The 50 Friendliest States in the USA

At first glance, locals (especially those from the countryside) could 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 itself is a melting pot of many cultures. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

Arkansas is a welcoming place to live if (and this is a big if) you're a native. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

Even though the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Why do some of our readers view Delaware negatively? Is it because of the state's (possibly undeserved) image as dull? A sad reality is that it is one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general lack of friendliness towards visitors can be wearing. 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 can come off as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. Although the (likely) unfriendly station attendant will pump your gas, at least it's convenient!

While Washington State often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, its reputation among its residents is decidedly mixed. Locals aren't rude, but they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps the constant precipitation is to blame.

The residents of the Granite State are passionate about their home and state and its beauty. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. Compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Generally speaking, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Given that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States, Florida has its work cut out for it. 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.

Many Rhode Islanders have a hard time accepting anyone who wasn't raised there. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Local cashiers are less likely to greet you with a smile in larger cities, but they may do so in smaller ones.

Our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as the rest of the country would like to believe. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Less hectic lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

Locals in Arizona may not have the Southern's trademark warmth, but they are generally chill. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. As a whole, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

In general, Connecticut residents are courteous, reserved, and pleasant; however, they can be downright warm and welcoming to visitors. That's not the case at all 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.

While Alaskans may feel cut off from the rest of the world, the state's reliance on tourism means they'll go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

It will come as a pleasant surprise to you how welcoming and friendly people in Montana are. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. Nobody will invite you over for tea, but they're still pleasant. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness and open arms.

More and more people from all walks of life are settling in Virginia, giving the state a warm and inviting vibe. A cultural mecca, 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 open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. Since tourism is so important to the area's economy, residents are generally eager to accommodate visitors. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow 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. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." A distinctive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

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 cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. 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.

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 helps create 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 total strangers with a smile and a wave 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.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. The people here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Inviting visitors from all over the world makes for a lively and engaging hangout spot. One of the best places to meet potential best friends in Baltimore is at a bar.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, populated by friendly people with a strong sense of community and a positive outlook. Since Green Bay is located in one of the happiest regions of the United States, its residents are naturally friendly and outgoing. Might 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. Folks from North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful, often without any sort of payment or reward being expected. 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. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. Most visitors to Mississippi are pleasantly surprised by the state's warm and welcoming culture. 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 said "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. They are genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with 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 simple rule. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, from holding the door open to assisting you with your groceries to your car.

It's easy to find a progressive, forward-thinking community full of involved and welcoming residents in South Dakota. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. People here are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

Whatever the situation, you'll find that Kentuckians are friendly. 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 you pack your bags and move here tomorrow.

It's not obvious at first glance that cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are warm and welcoming. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. Readers gave it high marks for the amount of assistance they received from total strangers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Additionally, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

Only 10 people live there, so it's pretty empty. With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Even in larger cities such as Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. There is a genuine friendliness among the locals, and it is not accompanied by intrusive small talk. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

In the middle of the United States, you'll find the state of Illinois, whose residents are known for their warmth and hospitality. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help one another, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. 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. Although Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, its residents have one thing in common: they make it one of the friendliest and best 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. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many events geared specifically toward children.

With Hawaii's strong emphasis on tourism, guests are well taken care of in every aspect of their stay. It is celebrated worldwide for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet will greet you with a smile here in paradise, so it must be good for the spirit to live here.

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

When visiting Kansas, visitors from other states may be taken aback by the state's renown friendliness. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many 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 ton of interesting things to do, and will have you feeling more at home in no time. You'll feel the welcoming vibes of Colorado right away, whether you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

In Indiana, residents take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. People in this area tend to be friendly and humorous. When you finally make it to Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

Despite Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make it a delight to visit. It's not unusual to have a complete stranger help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow in even the largest of cities. The car keys are still in the ignition. The odds are high that everything will be fine.

Locals in Texas are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy" or "Howdy, neighbor!" Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the U.S. has been earned through efforts that can be seen "everywhere you go." Its people in both its big cities and its small towns will welcome you with open arms.

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.

Tennesseans have that classic Southern hospitality at full throttle, with a positive, upbeat vibe and a desire to show off their city to visitors. When you consider that it also has a thriving music scene, it becomes easy to see why this is one of America's most welcoming states.

The most welcoming state in the United States is Top honors go to Minnesota, whose residents are known for being among the friendliest in the country. It's not without good reason that the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an exceptionally warm welcome for visitors.