The 50 Friendliest States in the USA

At first, the locals (especially those in the upstate) may 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. But don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

Arkansas is a welcoming place to live if (and this is a big if) you're a native. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Even though the state of Delaware is relatively compact and can be traversed in under an hour and a half by car, its size does not necessarily equate to neighborliness. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Tragically, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

The locals in MA aren't rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Being uninterested in other people is not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts a leader among the friendliest states in America. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of thinking can come across as rude. It appears that is the case in this poll. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The gas station attendant may be unfriendly, but at least they'll pump your gas.

The Evergreen State may place highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human residents are another story. 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 difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Las Vegas, Nevada is in a state of extremes. 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 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 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." Although the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, they won't exactly go out of their way to make your day.

Many of our readers do not agree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly, despite the state's widespread promotion of this stereotype The people of Los Angeles aren't exactly the most welcoming, giving off an air of disinterestedness that sometimes crosses into outright rudeness. The tempo in smaller urban centers is generally slower.

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

Locals in the Constitution State are courteous, unassuming, and pleasant overall, but they'll go out of their way to make you feel welcome. No, 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, residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Despite the state of Alaska's isolation, the tourism industry is thriving and locals are always happy to see visitors. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here 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 area, 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. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

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 make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and hospitable, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go the extra mile to accommodate their needs. Though 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.

Folks who live in North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. Anyone can be approached with a "hi" in almost any public place, be it a Walmart, a parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. 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 sociable and exciting places to live in the United States, and is also recognized as one of the most welcoming metropolises for the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to share our opinion that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is 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. A relaxed way of life creates a friendly environment here. The state of West Virginia is characterized by a tight-knit community due in part to the state's natural barrier of 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, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Michiganders fancy themselves a sociable lot, but the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular 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.

Because of its high population density, Maryland features a wide range of ethnic and cultural groups. As a result of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and exciting place to hang out with friends. In a Baltimore bar, you're 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. Have the Packers played a role in this at all?

One of the least populated and least visited states in the United States, and it has nothing to do with the friendly people who live there. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

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. It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. Most tourists are pleasantly surprised by Mississippians' warm hospitality. 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.

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a detailed account of their entire lives. They're genuine in their friendliness, and they seem to enjoy hearing from total 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 this simple rule. Simply out of a desire to be helpful, total strangers will open doors for you and assist you with your purchases all the way to your car.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. Here, even in the largest cities, people are comfortable striking up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. 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 always 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 will have you packing your bags and heading south right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. There's a reason the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" exists: the people here are famously warm and welcoming. As far as random acts of kindness from strangers go, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It is relaxed and rich in cultural variety. In addition, two cities in New Mexico's Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT People in 2018 are located in the state's "Land of Enchantment." So there you go.

A town of only 10 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. Getting to know people here is simple, even in major metropolises like Atlanta. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Numerous readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. A visitor to Idaho will find that the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to outsiders is well-deserved.

Centrally located in the United States' Middle American region, the people of Illinois are among the warmest you'll ever meet. The number of tourists visiting Chicago annually exceeds that of New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. In every direction you look, you'll find people pitching in to help one another, creating a genuine sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

People here will go out of their way to make you feel at home, despite the city'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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. Locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. It has a reputation for having an "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. People here are very talkative and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

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.

With its progressive culture and welcoming locals, Colorado is a great vacation destination. 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 people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and an entertaining sense of humor. Upon your first visit, you'll realize that Indiana 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. There is a good chance that it will arrive unscathed.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the U.S. has been earned through efforts that can be seen "everywhere you go. 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 exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why Texas is widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

What's more, the winner of the competition between the friendliest states in America is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Minnesota has a reputation for friendliness and hospitality that is second to none, and the state is known far beyond the Twin Cities.