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there it is.

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 larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it was great.

Numerous readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. There is a genuine friendliness among the locals, and it is not accompanied by intrusive small talk. When it comes to welcoming visitors, Idaho more than lives up to its reputation.

Locationally, Illinois is right in the middle of the Midwest, and its people are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet. Despite New York City's popularity among tourists, Chicago is often ranked higher. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

In the United States, you'll find some of the friendliest people in Nebraska. There's a real sense of community here, with people pitching in to help each other out. Practice waving with one finger while driving, and you'll soon feel 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 what makes the state one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor, making the Buckeye State a prime example of the Midwest ideal. The locals are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. Moreover, it's a fantastic destination for families thanks to the abundance of fun things to do here that children will love.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii has become internationally renowned. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly wave, so clearly paradise has some sort of healing effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in America, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. Locals are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. And they're 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. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is what makes their state so special.

The welcoming locals and progressive culture of Colorado make it a great vacation destination. It's great for families, there's a ton to do culturally, and vacationers will 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.

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 a great sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a passing state; it will forever hold a special place in your heart after just one visit.

The people of Wyoming are what really make this state exciting, even if it is a relatively quiet place. Even in major metropolitan areas, strangers will often help you out if you get stuck in the snow or need assistance carrying groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Friendly Texans always have a "Howdy" ready for you. 'everywhere you go' has undoubtedly contributed to its status as one of the friendliest states in the USA. People in its big cities are friendly and helpful, like those in any small town.

Famously warm and friendly, South Carolinians make for a pleasant visit. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm going strong, with residents who are buzzing with excitement and 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 winner among the most welcoming American states is Because of its residents' extraordinary friendliness, Minnesota has been ranked first. There is a reason why the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting, friendly demeanor that is hard to find elsewhere.