The 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

When you first arrive, locals (especially those in the countryside) may ), but it's a fascinating cultural crossroads, and if you can make it through the initial shock, you'll find that the neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs of New York City have a strong sense of community. Please don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

For those who call Arkansas home, the welcome mat is always out. The friendly atmosphere in Arkansas is great, but it may make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong there.

A person can drive across the entire state of Delaware in under an hour, but that doesn't make it any more neighborly. Can it be that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? This is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, unfortunately.

In general, locals in MA aren't rude to tourists, but their indifference 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. Becoming a full-fledged resident of Boston rather than viewed as a temporary visitor can take years.

Sometimes, the Jersey way of life is misunderstood as rudeness. According to the results of this poll, that appears to be the case. Jersey natives are notoriously forthright. Even if the gas station attendant is rude, at least they'll pump your gas.

Despite Washington's perennially high standing on lists of the most environmentally-friendly states, the state's human population is a different story. People in Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but there is a distinct "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned the city the nickname "Seattle freeze." Perhaps the precipitation has played a role.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their home. 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, home to "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. Locals in the state of Nevada, on the whole, are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

The state of 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. 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.

People who aren't native Rhode Islanders have a difficult time accepting those who moved there as friends or family. Rhode Islanders scored low on Big 7 Travel readers' "friendly scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

It's a common misconception that Californians are a friendly bunch, but our readers beg to differ. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. In fact, the city has an air of indifference that occasionally crosses the line into rudeness. More relaxed lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. In the waiting area, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. There's a pleasant lack of concern for other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. However, that's not the case Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. 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.

Alaskans are always happy to meet new people, despite the state's relative isolation, because the tourism industry is so important to the state's economy. Other than Alaska Natives, most of the locals here have been transplants at some point in their lives. 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. Though large, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's growing diversity is making the state's already warm and inviting culture even more so. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. 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. 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.

The locals in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease. It is widely acknowledged that Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community.

The low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers have made this state a favorite among our readers. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. When you first step foot here, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here helps create 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.

The people of Iowa are known for their friendliness and politeness; it's common to see them greet complete strangers as they pass one another on the street and even wave. There is a genuine sense of community, from the friendly faces of the cashiers to the stories of the farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

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. People here have a great sense of humor, are laid back and polite, and are typical of the Midwest.

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. 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, polite citizens who value their communities and enjoy life. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Could the Packers be involved in any way?

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.

Many people know Oregon as a state where residents are friendly toward those they have never met. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. You can bring your dog along because it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

The state of Mississippi is absolutely lovely, full of warm hospitality and delicious Southern cuisine. The friendliness of the locals is often a pleasant surprise for visitors to Mississippi. Once you stop bragging about how great it is "up North" to the natives, they will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Alabama is a state full of nice people, and if you treat them with kindness, they will treat you with kindness. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. It's amazing how many strangers go out of their way to help you, from holding the door open to assisting you with your groceries as you make your way to your car.

South Dakota is home to many progressive, forward-thinking towns populated by involved, helpful locals. People will casually strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. These folks are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you will 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. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; locals truly are friendly. According to our poll, people are more likely to help complete strangers if they see them featured. Look lost In most cases, a friendly local will offer assistance.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. The atmosphere is chill and the range of cultures represented is impressive. As an added bonus, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. Finally, you have it

There are ten people living there. With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Here, even in major metropolises like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. 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 outsiders.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

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

After a period of turmoil caused by natural disasters, the locals here still go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, but its residents all share a commitment to making their home state one of the most welcoming and 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.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors are treated like royalty. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone here seems happy all the time, so it's safe to assume that paradise does something good for the spirit.

This is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and it's not just because Oklahoma City is called "The Big Friendly." The locals here are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Visitors 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 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, there's lots to do, and newcomers will quickly feel at home among the friendly locals and fascinating history. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers are famously helpful and friendly to visitors, earning the state's nickname of "Hoosier Hospitality." The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. If you think of Indiana as a "fly over" state, think again.

It's true that Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state overall, but its residents are what really set the mood. Even in the largest of cities, it is 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. Lock your keys in the car. I think it will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. Locals in its big 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.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm in full swing, with residents who are vivacious 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.

Among the states in the United States, which one do residents rate as the friendliest? People in Minnesota are known for being some of the friendliest in the country. There's a reason why the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting, friendly demeanor that's hard to find elsewhere.