The 50 Friendliest States in the USA

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 see that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Just don't linger in the street or block traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

It's true that Arkansans are extremely welcoming, but only if you're a native. While that's great for locals and the state's reputation for neighborliness, it can make visitors to the state feel like outsiders who don't belong.

Although 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? Tragically, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general lack of friendliness 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. To be recognized as a local, rather than a tourist, in Boston is a long and arduous process.

In some cases, 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. At least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

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 gorgeous state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. The problem is that this sense of pride is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. This place has a stubborn local population and a low population density, making it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, the site of 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. In general, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the unfriendliest 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.

The majority of Rhode Islanders were not born and raised there, so anyone who moves there from another state is likely to be treated as an oddity. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." While the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller neighborhood, they won't exactly go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

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.

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. More than anything, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. However, that's not the case The people of New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you warmly when you visit. The state isn't exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, but open mike nights and other community gatherings do their part to keep people connected.

While Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, its residents are more than happy to open their arms to visitors because the tourism industry is so important to the state's economy. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan 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 large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. People are nice, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

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 area as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open-minded and friendly, making it a great place to meet new people. Because tourism is so important to the area's economy, residents are typically eager to go the extra mile to accommodate visitors. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, 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, including Walmart, the parking lot, or even while waiting for a red light to turn green. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

As Utahns are well-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. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. As soon as you enter, you'll notice this.

When traveling across the United States, you'll find that West Virginians are among the most warm and friendly people you'll encounter. 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.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "how are yous" and "hellos" in passing pedestrians. There's a genuine sense of community, from the friendly cashiers to the farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

Although Michiganders like to think of themselves as a warm and welcoming people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

With a population density that ranks high among the states, Maryland represents a cross-section of American society. Due to its welcoming nature, it is a lively and engaging place to spend time with others. You can find your new best friends in a bar in Baltimore with little effort.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and carefree spirit. Considering Green Bay's status as one of the United States' happiest cities, its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. Might the Packers be involved in this somehow?

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 friendly and helpful, and they don't expect anything in return. According to your ratings, the state has a strong sense of community.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. If you're bringing your dog, they'll be welcome here, too, because it's the most pet-friendly state in the country.

The state of Mississippi is absolutely lovely, full of warm hospitality and delicious Southern cuisine. Visitors are often taken aback by the warm welcome they receive in Mississippi. 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.

Even before you've had the chance to say "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a lengthy recounting of their personal histories. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. 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 very embodiment 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 you pack your bags and head here right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. 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.

Almost everywhere you go in New Mexico, you'll find friendly locals. It has a relaxed vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people And 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 like 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. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for genuine friendliness and acceptance of strangers.

Locals in Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are known for their warmth and hospitality. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

It's true what they say about Nebraskans: they're some of the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. You can feel the strong sense of community wherever you go because of all the people who are willing to help each other out. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

In spite of 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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. The locals are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are plenty of things to do here that children will enjoy as well, making it a fantastic destination for families.

Since tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service while they're here. Famous for its "Aloha Spirit," it is a paradise. Everyone you meet will give you a friendly smile, as if living in paradise actually has a positive effect on your mental health.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital city for nothing; Oklahoma truly is one of the friendliest states in the Union. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Their hospitality extends to outsiders.

It's important for out-of-staters to be prepared to strike up conversations with complete strangers due to the state of Kansas's renowned friendliness. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, there's lots to do, and newcomers will quickly feel at home among the friendly locals and fascinating history. 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.

Hoosiers are famously helpful and friendly to visitors, earning the state's nickname of "Hoosier Hospitality." Here, you'll find friendly, humorous people. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Although Wyoming is a relatively calm state, its residents make it a great place to visit. A genuine sense of community exists even in the largest of cities; it is not unusual for a complete stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't bother getting out of the car. There is a good chance that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdys" are a trademark. The warm welcomes you receive "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly helped make this state one of the friendliest in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warmth and friendliness that has made the region famous.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly, outgoing locals who are always excited to show off their state to visitors. What with its warm people and thriving music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's most welcoming states.

Also, the winner of the competition between the friendliest states in America is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state wins first place. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.