The 50 Friendliest States in the USA

It's possible that at first the locals, even those in the countryside New York City may be overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that the city is a vibrant and diverse melting pot of people and cultures, and that the neighborhoods within each of the five boroughs have a strong sense of community But don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

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

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Is it the (possibly unfair) stereotype of Delawareans as unsociable that causes our readers to form such an opinion? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

Locals in MA aren't exactly rude, but their general indifference towards strangers can be wearing. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years.

Sometimes, the Jersey way of life is misunderstood as rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from the Garden State have a reputation for being bold and outspoken. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

While Washington state consistently performs well on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it fares much worse when it comes to its residents. It's not that people in Seattle are rude per se, but rather that they give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

The people of New Hampshire are extremely patriotic and proud of their state. However, this sense of pride can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as a haughty attitude. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. In general, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami is viewed as one of the least friendly cities in the United States. Cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's image, 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." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect to be treated to a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are genuinely warm and welcoming. 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. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. 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. 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. I wouldn't say that at all Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Although it's not exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep the state from feeling too stale.

It's true that Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, but the state relies heavily on tourism, 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.

You won't believe how welcoming and friendly everyone in Montana is. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a single large city. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. 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. Culturally rich Washington, D.C. may come across as conservative 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 to the area's economy, residents are generally eager to accommodate visitors. Newcomers to Vermont's small towns may have to wait a while before they're accepted, but once they are, they tend to stick around.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. At Walmart, in the parking lot, or even at a red light, people will say "hi." One of the best things about the state is how diverse its population is.

As Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large U.S. cities for the LGBTQ community.

A large majority of our readers agree that Maine is a great place to call home due to its low crime rate and welcoming community. New Englanders have a reputation for being withdrawn and reserved, but Mainers are friendly and outgoing. 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 laid-back lifestyle here creates a friendly environment. Due in part to the state's geographical isolation, West Virginia is home to a tight-knit community.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, often stopping to say hello to those they pass on the street and waving as they pass. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

People in Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be tough to get to know. In addition to being hospitable and laid-back, typical Midwesterners also have a good sense of humor.

When it comes to population density, Maryland ranks high, and the state is also rich in cultural diversity. Inviting visitors from all over the world makes for a lively and engaging hangout spot. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a Midwestern gem where people have good manners, a tight-knit sense of community and a fun attitude 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. Do the Packers play 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.

There is a common perception that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly toward those they have never met before. Sure, it may be difficult to break into Portland's hipster scene, but the people there are nice (I swear!). Since it also ranks as the most pet-friendly state in the USA, Fido is more than welcome here, too.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi is a delightful place, full of warmth and hospitality. Visitors are often taken aback by the warm hospitality of Mississippians. 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. There is no pretense or false friendliness here; people are genuinely kind and curious to hear 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 that rule of thumb. Some random person will hold the door open for you, and others will offer to help you carry your groceries out to your car.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved and hospitable people. 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."

You won't have any trouble finding a friendly face in Kentucky. 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 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 slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; people here are genuinely warm and helpful. As far as random acts of kindness from strangers go, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost You can expect some assistance from a friendly local.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. The atmosphere is chill and the range of cultures represented is impressive. Also, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT people in 2018. There you have it

At a paltry 10 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. Meeting new people is simple, even in larger cities like Atlanta. The citizens of Georgia were highly regarded by Big 7 Travel readers.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to outsiders.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. The sense of community is palpable, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. Acquiring the skill of the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, but its residents all share a commitment to making their home state one of the most welcoming and 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 favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. As a bonus, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it an ideal destination for families.

There is a strong emphasis on tourism in Hawaii, which means that guests are well taken care of in terms of hospitality. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

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 always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warmth and hospitality as locals.

Be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers, as visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous Kansas friendliness. People in this state have such a warm welcome attitude toward tourists, it makes visiting this state a dream.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, is very secure, and has so much history and culture that tourists quickly begin to feel at home. No matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

Residents of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help those in need. 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.

People in Wyoming make it a lively and entertaining destination, despite the state's reputation for relative tranquility. 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. It's probably going to make it through unscathed.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of 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 is a shining example of 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 scene, it's easy to see why it's widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

And the winner is, of all the welcoming American states: Minnesotans are the friendliest people in the country. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" because the state as a whole exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that is difficult to match.