The 50 Friendliest States in the USA

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

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

You can drive across the entire state of Delaware in under an hour, but that doesn't make it any more neighborly. Is it that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware as unwelcoming stem from the state's (possibly unfair) image as dull? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

Locals in MA aren't rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life has been characterized as rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

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 it's the deluge of rain we've been having

This state is stunning, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage and home. 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, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, home 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. On the whole, Nevadans are not particularly 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. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a big boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

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 "friendliness scale." Though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, this is not the case in larger cities.

The Golden State's residents may think of themselves as sociable, but our readers beg to differ. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they tend to be chill about most things. 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. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. No, 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 quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. In fact, with the exception of Alaska 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. 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 increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. The cultural mecca of Washington, D.C., may strike some as conservative and wary of outsiders, but the city is home to a vibrant arts scene. C and other major cities help make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. Because tourism is so important to the economy, people here are very friendly and willing to go out of their way to assist tourists. Even though it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, 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. The supermarket, the parking lot, and even the intersection at a red light are just some of the places where you might hear someone say "hi." A distinctive feature of the state is the large number of people who hail from different parts of the country.

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.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is an attractive state to relocate to because of its low crime rate and generally welcoming locals. People from New England tend to have a reputation for being quiet and reserved, but Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing. This is something you'll notice as soon as you step foot in the door.

West Virginians are known for being some of the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed rhythms of daily life here help create 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 kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a hello whenever they pass one another 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. People here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

State of Maryland is highly populated and culturally diverse. It welcomes strangers, making it a lively and social place to spend time. 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; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Can the Packers be to blame?

One of the least populous and least visited states in the United States, and not because of its residents. People in North Dakota are friendly and helpful, often without expecting anything in return. According to your ratings, the community spirit in this state is very strong.

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. Even though Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, the people there are nice (I swear). You can bring your dog along because it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. The friendliness of the locals is often cited as a surprise by visitors to Mississippi. Once you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

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 not pretending to be friendly or interested in what others have to say; they genuinely care about others.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. As long as you remember that simple rule, you'll find that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the United States. 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 many progressive, forward-thinking towns populated by involved, helpful locals. 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. People here are friendly whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians will make you want to pack your bags and head here right away.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities whose reputations for friendliness may not be as high as they deserve. Locals are genuine nice guys; there's a reason the state's motto is "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania." In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a good chance that a friendly local will offer assistance.

Every town in New Mexico has friendly locals. 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. You now have the full picture

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it is not difficult to make new friends. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it was great.

Repeatedly, you will hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country; our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. Despite New York City's popularity among tourists, Chicago is often ranked higher. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it an attractive tourist destination.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. Anywhere you look, you'll find people pitching in to help one another, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the 'one finger' wave while driving, you'll blend in 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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. In addition to being a fantastic destination for couples, it also caters to families with a wide variety of fun things to do.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Living in paradise must do something good for the soul, as you’ll be greeted with a warm smile from everyone you meet here

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals here are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Kansas is known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so don't be surprised if you strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the things that draws tourists to the state.

To top off its progressive vibe, Colorado is home to some of the friendliest people on the planet, making for a fantastic 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 friendliness of Colorado right away, whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country.

Hoosiers are known far and wide for their generous spirit and warm welcome. The locals have a positive disposition and an excellent sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make it a lively and exciting destination. Even in large cities, it's not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something like unsticking your car from snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother getting out of the car! The likelihood that it will arrive undamaged is high.

The friendly Texans and their endless "Howdys" Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the friendliest states in the United States. Even in its major cities, you'll feel like you're in a friendly small town thanks to the friendly locals who live there.

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.

Classical Southern hospitality is alive and well in Tennessee, where the people are friendly and excited to show off their hometown. 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 among America's friendliest states Winner: Minnesota, whose residents stand out for their warmth and hospitality. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas exude a genuine warmth and friendly welcome to visitors that is hard to find elsewhere.