The 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could If you can make it through the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll be rewarded with a community feel in one of New York City's many culturally diverse boroughs. Don't block the sidewalk or cause traffic delays by taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're a local in Arkansas, the locals will treat you like family. Arkansas locals have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming, but this can leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

You can drive across the entire state of Delaware in under an hour, but that doesn't make it any more neighborly. Is it that our readers' perception of Delaware as unwelcoming stems from the state's (possibly exaggerated) image as dull? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

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 be on the list of friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. Long stretches of time are required before you are recognized as a bona fide Bostonian rather than a temporary resident.

Jersey residents' demeanor is sometimes misunderstood as rudeness. Indeed, according to the results of this poll, that is the situation The state's residents are known for being bold and forthright. Although the (likely) unfriendly station attendant will pump your gas, at least it's convenient!

While Washington state often places highly 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" atmosphere, which has earned it 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. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be challenging to make friends among the locals here, what with their stubborn natures and the small population.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. It's true that Las Vegas can be a rough place to visit, but other cities, like Reno, offer a more relaxed atmosphere. It's safe to say that most Nevadans wouldn't go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

When you consider that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States, you can see that 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 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. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, readers gave Rhode Islanders a low score on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn'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 making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Casual lifestyles prevail in smaller urban centers.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're usually chill. 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.

Residents of the state of Connecticut are friendly and polite, but not overly outgoing. It's not that People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will always open doors for you and greet you with a friendly hello. The state may not be the most culturally active, but its residents still find ways to come together through things like open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Though Alaska is remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. It's safe to say that, with the exception of 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, but in either case, they are not rude.

You won't believe how welcoming and friendly everyone in Montana is. In spite of its considerable size, 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. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to 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 city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities make it a promising location to live in

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to meet new friends. Locals will go above and beyond to assist tourists because the industry is so important to the economy. 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 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.

Famously warm and welcoming, Utahns will make you feel right at home. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

Our readership seems to agree that people are drawn to Maine because of its low crime rate and generally welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are known for their friendliness and openness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are known for being some of the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. Since West Virginia is largely isolated from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, its residents tend to stick together.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday settings. It's the kind of place where the cashier always has a smile on their face, the roadside farmers brag about their delicious produce, and everyone knows your name.

People in Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be tough to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

Maryland has a large population and a wide range of cultural traditions, making it one of the most culturally diverse states in the country. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly 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; 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. A connection to the Packers is possible.

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

The people of Oregon are widely known for their friendliness toward 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 endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. Visitors are often taken aback by the warm welcome they receive in Mississippi. Once you refrain from ranting about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you always belonged there.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. There is no pretense or false friendliness here; people are genuinely kind and curious to hear from total strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking towns in South Dakota populated by engaged and welcoming locals. People will casually strike up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the largest cities. Those who live here are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

The people of Kentucky, no matter who they are or where they're from, are always pleasant. Everyone, native or visitor, is welcomed with open arms by the friendly locals. A certain kind of friendliness unique to Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading here tomorrow.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are friendlier than you might expect. Indeed, the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; 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 There is a good chance that a friendly local will assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It is culturally rich and has a relaxed atmosphere. Also, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT people in 2018. In any case, there it is.

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is home to a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it is not difficult to make new friends. Many of the readers of Big 7 Travel praised Georgia.

There is a common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The people of Idaho are as friendly and welcoming as they are famously depicted to be.

Locationally, Illinois is right in the middle of the Midwest, and its people are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the country's safest cities, as ranked by the website Neighborhood Scout.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Master the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel, and you'll blend in just like a native.

Even though the area has had a rough go of it recently due to natural disasters, the locals will do anything they can to make you feel at home. Louisiana is home to a diverse population of people of many different ethnic backgrounds, but they all share a commitment to making their state a welcoming and enjoyable destination for visitors.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of the Ohioans are legendary throughout 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, making this an ideal destination for families.

The hospitality industry in Hawaii is highly developed due to the state's strong focus on tourism. The "Aloha Spirit" is a hallmark of Hawaii. 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. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. In addition to being welcoming to locals, they extend the same warmth to tourists.

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 warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is what makes their state so special.

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.

Hoosier residents take great pride in their "Hoosier hospitality," which is known nationally. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. A single trip to Indiana will convince you that it is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. 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. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, it will arrive undamaged.

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. Its locals will welcome you with open arms and bring a sense of small-town friendliness to its big cities.

South Carolinians are known for their warm hospitality, which is one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warm welcome with gusto.

In Tennessee, the friendly, outgoing, and helpful locals are in full Southern hospitality mode, eager to welcome and entertain visitors. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of the most welcoming states in the United States.

As for the most welcoming state in the Union, it is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" because the state's capital and surrounding areas exude a warm, welcoming vibe that is hard to find elsewhere.