The 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could New York City may be overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each borough's neighborhoods have a sense of community and that the city itself is a melting pot of many cultures. You should not linger in the street or impede traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

In my experience, Arkansans are warm and welcoming ONLY if you're a native or permanent resident of the state. Although this bodes well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave visitors with a sense of alienation and rejection.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly 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.

There isn't much in the way of rudeness from locals in MA, but the general indifference towards visitors can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't going to be on anyone's list of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. Also, according to the results of this poll, that appears to be the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. Unfortunately, the (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will have to pump your gas for you, but at least they have that going for them.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Possibly the constant precipitation is to blame.

Lovely Granite Staters are justifiably proud of their home state. The problem is that this sense of pride is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. People in this area tend to be unyielding, and the few residents in the surrounding countryside can make it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, the site of the infamous Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. People in Nevada generally are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

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.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island all your 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." Generally speaking, the local cashier will not be smiling and friendly, even if you happen to be in a smaller town.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. 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.

There’s no mistaking Arizona for having the sort of overt friendliness of the South, but locals are generally mellow enough 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 Connecticut are friendly and polite, but somewhat reserved. Not really In spite of the region's reputation for coldness, you can count on a friendly greeting and a helping hand wherever you go. 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.

Although Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, the state relies heavily on tourism, so its residents are always happy to see visitors. Except for Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current locals here can relate to the experience of being a stranger in a strange land. 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. 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. Friendly banter between cities, with an upbeat outlook on visitors of all kinds.

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

As a result of Vermonters' warm and welcoming nature, making new friends is a breeze. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Although 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 people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. You can hear someone say "hi" in almost any public place, including Walmart, parking lots, and even while waiting at a red light. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

The people of Utah are well-known for their warmth and hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in the United States, and it is also recognized for its openness to the LGBTQ community.

Readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainens, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known for being 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. Life here is relaxed, making for a friendly ambiance. 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.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. A good sense of humor and Midwestern politeness characterize the locals.

In addition to having a high population density, Maryland also features a culturally rich population. Because of its welcoming nature, it has a thriving social scene and is a fun place to spend time with others. Bars in Baltimore are great places to meet potential best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its pleasant residents known for their polite demeanor, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. What role, if any, could the Packers play in this?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated 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 willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly toward total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is a beautiful state brimming with genuine Southern hospitality. Mississippians are known for their warm hospitality, which often surprises visitors. 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 always belonged there.

In Missouri, people will start telling you about their lives even before you've introduced yourself. They're not pretending to be friendly or interested in what others have to say; they genuinely care about others.

People in Alabama are known for their friendliness, so make an effort to be one of them. 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.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved and hospitable people. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. It's safe to say that the residents of this region personify the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that Kentuckians will treat you with kindness. Everybody here is friendly, whether you were born and raised here or are just passing through. Kentuckians have a particular kind of friendliness that will make you want to move here immediately

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; people in this state are genuinely warm and helpful. For its helpfulness from total strangers, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost An amiable local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of cultural influences. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you have it

With only 10 people, This state in the southern United States is home to 3 million people and features a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it's not hard to strike up conversations with strangers. 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 manner. Idaho's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors is well-deserved.

Located smack dab in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Chicago is often ranked above even New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

In the United States, you'll find some of the friendliest people in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. When you master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll feel like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. Despite its ethnic diversity, Louisiana is a great place to live because of its welcoming and warm people.

To see true Midwestern manners and friendliness in action, look no further than Ohio. Tourists can confidently ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or drink, as the people living there are friendly and open. Families will love it here, as there are many enjoyable options for their children.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. Famous for its "Aloha Spirit," it is a paradise. Everyone you meet will give you a friendly wave and a warm smile, proof that paradise really does do something good for the spirit.

The Big Friendly isn't just a catchy moniker for Oklahoma City; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country. The locals are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. Not only are they welcoming to locals, but also to tourists.

Surprised by Kansas's renowned friendliness, visitors from other states should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The warmth of the locals towards tourists is a major reason why the state is so lovely.

A pleasant state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and is home to some of the friendliest people anywhere. 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 residents of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive demeanor and a humorous outlook. A single trip to Indiana will convince you that it is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Although Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make it a lively and exciting destination. Despite their size, cities still have a strong sense of community, with strangers often offering to help you with things like unsticking your car from the snow or carrying your groceries. The car keys are still in the ignition. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Friendly Texans always have a "Howdy" ready for you. 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 warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and this is one of the many reasons the state is a great vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the warm welcome and generous spirit that have come to define the Southern states.

In Tennessee, the friendly, outgoing, and helpful locals are in full Southern hospitality mode, eager to welcome and entertain visitors. With its warm people and thriving music scene, it's easy to see why this state is considered among the most welcoming in the United States.

Also, the winner of the competition between the friendliest states in America is Minnesotans are the friendliest in the nation. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.