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 see 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 people will treat you well. Although this bodes well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

The state of Delaware is so small that it can be crossed in 90 minutes by car, but its size doesn't necessarily equate to neighborliness. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

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. Acceptance as a bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, is a lengthy process.

The Jersey way of life has been characterized as rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from the Garden State have a reputation for being blunt and direct. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Consistently placing high on lists of environmentally-friendly states, Washington is a different story when it comes to its residents. People in Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe that's given rise to the term "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's the constant precipitation.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. The locals are unfriendly, and the area's low population density and widespread farmland make it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. However, while Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, neighborly cities like Reno offer a more pleasant alternative. Individual Nevadans may not go out of their way to assist a stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the unfriendliest cities in the United States. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a big boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

You'll probably be treated like an outsider in Rhode Island if you weren't raised there. 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 you go.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. When waiting in line, it's the type of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. However, that's not the case People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you ask. 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.

In spite of the state's relative isolation, Alaskans 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 in their lives. They might not respond to you at all if you bother them, but they are not rude if they do.

In Montana, you'll find a welcoming community of friendly people. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. Positive attitudes toward visitors and tourists are shared among the towns, and there is a lot of playful back and forth between them.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. While Washington, D.C., may be perceived by some as conservative and wary, the city is actually a vibrant cultural hub where people of all backgrounds and beliefs can feel safe C with other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist foreigners in any way they can. Small-town Vermonters can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

North Carolinians are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and fellow citizens. 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 diverse population it contains.

The people of Utah are well-known for their warmth and hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Aside from being one of the most sociable and lively cities in the country, Salt Lake City also has a reputation for being extremely welcoming to the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a great place to settle down because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are known for their friendliness and openness. Upon your arrival, you'll notice this right away.

Some of the warmest and most friendly people you'll encounter in your travels across the United States will be West Virginians. The relaxed rhythms of daily life here help create a friendly ambiance. 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.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. 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. The locals have a genial disposition and a Midwestern politeness that complements their good humor.

The population of Maryland is one of the highest in the country, and the state's cultural landscape reflects this. 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.

The people of Wisconsin are the crown jewel of the Midwest; they are polite, connected, and full of joie de vivre. 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 friendly. A connection to the Packers is possible.

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. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. When asked about the state's sense of community, our readers gave it high marks.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Portland's hipsters may be difficult to integrate into mainstream culture, but I promise they're cool once you do. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The warmth of Mississippians is often a pleasant surprise to visitors. After you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

Before you've even said "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. Sincerity and genuine interest in one another's company are not in short supply among these people.

To put it simply, if you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. If you follow this simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. 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 engaged and hospitable people. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. It's safe to say that the residents of this region personify 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 you pack your bags and head here right away.

While cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," that is exactly what they are. The slogan "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 ranked it highly. Look lost There is a good chance a friendly local will assist you.

It's typical of New Mexico to find welcoming locals in even the smallest communities. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. In addition, two New Mexico cities were among the 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. You now have the full picture

Population: 10 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 a breeze. One of the Big Seven travel magazines' readers ranked Georgia as "pretty peachy."

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. True to its reputation, Idaho welcomes visitors with open arms and genuine kindness.

Illinois, located in the middle of the United States, is home to incredibly warm and 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. The sense of community is palpable, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in like a native.

The locals here will do anything to make you feel at home, despite the troubled history of natural disasters that has plagued the area. Louisianans may come from many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the most welcoming and enjoyable 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. Those who live there are friendly and willing to give visitors recommendations on where to eat and drink. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a smile, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

That they call OKC "The Big Friendly" isn't a coincidence; Oklahoma is, in fact, one of the friendliest states in the USA. A local's priority is always their own neighborhood, and they're always up for a chat. 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. A lot of the state's charm comes from the locals' friendliness toward tourists.

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. 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 are friendly and humorous. Indiana is more than a "fly over" state, and after just one visit, you'll feel a special connection to it.

While Wyoming as a whole is relatively tranquil, the people who call it home make it anything but boring. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to offer assistance with tasks such as unsticking your car from snow or carrying groceries. Don't bother getting the keys out of the car. There's a good chance that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" 'everywhere you go' has undoubtedly contributed to its status as one of the friendliest states in the USA. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

Residents of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant 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 citizens 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.

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 and numerous tourist-friendly attractions.