The 50 Friendliest States in the USA

Some of the locals (especially those in the upstate) may come off as rude at 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 as a whole is a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from there, or at least a native Arkansan, you'll find that Arkansans are among the friendliest people in the country. 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. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? As unfortunate as it is, it is considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

While most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts one of the friendliest states in America is its tendency to ignore its citizens. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to an outsider, can take years.

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. Still, at least the (possibly unfriendly) gas station worker will fill up your tank.

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 home. It's easy for others to misinterpret such pride as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida certainly has its work cut out for it, what with Miami consistently ranking as one of the least hospitable 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.

If you aren't a native Rhode Islander, you probably won't fit in socially. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Casual lifestyles prevail in smaller urban centers.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. Waiting in line here might lead to a chat with a complete stranger, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. 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. In any case Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. In spite of the state's lack of cultural vitality, its residents find common ground at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Despite the state of Alaska's infrastructure, the tourism industry is thriving, and locals are eager to meet 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 friendly and helpful the locals of Montana are until you see it for yourself. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. 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. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. With so many tourists passing through, the locals will go out of their way to assist you. People in Vermont's smaller communities may take some time 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. 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 diversity of its people.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community.

Readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are known for their friendliness and openness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

Locals in West Virginia are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness, making it one of the best places to visit in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here helps create a friendly environment. West Virginia is a close-knit community due in part to the state's isolation from the rest of the country by way of the 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, from the friendly faces of the cashiers to the stories of the farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite like those you might find in the Midwest.

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 a thriving, social atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you're sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the Midwest thanks to its pleasant residents, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Possibly the Packers are involved.

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. People from North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful without demanding anything in return. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Yes, Portland's hipster scene can be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice (I swear) once you do. Also, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here, as this state is ranked highest in the country for pet friendliness.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of the locals is often cited as a point of surprise for visitors to 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.

Before you've even had a 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 you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Follow that guideline, and you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. 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.

Many towns and cities in South Dakota are progressive and full of involved and pleasant residents. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. Everyone here is the epitome of "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky will treat you with kindness. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a visitor, you can expect the same warm welcome from the community members. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

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. When asked how helpful random people are, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost If you ask nicely, a friendly local might even offer assistance.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. Two cities in New Mexico's Enchanted Circle area are among the top 20 retirement destinations for LGBT people in 2018. And there you have it

Having only 10 people in it, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. In even the most populous places, like Atlanta, forming meaningful relationships with locals is a breeze. The citizens of Georgia were deemed to be quite delightful by Big 7 Travel readers.

You'll hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country, 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 friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois is located in the center of the Midwest and has incredibly warm and welcoming residents. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. It's also a pretty good state to visit: 19 of the safest cities in America are located in Illinois.

Some of the friendliest people you'll encounter in the United States are from Nebraska. A sense of community characterized by people helping each other out can be found virtually anywhere you look. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Despite 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. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to eatery or watering hole to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. Famous for its "Aloha Spirit," it is a paradise. It must be good for the spirit to live in paradise, because everyone you meet will greet you with a friendly smile.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. In this area, people are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. 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 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. The warmth of this place is something you can feel the moment you arrive, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. The residents of this area are friendly and humorous. 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 visiting here a blast. People in even the largest cities often go out of their way to help strangers, whether it's digging a car out of the snow or carrying groceries. The car keys are still in the ignition. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdys" are a hallmark of the Lone Star State. 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 major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

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

The people of Tennessee have that classic Southern hospitality at full force, with a positive, upbeat vibe and a strong desire to share their city with visitors. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

Among the states in the United States, which one do residents rate as the friendliest? Superior customer service is what puts Minnesota on top. The Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals and numerous tourist-friendly attractions.