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 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 people will treat you well. That may bode well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, but it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

It's true that Delaware is a relatively small state, and that it only takes about 90 minutes to drive across the entire state. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Tragically, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general lack of friendliness towards visitors can be wearing. 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.

At times, the Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And according to the results of this poll, that's unquestionably the situation The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will at least pump your gas for you.

The Evergreen State may place highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human residents are another story. It's not that people in Seattle are rude per se, but rather that they give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

The Granite State is beautiful, with fiercely proud locals who love where they’re from However, this sense of pride can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. It can be challenging to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. It's true that Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, but neighborly cities like Reno offer a more pleasant alternative. Locals in Nevada, on the whole, are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, what with Miami consistently ranking 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.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. The residents of Rhode Island weren't high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. 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. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are generally chill. 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 tend to be friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and polite demeanor. In any case Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

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. And if they don't, they're not exactly rude if they choose to ignore you.

You won't believe how welcoming and kind Montanans are until you've visited. Despite its vastness, the whole state has the feel of a single large town. Nobody will invite you over for tea, but they're still pleasant. The townspeople joke and tease each other in a lighthearted manner, and they welcome visitors with open arms.

Incorporating more and more people of different backgrounds into Virginia's already warm and inviting culture. Culture-rich Washington, D.C., may come across as conservative and wary to outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. It may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The locals in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help. Even while waiting at a red light, people will often greet one another in the aisles of a Walmart or the parking lot. One of the best things about the 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, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. Upon entering, you'll immediately notice this.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most helpful people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. Those who choose to live here enjoy a relaxed tempo of life that fosters 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 rugged mountains.

People in Iowa have a reputation for being friendly and helpful, often stopping to say hello to people they don't know on the street and waving as they pass by. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and roadside farmers who are eager to chat about their delicious wares.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. In general, the locals here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. There are plenty of bars in Baltimore where you can meet some of your new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

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. As a whole, the community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

People in Oregon are known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors. Even though Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, the people there are nice (I swear). It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The warmth and hospitality of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. The locals 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."

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a detailed account of their entire lives. No pretenses, just genuine kindness and interest in one another among strangers.

In Alabama, if you're a nice person, everyone will be nice to you. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. Simply out of a desire to be helpful, total strangers will open doors for you and assist you with your purchases all the way 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 epitome of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll meet friendly people in Kentucky. 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 their bags and head to the Bluegrass State.

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. According to our poll, people are more likely to help complete strangers if they see them featured. Look lost Most likely, a friendly local will offer assistance.

When visiting New Mexico, you can count on finding welcoming locals in almost any municipality. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Also, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT people in 2018. So there you go.

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, it is not difficult to make new friends. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it 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 way. 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. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

Some of the friendliest people you'll encounter in the United States are from Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Becoming proficient in the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

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.

There is no better representation of good manners and genuine friendliness towards strangers than Ohio. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many things to do here that are geared toward younger visitors.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. It is celebrated worldwide for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet will greet you with a smile here in paradise, so it must be good for the spirit to live here.

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. They’re equally nice to visitors, too

Travelers 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 of the locals toward visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

This state has some of the friendliest people in the world and a progressive environment that makes for a great vacation. It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting things to do, and will have you feeling more at home in no time. 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 "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make it a lively and exciting destination. Even in large cities, it's not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something like unsticking your car from snow or carrying your groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

People in Texas are very friendly and often say "Howdy" to strangers. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the United States is due in no small part to the fact that people are generally nice there. 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 has all the warmth and friendliness that the South is famous for.

Typical of the South, Tennesseans are friendly 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 the friendliest states in the United States.

And the winner out of all the friendliest states in America The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home.