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. Taking pictures for Instagram is fine, but not if it means blocking the sidewalk or making other drivers wait.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), you'll find the locals to be extremely welcoming. It's great that Arkansans have such welcoming neighbors, but some tourists may feel like outsiders if they don't feel like they fit in with the locals.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes of driving time, this does not necessarily make it a welcoming place to its neighbors. Why do some of our readers view Delaware negatively? Is it because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? A sad reality is that it is one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts one of the friendliest states in America is its tendency to ignore its citizens. Being a real Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, takes time.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And according to the results of this poll, that seems to be the case New Jersey residents are notoriously forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker at least pumps your gas for you.

Though Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. Though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, earning the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." It could be the precipitation, I suppose.

New Hampshire is a gorgeous state full of patriotic citizens. Yet, 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.

Vegas, Nevada is a state of extremes. Reno and other nearby cities are more welcoming than Las Vegas, which can have a cutthroat atmosphere. The general population of Nevada is not particularly friendly toward strangers.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as 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.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole 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.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. The pace of life tends to be slower in smaller towns.

While the locals in Arizona lack the Southerners' blatant friendliness, they are usually relaxed enough to not be a major distraction. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. An admirable lack of concern for the feelings of others.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. The answer is no. 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 happy to see visitors because the state relies so heavily on tourism, despite the state's remote location. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They'll either agree with you or ignore you; either way, they're not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. The townspeople joke around and welcome visitors with open arms.

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, it's a promising location.

Vermonters are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor, making it simple to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The locals here are very friendly and helpful because of the abundance of tourists. 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.

To a person, North Carolinians are pleasant, helpful, and welcoming. 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 here. 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.

A large majority of our readers agree that Maine is a great place to call home due to its low crime rate and welcoming community. New Englanders have a reputation for being withdrawn and reserved, but Mainers are friendly and outgoing. That's the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

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 creates an inviting ambiance. Since West Virginia is largely isolated from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, its residents tend to stick together.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting total strangers with a smile and a wave whenever they pass one another on the street. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road who are more than happy to tell you all about their delicious produce.

Many people outside of Michigan have the impression that Michiganders are a warm and welcoming people. However, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be difficult to get to know. They have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. Going out to a bar in Baltimore is a great way to meet new people and quickly become best friends with them.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Given that Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

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 community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. Portland's hipsters may be difficult to integrate into mainstream culture, but I promise they're cool once you do. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

In Mississippi, you can find all the charm and sweetness of the South and more. The friendliness of the locals is often a pleasant surprise for visitors to Mississippi. If you refrain from bragging about how great it is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like family.

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. They're genuine, friendly, and interested in chit-chat with strangers.

You'll find Alabama to be a very welcoming place if you maintain a positive disposition. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. 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 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."

Whatever the situation, you'll find that Kentuckians are friendly. It doesn't matter if you're a lifelong resident or a tourist; the locals will treat you with the same warmth and friendliness regardless of your status. A certain kind of friendliness unique to Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading here tomorrow.

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 A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It's chill and full of different cultures. Two cities in New Mexico's Enchanted Circle area are among the top 20 retirement destinations for LGBT people in 2018. You now have the full picture

The town has a total of 10 residents. 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 bigger cities like Atlanta, it's not hard to strike up conversations with locals. One of the Big Seven travel magazines' readers ranked Georgia as "pretty peachy."

Readers overwhelmingly agreed that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying way. It's true that Idahoans are known for their friendliness and willingness to help strangers.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are among the friendliest you'll Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Furthermore, the state is a good destination for tourists because it is home to 19 of the country's safest cities, as ranked by the website Neighborhood Scout.

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 while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

Despite the recent natural disasters, the locals here will do anything to make you feel at home. 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.

As a shining example of Midwestern civility and genuine goodwill toward others, Ohio is a national treasure. Tourists can confidently ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or drink, as the people living there are friendly and open. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many things to do there that are geared toward children.

With Hawaii's strong emphasis on tourism, guests are well taken care of in every aspect of their stay. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly wave and a positive attitude suggests that there must be some psychological benefit to living in paradise.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is aptly named. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as friendly to guests as they are to locals.

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 warmth of the locals toward tourists is one of the state's greatest attractions.

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 history, and will have you feeling like a native in no time. You can feel the friendliness of Colorado right away, whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country.

"Hoosier hospitality" refers to the residents of Indiana going out of their way to make others feel welcome. 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.

The people of Wyoming are what really make this state exciting, even if it is a relatively quiet place. You can still find a strong sense of community even in the largest of cities, with complete strangers often offering to help you with mundane tasks like unsticking your car from snow or carrying your groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything 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. Small-town friendliness is amplified in its major cities by the friendly locals who will make you feel right at home.

The people of South Carolina are very warm and friendly, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennesseans have that classic Southern hospitality at full throttle, with a positive, upbeat vibe and a desire 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 most welcoming states in the United States.

And the winner is among the most welcoming American states Topping the list is Minnesota, whose residents stand out for their warmth and hospitality. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have a genuine warmth and hospitality that's hard to find elsewhere.