The 50 Most Welcome States in the USA

The locals (especially those in the upstate) may come off as rude at New York City may be overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each borough's neighborhoods have a sense of community and that the city as a whole is a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Simply don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

For those who call Arkansas home, the welcome mat is always out. Even though Arkansans pride themselves on being friendly neighbors, this can make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

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. Can it be that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware's amiability stem 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. Having a reputation for being unfriendly due to its residents' tendency to ignore them isn't exactly a selling point for Massachusetts's tourism industry. A lot of time and effort is required to earn the respect of locals and to be considered a "real" Bostonian rather than a "fly-in."

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case As a whole, people from New Jersey have a reputation for being blunt and direct. 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. People in Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but there is a distinct "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned the city the nickname "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

It's a beautiful state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage and their home. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. People in this area tend to be unyielding, and the few residents in the surrounding countryside can make it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. General, people in Nevada are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as 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 has a ways to go.

If you aren't a native Rhode Islander, you probably won't fit in socially. Big 7 readers did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to making guests feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. Most people tend to take it easier in smaller towns.

Unlike in the South, where friendliness is often a defining characteristic, locals in Arizona tend to be pretty chill about things. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

Residents of Connecticut are courteous, reticent, and pleasant overall, but warm and welcoming to visitors. However, that's not the case Despite the region's reputation for coldness, you can count on a friendly greeting and a helping hand wherever you go. Despite the state's lack of cultural vitality, residents still manage to pull together for occasional open mike nights and other community events.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Almost everyone in this city, with the exception of Alaska Natives, is a transplant who has experienced life as a newcomer. 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 small community. The people are pleasant enough, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. Positive attitudes toward visitors and tourists are shared among the towns, and there is a lot of playful back and forth between them.

The state of Virginia is becoming increasingly diverse, which is fostering a warm and welcoming environment. 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.

It's simple to meet new people and form friendships in Vermont because its residents are warm and welcoming. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. The people of Vermont's small towns can be slow 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. 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 people.

Utahns are known for their warmth and hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in the United States, and it also happens to be one of the most welcoming cities for the LGBTQ community.

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. If you come here, you'll notice this right away.

It's likely that you'll meet some of the friendliest people in the United States in West Virginia. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. Due in part to the state's geographical isolation, West Virginia is home to a tight-knit community.

In general, Iowans are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor; it's not uncommon to see people smiling and greeting complete strangers as you walk down the street. Authentic community spirit is present, as are friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

People in Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be tough to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. It's a lively and social place to spend some time because it welcomes visitors from all over the world. 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 the country, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Could the Packers be involved in this somehow?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has absolutely nothing to do with 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. Communities in the state received high marks from our readers.

The people of Oregon have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Also, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here, as this state is ranked highest in the country for pet friendliness.

The state of Mississippi is absolutely lovely, full of warm hospitality and delicious Southern cuisine. The friendliness of Mississippians is one of the state's most common points of surprise for visitors. Once you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals like family, you will quickly find that you have made many new friends.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in America if you follow that rule of thumb. For no other reason than to be friendly, total strangers will do things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

Many towns and cities in South Dakota are progressive and full of involved and pleasant residents. People will strike up 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."

Regardless of your reason for visiting, you'll find that Kentuckians are consistently 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.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but you'd be wrong. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. For its helpfulness 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 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 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 locals is simple. The citizens of Georgia were deemed to be quite delightful by Big 7 Travel readers.

There is a common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located smack dab 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. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by the website Neighborhood Scout.

In the United States, you'll find some of the friendliest people in Nebraska. People are always pitching in to help one another, and there's a real sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Locals here 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.

The people of Ohio are well-known for their good manners and upbeat outlook on life. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Due to Hawaii's strong commitment to the tourist industry, the state's guests are lavished with exceptional levels of service and care. 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 the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. People here are very talkative and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warmth and hospitality they do locals.

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.

With its progressive culture and welcoming locals, Colorado is a great vacation destination. It's great for taking the kids, has a wealth of cultural attractions, and will quickly have you feeling like a native. 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 those in need. The locals have a pleasant disposition and a good sense of humor. One trip will be all it takes to convince you that Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Just drive off without your keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The vivacious Texans and their "Howdys" are a trademark. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the United States is due in no small part to the fact that people are generally nice there. The locals in its major 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 embodies the warm hospitality and generous spirit that have come to define the Southern states.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly, outgoing locals who are always excited to show off their state to visitors. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why it's widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

And the winner is, of all the welcoming American states: The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals who go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.