The 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

At first, locals (especially upstate) might come across as a little brusque. 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. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

With the caveat that you're a local, Arkansans are generally warm and welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Is it the state of Delaware's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live that turns off our readers? It is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, which is a shame.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. 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. In addition, it takes a considerable amount of time to earn the respect of locals and to feel like you belong in Boston and aren't just a tourist.

Jersey residents' demeanor is sometimes misunderstood as rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from New Jersey tend to be more outspoken than those from other states. Even if the gas station attendant is rude, at least they'll pump your gas.

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. 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 due to their stubbornness and the area's low population density.

Nevada, the state in which Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. When 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 assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least friendly cities in America. Cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's image, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

To put it bluntly, if you weren't raised in Rhode Island, you probably always will be an outsider here. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders don't rate very high on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

A lot of people in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers would disagree. In terms of friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. In fact, the city has an air of indifference that occasionally crosses into rudeness. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. When waiting in line, it's the kind of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. Positive indifference to other people rather than animosity

People from Connecticut are polite, reserved, and nice in general, but they are warm and welcoming to visitors. Not really Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, its residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other gatherings.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Aside from Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here were once foreigners, so they understand what it's like to start over in a strange place. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

Montanans are among the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you over for tea, but you won't be invited to anyone's house. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.

The Commonwealth of 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 urban centers make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist foreigners in any way they can. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Citizens of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome of visitors. Anywhere from the supermarket to the parking lot to a stoplight, people will say "hi." One of the best things about the state is how it serves as a dumping ground for people from all over the country.

Because Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel 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.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. It's common knowledge that Mainers are friendly and outgoing compared to their New England counterparts, who are known for their reserved demeanor. 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. 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.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a wave as they pass them on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

It's a common misconception that all Michiganders are warm and welcoming; in fact, some of the state's largest cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be downright unapproachable. Typical of the Midwest, locals here are friendly, laid-back, and humorous.

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. 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, with its friendly and polite citizens and their strong sense of community. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

It's not because of the quality of the locals that this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. In terms of community, the state received overwhelmingly positive ratings from our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, 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.

Charming and full of Southern sweetness, Mississippi is a wonderful place to visit. It's common for visitors to Mississippi to be pleasantly surprised by the state's warm welcome from locals. The natives 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."

Missourians have a habit of launching into lengthy monologues before you've even had a chance to say hello. There's no pretense here; they're genuinely friendly and interested in talking to strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that simple rule. 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 total strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the largest cities. People in this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern nice."

It doesn't matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always friendly. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, you can expect the same warm welcome from the locals. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

It's not obvious at first glance that cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are warm and welcoming. 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. The amount of assistance from total strangers was rated highly by our readers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It's chill and full of different cultures. More so, two New Mexico cities have been recognized as 2018 Top 20 Cities for LGBT-friendly retirement. Now you know

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. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. Actually, the locals are quite pleasant, and not in a stalkerish way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

The people of Illinois, who can be found in the center of the Midwest, are exceptionally warm and welcoming. 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.

Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

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.

When it comes to good manners and genuine kindness toward strangers, Ohio is a shining example of the Midwest at its finest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. Also, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it a fantastic destination for families.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" is what makes Hawaii famous. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

There's a reason Oklahoma is home to one of America's friendliest capitals: Oklahoma City. Locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. The hospitality they show locals extends to strangers.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by Kansas's well-deserved reputation for friendliness, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

An enjoyable state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and some of the friendliest people in the world as a bonus. It's great for families, there's a ton to see and do, and tourists quickly begin to feel at home in this cultural hotspot. Whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country, the warmth of the people here is something you'll notice right away.

"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. Once you visit Indiana, you'll realize it's 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 major metropolitan areas, strangers will often help you out if you get stuck in the snow or need assistance carrying groceries. Do not enter the vehicle until the keys have been left in the ignition. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Locals in Texas are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy" or "Howdy, neighbor!" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to a friendly village.

People in South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which is one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina exemplifies the Southern tradition of warm welcome and generous spirit.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm going strong, and the locals there have a buzzing mentality 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 America's friendliest states.

And the winner is, of all the welcoming American states: People in Minnesota are known for being some of the friendliest in the country. There is a reason why the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting, friendly demeanor that is hard to find elsewhere.