The 50 Most Welcome States in the USA

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 there, or at least a native Arkansan, you'll find that Arkansans are among the friendliest people in the country. 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 just 90 minutes of driving time, this does not necessarily make it a welcoming place to its neighbors. Is it the (possibly unfair) stereotype of Delawareans as unsociable that causes our readers to form such an opinion? 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 America's friendliest states due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years.

The Jersey way of life has been characterized as rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it seems like that's the case Those from the Garden State have a reputation for being bold and forthright. The (likely) unfriendly station attendant, however, will pump your gas for you.

If you're looking at environmental friendliness, the state of Washington may always be near the top of the list. Though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, earning the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

New Hampshire is a stunning state full of devoted citizens who take great pride in their home. But that pride is often misunderstood as arrogance by those on the outside. As a rural area with a stubborn local population, this can be a challenge.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of extremes. A more welcoming and less cutthroat alternative to Las Vegas is Reno. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami continues to be ranked as one of the least friendly cities in America. Cities such as Orlando and its tourist-friendly initiatives are helping the state big time, but overall its reputation has some catching up to do

It's safe to assume that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island will always be considered a stranger there. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders aren't very friendly. 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.

The Golden State's residents may think of themselves as sociable, but our readers beg to differ. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. 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 for the most part. 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 particularly happy to see you. Instead, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really Although New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will 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 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're more than happy to open their arms to visitors. 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.

Montanans will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the whole state feels more like a large town. They're nice, but don't expect an invitation to their house for tea. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view it as conservative and wary. C with 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, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. While it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, 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. 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 diversity of its people.

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

All in all, our readers seem to agree that Maine is a great place to call home due to its low crime rate and warm, welcoming community. Some people in New England may be shy, but Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

When traveling across the United States, you'll find that West Virginians are among the most warm and friendly people you'll meet. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. There is a tight-knit sense of community in West Virginia because the state is essentially walled off from the rest of the country by mountains.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "how are yous" and "hellos" in passing pedestrians. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

While most Michiganders like to think of themselves as hospitable, those in Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be tough. People here have a great sense of humor and are laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

Maryland's population density is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. The welcoming atmosphere and abundance of people make it a great destination for a fun outing or social gathering. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with friendly, polite citizens who value their communities and enjoy life. 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 welcoming. Maybe it has something to do with the Packers

There's no reason to believe that the state's low population and low tourism numbers are due to the quality of its residents. People from North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. Readers were very complimentary of the state's friendly atmosphere.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Even though Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, the people there are nice (I swear). Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Mississippi is a beautiful state brimming with authentic Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. After 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. No pretenses, just genuine kindness and interest in one another among strangers.

To put it simply, if you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. Stick to that golden rule and you’ll see that Alabama is one of the friendliest states in America It's amazing how many strangers go out of their way to help you, from holding the door open to assisting you with your groceries as you make your way to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. People here will strike up casual 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."

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. It's the unique warmth of Kentuckians' hospitality that will have you packing your bags for the Bluegrass State right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers rated it very highly. Look lost There is a decent person in the area who will probably offer assistance.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Plus, in 2018, two New Mexico cities were named among the Top 20 Retirement Cities that are LGBT-friendly. Now you know

With only ten people, At a population of over 3 million, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities, but its residents are universally warm and welcoming. Even in bigger cities like Atlanta, it's not hard to strike up conversations with locals. It seems that Big 7 travelers enjoyed their time in Georgia.

You'll hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country, and our readers agree. Really, the locals are warm and welcoming, and not in a stalkerish way. The people of Idaho are as friendly and open as they are famously described.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are among the friendliest you'll ever meet. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. According to Neighborhood Scout, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in the state of Illinois, making it a good destination for tourists.

Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. You can feel the strong sense of community wherever you go because of all the people who are willing to help each other out. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Even though 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 in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the region. Locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. Also, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it a fantastic destination for families.

Because tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service. 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 America, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," has earned that moniker for good reason. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. In addition to being welcoming to locals, they extend the same warmth to tourists.

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.

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. No matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

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 pleasant and humorous. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

The people of Wyoming make it a great place to visit, despite the state's reputation for relative tranquility. 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. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, it will arrive undamaged.

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. Locals in its big cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

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 hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has a vibrant culture and friendly locals who are eager to show off their city to visitors, exuding classic Southern hospitality. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

Finally, the most welcoming state in the United States 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 a genuine warmth and hospitality that's hard to find elsewhere.