the fifty friendliest states in the union

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 by taking Instagram photos too slowly.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. And while that bodes well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

Even though the state of Delaware is relatively compact and can be traversed in under an hour and a half, its size does not necessarily equate to neighborliness. Are our readers predisposed to view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a bore? It is one of the least welcoming states in the USA, which is a shame.

Locals in MA aren't rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' propensity for ignoring them. Acceptance as a bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, is a lengthy process.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. That appears to be the case, at least according to this survey. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. 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. There is a "polite but unfriendly" vibe among locals, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze," though nobody in the city would ever intentionally be rude. Perhaps it's the constant downpours.

This state is stunning, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage and home. The problem is that 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, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. When it comes to helping strangers, Nevadans generally won't go out of their way.

The state of Florida certainly has its work cut out for it if 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 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.

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 friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. The pace of life tends to be slower in smaller urban centers.

There's no denying that Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. Waiting in line is the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. As a whole, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really Locals may have a reputation for coldness, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you visit New England. Although it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able to come together through 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; either way, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will win you over with their genuine hospitality. Despite its massive landmass, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. 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. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some might say that its residents are too traditional and too wary of strangers. C and other major cities, it's a promising location.

Vermonters are known for being open and hospitable, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. 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 reception of visitors. You can hear a "hi" in the most unexpected places, such as the grocery store, 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 known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home. 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 will be immediately apparent to you upon your arrival.

People from West Virginia are among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. Life here is relaxed, making for a friendly ambiance. A tight-knit sense of community exists in West Virginia because the state is largely isolated 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. People are friendly and helpful (even the cashiers), and you can buy fresh produce directly from farmers along the road.

Many people outside of Michigan have the impression that Michiganders are a warm and welcoming people. However, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be difficult to get to know. The locals are known for their laid-back demeanor, good sense of humor, and Midwest-style politeness.

As one of the most populous states in the country, Maryland is also a culturally rich melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. 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; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

A lack of residents and tourists has nothing to do with the quality of life in this state's communities, despite the fact that it is one of the least populated and visited in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. According to your ratings, the community spirit in this state is very strong.

Famous for its residents' friendliness toward total strangers, Oregon has earned a national reputation. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. The state is the most pet-friendly in the country, so Fido is guaranteed to fit right in.

Charming and full of Southern sweetness, Mississippi is a wonderful place to visit. It's common for visitors to Mississippi to be pleasantly surprised by the state's warm welcome from locals. They are very friendly and will make you feel at home as long as you refrain from bragging about how great it is "up North."

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

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you obey this simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. 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.

South Dakota is home to many progressive, forward-thinking towns populated by involved, helpful locals. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers on the street, even in the largest cities, discussing anything from the weather to the latest football game. People in this region are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

Everyone in Kentucky is friendly no matter what. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, 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.

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. When asked how helpful random people are, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. Casual and rich in cultural variety. Furthermore, two New Mexico cities were among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there you have it

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, it's not difficult to make friends. One of the Big Seven travel magazines' readers ranked Georgia as "pretty peachy."

It's been said many times, but our readers overwhelmingly agreed: 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.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States can be found in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

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. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, 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 a wide variety of backgrounds, but they all contribute to what makes the state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. Tourists can confidently ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or drink, as the people living there are friendly and open. 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. 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.

It's not for nothing that Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in America, and that includes the capital city of Oklahoma, which is known as "The Big Friendly." These folks 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 the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is one of the state's most attractive features.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. Family-friendly and secure, there is a wealth of cultural experiences to be had here, and in no time at all, visitors will feel as at home as the locals. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter where you are, urban Denver or rural Colorado.

People in 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 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.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in the most populated areas, 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. Probability says it will arrive unscathed.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdys" are a trademark. Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" vibe have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the top amiable U.S. states. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

South Carolinians 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 nature associated with the Southern states.

Traditional Southern hospitality is alive and well in Tennessee, where residents are energized by the presence of 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 most welcoming states in the United States.

What's more, the winner of the competition between the friendliest states in America is Residents of Minnesota are some of the friendliest people in the country. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.