The 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

The locals (especially those in the upstate) may come off as rude at New York City may seem overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll see that each of the five boroughs offers a diverse range of 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 this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Even though the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Are our readers predisposed to view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a bore? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

While residents of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, their lack of interest in interacting with tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to merely a temporary resident, can take years.

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 station attendant, however, will pump your gas for you.

While Washington state consistently places high on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. The people of Seattle are not rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's the deluge of rain that has been falling recently.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, full of devoted citizens who take great pride in their home. While this is a positive trait, it is often misunderstood by strangers as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, the state in which Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. Compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to help a complete stranger.

Given that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States, Florida has its work cut out for it. 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.

Your status as an outsider is likely to persist regardless of how long you've lived in Rhode Island if you weren't born and raised there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the magazine's "friendly scale." Neighborhood cashiers are friendlier in smaller towns, but in general, don't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of our paper disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. In contrast to the hectic pace of the big city, life in a smaller metropolis tends

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are generally chill. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. I wouldn't say that at all People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly. Despite the state's lack of cultural vitality, residents still manage to pull together for occasional open mike nights and other community events.

Even though Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, welcoming tourists is a major source of revenue, so locals are always happy to see visitors. In fact, with the exception of Alaska Natives, the vast majority of the locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. 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. Despite its vastness, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. Positive attitudes toward visitors and tourists are shared among the towns, and there is a lot of playful back and forth between them.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and warm. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C , and other major cities, make it a great place to live.

Making new friends in Vermont is simple because its residents are warm and welcoming. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to help with any needs. Even though 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.

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 the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large U.S. cities for the LGBTQ community.

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. It's right in front of you when you walk in.

Visitors to the United States will find West Virginians to be among the most warm and friendly they encounter. The relaxed rhythms of daily life help create a friendly environment. West Virginians feel safe from the outside world thanks to the state's fortifying mountain range.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "how are you" and "how are you doing" greetings in passing. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce from the side of the road who are happy to talk about their wares.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. People here 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. Given its welcoming nature toward strangers, it is a lively and engaging place to spend some time with friends and strangers alike. 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; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country. 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. People from North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

Oregon is well known as a state where people are nice to strangers The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. The state is the most pet-friendly in the country, so Fido is guaranteed to fit right in.

When it comes to Southern hospitality, Mississippi is hard to beat. Most visitors to Mississippi are pleasantly surprised by the state's warm and welcoming culture. Once you stop trying to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you've always been there.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. Because there is no pretense here, they are genuine in their friendliness and genuine interest in the perspectives of total strangers.

Everyone in Alabama is nice if you are nice to them. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. Some random person will hold the door open for you, and others will offer to help you carry your groceries out 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. People in this region are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll 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.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but that's not the case. 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 good chance a friendly local will assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. Additionally, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you have it.

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 such as Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. The citizens of Georgia were highly regarded by Big 7 Travel readers.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. 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.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. Chicago is arguably more welcoming to tourists than New York City. 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. People are always pitching in to help one another, and there's a real 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.

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.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the region. Locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many events and attractions geared specifically toward children.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors can expect to be treated like royalty. This place is famous 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. These folks are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They treat visitors with the same warmth and hospitality as locals.

Being prepared to strike up a conversation with complete strangers is a must when visiting Kansas, a state known for its hospitable locals and tourists alike. Locals' warm welcome of visitors is one of the state's many attractive features.

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 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.

Residents of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help those in need. 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.

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. The car keys are still in the ignition. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Native Texans are very friendly, and they frequently say "Howdy" to visitors. Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have assured its place among the friendliest U.S. states. The locals in its big cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

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 has all the warmth and friendliness that the South is famous for.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

And the winner is among the most welcoming American states The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas exude a genuine friendliness and hospitality that are hard to find elsewhere.