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. Simply don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

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.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? It's one of the states with the lowest friendliness ratings in the country.

Though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general lack of friendliness towards visitors can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly going to make the list of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come off as rude. This survey seems to confirm that to be the case. Those who hail from New Jersey are often stereotyped as being loud and brash. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Washington State may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human inhabitants are another story. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's the constant downpours.

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 other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. However, while Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, neighborly cities like Reno offer a more pleasant alternative. As a whole, Nevadans are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Considering Miami is often voted as one of the least friendly cities in America, 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 some catching up to do.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." Although the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, they won't exactly go out of their way to make your day.

Many of our readers do not agree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly, despite the state's widespread promotion of this stereotype. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. In contrast to the hectic pace of the big city, life in a smaller metropolis tends to

Arizona certainly doesn't have the Southern-style openness, but the locals are generally chill. The wait in line is the perfect opportunity for strangers to chat, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. A lot less than that The people of New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you warmly when you visit. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Even though Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, welcoming tourists is crucial 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 in their lives. Or, they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its vastness, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. Even though you won't be invited over for tea, these people are still pleasant. The townspeople joke around with one another in a friendly manner, and they welcome visitors.

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 and other major cities, the area is a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. There is a lot of tourism in this area, so people will generally go out of their way to assist those who are visiting. Small-town Vermonters 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. In any public place, such as a supermarket, a parking lot, or even while waiting for a red light to turn green, you can expect to hear at least one person say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diversity of its residents.

Utahns are known for their warmth and 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 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 counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly ambiance. The state of West Virginia has a tight-knit community because the mountains serve as a buffer between the state and the rest of the country.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and polite. It's not uncommon to see them greet complete strangers as you walk down the street. There's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares 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. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has one of the highest population densities in the country and is also home to many different cultural groups. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. Baltimore bars 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. Given that Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Could the Packers be involved in this somehow?

One of the least populous and least visited states in the United States, and it has nothing to do with the friendly locals there. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without demanding anything in return. Those of you who rated the state on its friendliness as a community gave it high marks.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi is a delightful place, full of warmth and hospitality. 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 recounting of his or her life experiences. Nobody here is pretending to be anything other than friendly and genuinely interested in talking to complete 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 simple rule. Some random person will hold the door open for you, and others will offer to help you carry your groceries out to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. Here, even in the biggest cities, people have no problem striking up casual conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the game. People in this region are the epitome of "Midwestern nice."

Whatever the situation, you'll find that Kentuckians are friendly. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a tourist, you can expect the same warm welcome from the locals. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to convince anyone to pack up 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. When it comes to assistance from total strangers, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's towns, you'll find hospitable locals who are eager to help you out. The atmosphere is easygoing, and there is a wide variety of cultural influences. As an added bonus, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there you go.

With only ten people, 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 like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Peach-loving Big 7 travelers rated Georgia a 7.

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 warm and inviting, and not in a stalkerish way. 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 welcoming locals. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. And if safety is a concern, rest assured that Illinois has 19 of the country's top 100 safest cities.

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 each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Learn the "one finger" wave while driving, and you'll blend in like a native.

Despite the recent natural disasters, the locals here will do anything 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.

If you want to see good manners and a genuine interest in others in action, look no further than Ohio. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to eatery or watering hole to visitors. In addition to being a fantastic destination for couples, it also caters to families with a wide variety of fun things to do.

With Hawaii's strong emphasis on tourism, guests are well taken care of in every aspect of their stay. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, suggesting that there is some psychological benefit to living in this location.

There's a reason Oklahoma is home to one of America's friendliest capitals: Oklahoma City. In this city, the locals are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by Kansas's well-deserved reputation for friendliness, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The warmth of the locals towards tourists is a major reason why the state is so lovely.

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. At once, you'll sense the warmth of this place, whether you're in Denver or out in the country.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help those in need. People in this area tend to be friendly and humorous. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Although Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Large urban areas still have a strong sense of community; it's not unusual for a stranger to help you carry groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. 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, y'all Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have assured its place among the friendliest U.S. states. The locals in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to a friendly village.

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.

People in Tennessee have that classic Southern attitude, always ready to greet visitors and proud to show off their hometown. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of the friendliest states in the United States.

What's more, the winner of the competition between the friendliest states in America is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting warmth and go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.