The 50 Most Welcome States in the USA

When you first arrive, locals (especially those in the countryside) may 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 itself is a melting pot of many cultures. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from there, and only if, Arkansas is a welcoming place to live. That may bode well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, but it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Perhaps our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly exaggerated) reputation as boring. This is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, unfortunately.

Though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general lack of friendliness towards visitors can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America if its residents are known for ignoring each other. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And according to the results of this poll, that's unquestionably the situation New Jersey residents are notoriously forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Although Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. The people of Seattle are not rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, which has earned it the nickname "the Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state full of devoted citizens who take great pride in their home. This sense of pride, however, 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, where Sin City is located, is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Generally speaking, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida certainly has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least friendly 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 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 didn't 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 particularly friendly. The people of Los Angeles aren't exactly the friendliest, and the city has a reputation for being unwelcoming to visitors. The tempo of life tends to slow down in smaller urban centers.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. If you're waiting in line, you can expect to 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.

The people of Connecticut are friendly and polite, but also somewhat reserved. I wouldn't say that at all Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. 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. 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, but in either case, they are not rude.

You won't believe how welcoming and friendly everyone in Montana is. 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. Greetings to visitors are met with a friendly attitude and lighthearted banter between the towns.

Virginia's growing 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 It's a great place to live because of its proximity to other major cities.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go out of their way to accommodate them. Though 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. 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." Among the many great things about this state is the eclectic mix of people who call it home.

Utahns are known for their warm 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 appears to share the opinion that Maine is a desirable place to settle because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Although New Englanders as a whole have a reputation for being reserved, Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

Many visitors to the United States are pleasantly surprised to discover that West Virginians rank among the friendliest and most hospitable people they encounter. 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 largely isolated from the rest of the country by mountains.

Iowans are known for their friendliness and kindness, evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. There is a genuine feeling of community, from the friendly service at the register to the eagerness of roadside farmers to discuss the delicious fruits and vegetables they have grown.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it is a lively and engaging place to spend time with friends. 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 its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. As one of the United States' happiest cities, Green Bay's residents are naturally friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with its wonderful residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The community spirit in the state was highly rated by our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene might be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is an endearing state that embodies the best of the South. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Unless you insist on constantly reiterating the fact that everything is better "up North," locals will treat you like family and treat you like family.

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," people from Missouri will launch into a lengthy recounting of their personal histories. Without any pretense, they are friendly and genuinely curious to hear from total strangers.

All the people you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that simple rule. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and 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. The culture here encourages open conversation between strangers, even in the largest cities. This town is the epitome of "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll meet friendly people in Kentucky. You'll get the same warm reception from natives and visitors alike, whether you're a longtime resident or 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 that's not how they really are at all. In fact, the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason: the locals here are among the friendliest people you'll ever meet. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

It's typical of New Mexico to find welcoming locals in even the smallest communities. It's chill and full of different cultures. More so, two New Mexico cities have been recognized as 2018 Top 20 Cities for LGBT-friendly retirement. Well, there you have it.

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million people, this southern state offers a fascinating blend of rural and urban settings. 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 nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located 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. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. There's a real sense of community here, with people pitching in to help one another. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just 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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. As a bonus, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it an ideal destination for families.

The hospitality industry in Hawaii is highly developed due to the state's strong focus on tourism. Those who visit praise its "Aloha Spirit." 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. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warmth and hospitality as locals.

Tourists 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. Because locals are so welcoming to visitors, the state is stunning.

As a progressive state with some of the friendliest people on the planet, Colorado is a great place to visit. It's great for families, there's a ton to see and do, and tourists quickly begin to feel at home in this cultural hotspot. You can feel the friendliness of Colorado right away, whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and a humorous outlook. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

It's true that Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state overall, but its residents are what really set the mood. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother coming back for the keys. The odds are good that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their constant "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. Its locals will welcome you with open arms and bring a sense of small-town friendliness to its big cities.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warmth and hospitality, making the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the warm welcome and generous spirit that have come to define the Southern states.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always excited to show visitors around. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

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. There's a good reason why the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home.