The 50 Most Welcome States in the USA

To a visitor, locals (especially those from the countryside) may 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. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on "if"), the people will treat you well. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it can make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

Although 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? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

While most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists 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.

At times, the Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case. The people of New Jersey are notorious for being very forthright. 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 that doesn't mean its residents are. 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.

The people of New Hampshire are extremely patriotic and proud of their state. However, this sense of pride is often 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, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. In general, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Considering Miami's reputation as one of the friendliest U.S. cities, Florida has its work cut out for it. Tourist-friendly initiatives in places like Orlando are greatly enhancing the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before it is widely recognized.

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's readers, Rhode Islanders aren't particularly hospitable. 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.

However, our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as the state would have you believe. If you're looking for a place where you'll feel welcome and safe in a big city, Los Angeles isn't it. 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 nonetheless. 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. Positive indifference to other people rather than animosity

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their politeness, reserve, and general niceness. Maybe not as much People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will always open doors for you and greet you with a friendly hello. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Despite the state's remote location, Alaska relies heavily on the tourism industry; consequently, locals are always happy to meet new visitors. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. Or they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. A nice person like this won't invite you over for tea, but they will still treat you well. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more hospitable and warm. The cultural mecca of Washington, D.C., may come across as traditional and wary to outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

It's simple to meet new people and form friendships in Vermont because its residents are warm and welcoming. It's a tourist mecca, so people will go out of their way to assist visitors. Even though 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 reception of guests. Hi's are commonplace in public places like Walmart or the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease. 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. The people of New England are known for their reserved nature, 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 hospitable and warm people you'll meet. Living here is relaxed, which creates a friendly environment. Because of the mountains' role as a buffer zone between the state of West Virginia and the rest of the country, the people who live there tend to stick together.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" greetings in public. 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. People in this region are known for their laid-back demeanor, good sense of humor, and Midwestern politeness.

Maryland has one of the highest population densities in the country and is also home to many different cultural groups. 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 guaranteed to meet some of your new 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 is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. 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. Natives of 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.

The people of Oregon are known for their friendliness toward total strangers. Getting in with Portland's hipsters may be difficult, but I promise you, they're cool. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. 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.

In Missouri, people will start telling you about their lives even before you've introduced yourself. They are 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. You'll find that Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you just remember that one rule. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, such as holding the door open or carrying your groceries to your car.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved and hospitable people. Here, even in the largest cities, people are comfortable striking up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. 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 find that people in Kentucky 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 anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. You've got a friend in Pennsylvania because its people are so warm and welcoming. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It's chill and full of different cultures. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people You now have the full picture

With only 10 people, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities, but its residents are warm and welcoming no matter where you go. 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. It's true that everyone here is warm and welcoming, and not in a nosy or intrusive way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Chicago and the rest of Illinois, and the rest of the Midwest, are home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Chicago is often ranked above even New York City. 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 each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Practice waving with one finger while driving, and you'll soon feel like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. 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.

When it comes to good manners and genuine kindness toward strangers, Ohio is a shining example of the Midwest at its finest. A local's willingness to welcome visitors and tell them about his or her favorite restaurant or bar is a sure sign of a welcoming community. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourism industry, so visitors can expect to be treated like royalty while they're here. Famous for its "Aloha Spirit," it is a paradise. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals here 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 Kansas friendliness, so strike up a conversation with seemingly anyone you come across. 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 families, there's a ton to see and do, and tourists quickly begin to feel at home. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. 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. 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. It's probably going to make it through unscathed.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the United States is a testament to the fact that it is "everywhere you go." The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

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 residents are bursting with excitement and a desire to share their state with visitors. When you factor in its thriving music industry, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

The most welcoming state in the United States is Minnesotans are the friendliest in the country, so the state wins. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" because the state as a whole exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that is difficult to match.