The 50 Friendliest States in the USA

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could But if you can make it through the hustle and bustle, you'll find a welcoming community in any of the city's five boroughs, each of which is a veritable cultural melting pot. Taking pictures for Instagram is fine, but not if it means blocking the sidewalk or making other drivers wait.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), you'll find that people there are very welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

While it's true that it only takes about 90 minutes to drive across the entire state of Delaware, that doesn't exactly make it a welcoming neighbor. Is it that our readers' perception of Delaware as unwelcoming stems from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy 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 native Bostonian, rather than a tourist, can take years.

When taken to its extreme, the Jersey attitude can be rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from the Garden State have a reputation for being blunt and outspoken. In any case, the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will do what they can to help you out by pumping your gas.

When it comes to environmental friendliness, Washington state may consistently rank high, but when it comes to people, it's a different story. 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 heritage. But that pride is often misunderstood 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.

Sin City is located in Nevada, a state full of extremes. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, more relaxed destinations like Reno offer a more pleasant vacation experience. It's safe to say that most Nevadans wouldn't 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.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders aren't particularly hospitable. Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of our paper disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. In terms of friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. In fact, the city has an air of indifference that occasionally crosses into rudeness. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on anyone breaking out in a full-blown smile. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Despite the state's lack of cultural vitality, residents still manage to pull together for occasional open mike nights and other community events.

In spite of the state's relative isolation, Alaskans 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 may do this or simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

You won't believe how welcoming and kind Montanans are until you've visited. Despite its vast size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. A friendly atmosphere prevails among the cities, and visitors are warmly welcomed.

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 it's a great place to live because of its proximity to other cities.

It's not hard to meet new people and form friendships in Vermont because of the state's affable populace. As tourism is a major industry, residents are generally eager to assist guests. Some Vermonters in smaller communities may take some time to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

In my experience, natives of North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming to anyone. The supermarket, the parking lot, and even the intersection at a red light are just some of the places where you might hear someone say "hi." One of the best things about this state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it is a wonderful place to live.

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. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This will be immediately apparent to you upon your arrival.

As you travel across the United States, you're sure to meet some interesting people, but West Virginians are among the most hospitable. A relaxed way of life creates a friendly environment here. The mountains in West Virginia create a strong sense of community by isolating the state from the rest of the country.

It's common for Iowans to greet strangers with a smile and a hello as they pass one another on the street, contributing to the state's reputation for friendliness. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce from the side of the road.

It's a common misconception that all Michiganders are warm and welcoming; in fact, some of the state's largest cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be downright unapproachable. The locals are known for their laid-back demeanor, good sense of humor, and Midwest-style politeness.

There is a wide range of cultural traditions represented in Maryland, which is one of the most populous states. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you are guaranteed to meet some of your new best friends.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, with pleasant locals known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

This may be one of the least-visited states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of 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.

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. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern 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 resident of Missouri will launch into a lengthy account of his or her life. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

If you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. If you follow that rule, you'll soon discover that Alabama is one of 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.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. The culture here encourages open conversation between strangers, even in the largest cities. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll meet friendly people in Kentucky. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. One encounter with a typical Kentuckian and you'll want to pack your bags and head to the Bluegrass State right away.

While cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," that is exactly what they are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. We asked our readers how helpful they thought strangers were, and they gave it a high rating. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

It's typical of New Mexico to find welcoming locals in even the smallest communities. The atmosphere is chill and the range of cultures represented is impressive. Further, two New Mexico cities were among the Top 20 Cities for LGBT Retirement in 2018. So there you go.

In a town of only 10 people, This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a diverse landscape of urban and suburban areas, but its residents are known for their warmth and hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people here 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. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. To its credit, Idaho lives up to its reputation for genuine friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Moreover, it is a pleasant state to visit: 19 of the safest cities in America are located in Illinois.

Most Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet in the United States. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. The ability to wave with just one finger while driving will make you feel like a native in no time.

Although the area has had a rough go of it recently due to natural disasters, the locals will do anything they can 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.

To see true Midwestern manners and friendliness in action, look no further than Ohio. The locals are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. It is celebrated worldwide for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, suggesting that there is some psychological benefit to living in such a beautiful place.

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

Tourists 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.

As a progressive state with some of the friendliest people on the planet, Colorado is a great place to visit. 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. You can feel the friendliness of Colorado right away, whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals are friendly and humorous. Upon your first visit, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in the largest of cities, it is not unusual for a complete stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Locals in Texas are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy" or "Howdy, neighbor!" 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 exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. 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.

To top it all off, the winner of the competition between the friendliest states in America is Minnesotans are the friendliest in the country, so the state wins. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.