The 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

Upon first impression, locals (especially those from 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 itself is a melting pot of many cultures. Avoid holding up traffic by taking Instagram photos while strolling aimlessly on the sidewalk.

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? In a sad twist of fate, it's considered 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 going to make the list of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. For that matter, it takes some time to earn the respect of longtime Bostonians and become a bona fide resident.

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 be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. The people of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a certain "polite but unfriendly" air about them, hence the nickname "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 and their home. The problem is that this sense of pride is often 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, home of Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. Reno and other nearby cities are more welcoming than Las Vegas, which can have a cutthroat atmosphere. 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. Though Orlando and its tourist-friendly initiatives are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island all your 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." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as the rest of the country would like to believe. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Relaxed lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

To be sure, Arizona doesn't have the outward warmth of the South, but its residents are generally chill. When waiting in line, it's the type of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. In any case Though New Englanders may have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. Even though it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able to come 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. Almost everyone in this city, with the exception of Alaska Natives, is a transplant who has experienced life as a newcomer. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case they are not rude.

It will come as a pleasant surprise to you how welcoming and friendly people in Montana are. Despite its large size, 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.

As the state's population becomes more ethnically and racially diverse, it becomes even more welcoming and friendly. Washington, D.C., is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, the area is a great place to live.

Making new friends in Vermont is simple because its residents are warm and welcoming. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. While it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

People in North Carolina are generally polite, helpful, and welcoming. 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. A distinctive feature of the state is the large number of people who hail from different parts of the country.

The locals in Utah are known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming big cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it's a wonderful place to live.

Our readers agree that Maine is a great place to settle down because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. Most people in New England are known to be shy and reserved, but Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most hospitable people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. Living here is relaxed, which 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 is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

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. In general, the locals here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

In addition to having a high population density, Maryland also features a culturally rich population. As a result 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 shining example of the best of the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. Considering Green Bay's status as one of the United States' happiest cities, its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. Can the Packers be to blame?

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. People in North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful, often without any sort of payment or reward being expected 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. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is an attractive state that exudes plenty of traditional Southern warmth. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. 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. Not only are they friendly, but they also genuinely care about what complete strangers have to say.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow this 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. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

Whatever the situation, you'll find that Kentuckians are friendly. 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.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. In fact, the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason: the locals here are among the friendliest people you'll ever meet. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

It's typical of New Mexico to find welcoming locals in even the smallest communities. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide range of cultural influences. Not only that, but two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it onto the Top 20 Cities list this year! That sums it up

A town of only 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 areas. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. It seems that Big 7 travelers enjoyed their time in Georgia.

It's been said many times, but our readers overwhelmingly agreed: Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying way. Idaho's reputation for friendliness and openness to strangers is well-deserved.

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 the more welcoming destination. According to Neighborhood Scout, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a relatively pleasant state to visit.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. There's a real sense of community here, with people pitching in to help one another. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Recent natural disasters haven't stopped locals from making visitors feel at home here, however. 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.

State of Ohio is a model of Midwestern civility and genuine goodwill toward neighbors. 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, as there are many things to do there that are geared toward children.

Travelers to Hawaii will find exceptional hospitality thanks to the state's dedication to the industry. It is celebrated worldwide for its "Aloha Spirit." 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. They are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Guests are treated with the same warmth and hospitality.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous Kansas friendliness, so strike up a conversation with seemingly anyone you come across. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

With its progressive culture and welcoming locals, Colorado is a great vacation destination. It's great for families, is relatively risk-free, and has so much history and tradition 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.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive demeanor and a humorous outlook. Indiana is more than a "fly over" state, and after just one visit, you'll feel a special connection to it.

Despite Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make it a delight to visit. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. You should just leave the car unlocked. Most likely, everything will 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 people of its big cities will make you feel right at home, as if you'd traveled to one of the smaller towns in the region.

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

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited 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 most welcoming states.

In addition, the most welcoming state in the United States is Top honors go to Minnesota, whose residents are known for being among the friendliest in the country. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.