The 50 Friendliest US States

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. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

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

Even though the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Is it the state of Delaware's (potentially unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live that turns off our readers? The bad news is that it's 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. For that matter, it takes some time to earn the respect of longtime Bostonians and become a bona fide resident.

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 The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. While the gas station attendant may not be particularly pleasant, at least they'll pump your gas.

Although Washington State typically performs well on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it fares much worse when the focus shifts to its residents. There is a "polite but unfriendly" vibe among locals, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze," though nobody in the city would ever intentionally be rude. All this rain might be to blame,

The people of New Hampshire are extremely loyal to their home state and its beauty. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be challenging to make friends among the locals here, what with their stubborn natures and the small population.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of striking contrasts. Travelers looking for a less cutthroat vacation destination should consider Reno or Salt Lake City instead of Las Vegas. In general, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

With Miami consistently ranking as one of the unfriendliest 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.

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 "friendliness scale." It's true that people in smaller communities are warmer to strangers, but don't expect a friendly face at the register anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. Los Angeles is not exactly the City of Angels when it comes to making visitors feel at home. The locals can be cold and even rude to those they don't know. 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. 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. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut tend to be friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and polite demeanor. Maybe not as much Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep people connected.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Aside from Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here were once foreigners, so they understand what it's like to start over in a strange place. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. 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. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is becoming increasingly diverse, which has a positive effect on the state's warm and inviting culture. 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.

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to meet new friends. Given the region's reliance on tourism, residents are generally eager to accommodate tourists. Although the locals of a small Vermont town may take some time to warm up to newcomers, 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 reception of guests. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warmth and hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is a great place to live because of its vivacious culture and welcoming atmosphere toward the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a great place to settle down because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Most people in New England are known to be shy and reserved, but Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing. Right when you walk in, you'll notice this.

The people of West Virginia are known to be among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. Since West Virginia is somewhat sheltered from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, the people who live there tend to be very close-knit.

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, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Even though Michiganders like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. The people here have a great sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

Maryland has one of the highest population densities in the country and is also home to many different cultural groups. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it's a lively and friendly place to hang out with friends. Bars in Baltimore are great places to meet potential best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay ranks among the happiest cities in America, so its residents' natural disposition is one of friendliness. Maybe it has something to do with the Packers

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. Locals in North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. Community spirit in the state was highly rated by our readers.

Those in Oregon are known for their friendliness toward total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. In addition to being the friendliest state in the country toward pets, it is also a great place to bring Fido.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The warmth of Mississippians is often a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you refrain from ranting about how much better life is "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 detailed account of their entire lives. Without any pretense, they are friendly and genuinely curious to hear from total strangers.

If you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. To be polite, random people will do things like hold the door open or 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. You can pretty much use the phrase "Midwestern Nice" to describe the people here.

It doesn't matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always 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 convince anyone to pack their bags and head to the Bluegrass State.

Although cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," you'll find that they are. Residents are so warm and welcoming that the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined. It received high marks from our readers for the amount of assistance it provided from total strangers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

There are welcoming locals in almost every community across New Mexico. Cultures from all over the world coexist peacefully here. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there you go.

The town has a total of 10 residents. This state in the southern United States is home to 3 million people and features a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Most of the Big 7 Travel readers who visited Georgia found it to be a pleasant experience.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. In contrast to other places, the locals here are genuinely warm and welcoming. 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. When it comes to welcoming visitors, Chicago is second only to New York City in the United States. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

When it comes to Americans, you won't find a nicer bunch than those who live in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. In order to blend in with the locals, you need only master the "one finger" wave while driving.

Locals here will do anything to make you feel at home, despite the troubled history of natural disasters in the area. Despite the state's many cultural and linguistic diversity, Louisianans share a common trait that contributes to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable places to live in the United States.

One of the best examples of good manners and genuine friendliness in the Midwest can be found in the state of Ohio. Locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. The abundance of fun things to do here with children make it a fantastic destination for families.

Tourists in Hawaii are the top priority, so the state's reputation for warm hospitality is well-deserved. In common parlance, it exudes an "Aloha Spirit." 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 city, the locals are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. And they're 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.

Because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals, Colorado is a great vacation destination. It's great for families, there's a ton to do culturally, and tourists quickly feel at home here. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers are famously helpful and friendly to visitors, earning the state's nickname of "Hoosier Hospitality." The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Once you visit Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, but its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. There is a genuine sense of community even in the largest of cities; strangers will often help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Never take your keys out of the car. Hopefully, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" This state's reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly earned it a spot among the top ten friendliest in the United States. Locals in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to their small towns.

People in South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which is one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina exemplifies the warm welcome and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm going strong, with residents who are buzzing with excitement and eager to show off their city to visitors. 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. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" because the state as a whole exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that is difficult to match.