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 find that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas, and I stress if, you'll find the locals to be very welcoming. While that’s all well and good for Arkansas residents and their good neighbourly vibes, it can mean that visitors might feel like they don’t quite fit in and are unwelcome

Although the entire state of Delaware can be traversed in under an hour and a half by car, its size should not be mistaken for neighborliness. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Unfortunately, it is considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Massachusetts residents aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachuetts' tendency to ignore its citizens is hardly indicative of a state that ranks highly in terms of friendliness in the United States. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to merely a temporary resident, can take years.

New Jerseyans' demeanor is sometimes misunderstood as rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case Most people from New Jersey have bold and forthright personalities. A gas station attendant (who is likely to be unfriendly) will pump your gas, though.

Though Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. The people of Seattle aren't outright hostile, but there is a distinct "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned the city the nickname "Seattle Freeze." Perhaps the constant precipitation is to blame.

The people of New Hampshire are extremely patriotic and proud of their state. Unfortunately, this sense of pride is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here due to their stubbornness and the small population.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. Compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. General, people in Nevada 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.

A person who was not raised in Rhode Island is likely to always be treated as a foreigner there. According to Big 7 readers, Rhode Islanders aren't particularly hospitable. Local cashiers are less likely to greet you with a smile in larger cities, but they may do so in smaller ones.

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 friendliest, and the city has a reputation for being unwelcoming to visitors. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

It's not like the people of Arizona are as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill. Waiting in line here might lead to a chat with a complete stranger, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

Residents of Connecticut are courteous, reticent, and pleasant overall, but warm and welcoming to visitors. The answer is no. Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. 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. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. Or, they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

You won't believe how welcoming and kind Montanans are until you've visited. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. It's unlikely that anyone will invite you over for tea, but you'll find that these people are friendly. The townspeople joke around and welcome visitors with open arms.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C along with other major cities, make it a great place to live.

It's not hard to meet new people and form friendships in Vermont because of the state's affable populace. People here go out of their way to assist tourists because the industry is so important to the local economy. The people of Vermont's small towns can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

North Carolinians are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and fellow citizens. You can hear a "hi" in the most unexpected places, such as the grocery store, the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. The diversity of its residents is one of the state's most notable features.

Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease. As one of the most sociable and lively cities in the United States, Salt Lake City also has a reputation for being extremely welcoming to the LGBTQ community.

Our readers agree that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. It's right in front of you when you walk in.

In all of the United States, you're sure to meet some nice people in West Virginia. The relaxed rhythms of daily life here help create a friendly ambiance. Since West Virginia is largely isolated from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, its residents tend to stick together.

The people of Iowa have a reputation for friendliness and kindness, especially in urban areas where they frequently engage in small talk with passers-by and offer a friendly wave. A genuine sense of community permeates the area, as evidenced by the friendly service you'll receive from the cashiers and the eagerness of the roadside farmers to share their wares with you.

While the people of Michigan would like to believe that they are a welcoming and sociable lot, those living in Detroit and Ann Arbor, in particular, can be difficult to get along with. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

It is no surprise that the cultural landscape of Maryland reflects the state's status as one of the most culturally diverse in the country. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and exciting place to spend time with friends. 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 Midwestern states, with a friendly and welcoming populace that values community and has a positive outlook on life. 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?

One of the least populous and least visited states in the United States, and not because of its residents. Locals in North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. An overwhelming majority of you, our readers, gave the state high marks for its friendly locals.

In general, Oregonians are known for their friendliness toward those they have never met before. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. You can bring your dog along because it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

Mississippi is an attractive state that exudes plenty of traditional Southern warmth. The friendliness of the locals is often cited as a surprise by visitors to Mississippi. Once you refrain from ranting about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you always belonged there.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. There's no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in chatting with strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. Adhere to that rule of thumb, and you'll find that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the USA. They'll help you carry your groceries to your car and hold the door open for you just because they want to be nice.

South Dakota is home to many progressive, forward-thinking towns populated by involved, helpful locals. People here are very open to talking to complete strangers about any topic, from the weather to the latest football game. In many ways, the residents of 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. No matter if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through, the locals will treat you with kindness. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but you'd be wrong. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was written for a good reason: the people here are exceptionally warm and helpful. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a good chance that a friendly local will assist you.

Almost everywhere you go in New Mexico, you'll find friendly locals. It's chill and full of different cultures. And in 2018, two New Mexico cities were named among the Top 20 Retirement Cities for the LGBT community. So there you go.

A ten-person community 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. In even the most populous places, like Atlanta, forming meaningful relationships with locals is a breeze. Many of the readers of Big 7 Travel praised Georgia.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. In contrast to other places, the locals here are genuinely warm and welcoming. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. When it comes to welcoming visitors, Chicago is second only to New York City in the United States. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

The people from Nebraska are some of the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Learn the "one finger" wave while driving, and you'll blend in like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the city's recent history of natural disasters. Louisiana is home to people of many different cultures, but they all share the trait of making their state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor across the region. The locals are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors can expect to be treated like royalty. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet will give you a friendly smile, suggesting that paradise has some sort of healing effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in America, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warmth and hospitality as locals.

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 friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

The welcoming locals and progressive culture of Colorado make it a top vacation destination. It's great for families, there's lots to do, and newcomers will quickly feel at home among the friendly locals. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers in the state of Indiana are known far and wide for their generous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to make others' experiences better. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

The people of Wyoming are what really make this state exciting, even if it is a relatively quiet place. 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. Ignore the car and lock the keys inside. There's a good chance that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdy"s are a trademark. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly helped it rank high among the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

Locals in South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina is a shining example of the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is bursting with that quintessential Southern hospitality, and its citizens are energized and excited to show off their hometown to visitors. When you consider that it also has a thriving music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's most welcoming states.

And the winner is, of all the welcoming American states: The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country, making the state a clear winner. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.