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. Keep in mind that you shouldn't linger in the street or block traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on "if"), the people will treat you well. Although this bodes well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave visitors with a sense of alienation and rejection.

The state of Delaware is so small that it can be crossed in 90 minutes by car, but its size doesn't necessarily equate to neighborliness. Why do some of our readers view Delaware negatively? Is it because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Sadly, it's 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. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, is a lengthy process.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case Those who hail from New Jersey are often stereotyped as being loud and brash. If nothing else, 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. The locals aren't rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps the constant precipitation is to blame.

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 outside the community. Stubborn locals and a low population density make it difficult to make friends in this area.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Residents of the Silver State typically aren't 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 huge boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

Being an outsider is something you can expect to always be labeled as if you weren't born and raised in Rhode Island. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

While many native Californians may believe that their state is known for its warm and welcoming culture, our readers have a different opinion. 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.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

Locals in the Constitution State are courteous, unassuming, and pleasant overall, but they'll go out of their way to make you feel welcome Unfortunately, that's not the 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. 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.

Though Alaska is remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so 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 might do that, or they might just ignore you, but either way, they're not rude.

It will come as a pleasant surprise to you how welcoming and friendly people in Montana are. Despite its vastness, the whole state feels more like a large village. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness and open arms.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more hospitable and warm. The cultural mecca of Washington, D.C., may come across as traditional and wary to 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. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

North Carolinians, in general, are polite, helpful, and welcoming. Many people will greet you with a "hi" in the most unlikely of places, such as a Walmart or a parking lot while you wait for a red light. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease. Being one of the most LGBTQ-friendly major cities in the United States, Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to live if you're looking for a lively and social environment.

Readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Although New Englanders as a whole have a reputation for being reserved, Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. If you come here, you'll notice this right away.

You won't find a more hospitable or friendly group of people anywhere in the United States than West Virginians. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. 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 wave as they pass them on the street. 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. The locals have a genial disposition and a Midwestern politeness that complements their good humor.

The population density in Maryland is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. When you go out to a bar in Baltimore, you're guaranteed to meet some interesting people.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the Midwest thanks to its pleasant residents, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Could the Packers be involved in this somehow?

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. Locals in North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking 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. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Southern hospitality and charm abound in Mississippi. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. 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 can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

People in Alabama are known for their friendliness, so make an effort to be one of them. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places 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.

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. This town is the epitome of "Midwestern nice."

You'll find that Kentuckians are a genuinely pleasant bunch. Everyone, native or visitor, is welcomed with open arms by the friendly locals. 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. Indeed, the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; locals here are among the friendliest people you'll ever meet. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a decent person in the area who will probably offer assistance.

Friendly locals are a common sight in New Mexico's many small towns. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of cultural influences. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. That sums it up

The town has a total of 10 residents. This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a varied landscape of urban and rural areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, getting to know locals is a breeze. There was widespread agreement among Big 7 travelers that Georgia was a pleasant destination.

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. 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 warm and welcoming people. As a top tourist destination in the United States, Chicago rivals New York City in popularity. It's also a pretty good state to visit: 19 of the safest cities in America are located in Illinois.

People from Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. There's a real sense of community here, with people pitching in to help each other out. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, 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 a wide variety of backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable in the country.

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. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Since tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service while they're here. For its "Aloha Spirit," it has become famous. Every person you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, suggesting that there is some psychological benefit to living in such a place.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. Individuals here are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own neighborhood. Not only are they welcoming to locals, but also to tourists.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be prepared to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The warmth of the locals toward visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for taking the kids, has a wealth of cultural attractions, and will quickly have you feeling like a native. You can feel the warmth of this place from the moment you land, 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. People in this area tend to be friendly and humorous. Indiana, which is much more than just a "fly over" state, will capture your heart after just one visit.

While the state of Wyoming itself is relatively tranquil, the people who live there make it a lively and exciting place to visit. 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. All things considered, it's probably going to make it.

Exuberant Texans, complete with "Howdy"s, are known for their friendliness. 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.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has all the friendliness and hospitality associated with the South in spades.

Tennessee embodies the quintessential Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. One of the most welcoming states in America, thanks in large part to its thriving music scene.

As for the most welcoming state in the Union, it is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.