the fifty friendliest states in the union

At first glance, the locals (especially those in the upstate) 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. If you must take pictures for Instagram while standing in the street, please do so quickly so as not to impede traffic.

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 may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Delaware may be a small state, with a total driving time of only 90 minutes, but its lack of neighborliness is not to be taken lightly. Could it be that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly unfair) reputation as boring? Sad to say, it's one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Massachusetts residents aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Ignoring people isn’t exactly a trait that will put Massachusetts among the friendliest states in America Likewise, it takes a considerable amount of time to establish oneself as a permanent resident of Boston rather than a temporary visitor.

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 notoriously outspoken. But at least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will fill up your tank.

Although Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's the deluge of rain that has been falling recently.

People in New Hampshire are very proud of their state and its beauty. However, this sense of pride can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as a haughty attitude. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here due to their stubbornness and the area's low population density.

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 cutthroat place to spend some time. People in Nevada generally aren't 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 welcoming cities in the United States. 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. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Neighborhood cashiers are friendlier in smaller towns, but in general, don'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 visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Less hectic lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

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. To be more precise, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

State of Connecticut residents are courteous, reticent, and pleasant overall, but warm and welcoming to visitors. Unfortunately, that's not the case. 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. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep people connected.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Outside of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current Alaskans can relate to the experience of being a newcomer. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case, they are not rude.

It will come as a pleasant surprise to you how welcoming and friendly people in Montana are. 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. The nation's capital is a cultural mecca, but some may view it as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to meet new friends. Given the region's reliance on tourism, residents are generally eager to accommodate tourists. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Locals in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and fellow citizens. You can hear a "hi" in the most unlikely places, such as the grocery store, the parking lot, or even while waiting for a red light to turn green. One of the best things about the state is the diversity of its people.

The locals in Utah are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease 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 readers seem to agree that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. People from New England tend to have a reputation for being quiet and reserved, but Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

Among the people you'll encounter in your travels across the United States, you'll find West Virginians to be among the most warm and friendly. There is a relaxed tempo of life that makes for a friendly environment. With the mountains serving as a sort of barrier between the people of West Virginia and the rest of the world, the state has a very tight-knit sense of community.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the prevalence of "hellos" and "waves" on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Although Michiganders like to think of themselves as a warm and welcoming people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite like those you might find in the Midwest.

Maryland has a large population and a wide range of cultural traditions, making it one of the most culturally diverse states in America. 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 bright spot in the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America. The Packers might have a role in this, right?

One of the least populated and least visited states in the United States, and it has nothing to do with the friendly people who live there. The people of North Dakota are known for their genuine friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. As a whole, the community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. 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. Most tourists are pleasantly surprised by the welcoming nature of Mississippians. 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.

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. Follow that guideline, and you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. 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.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by active, engaged, and welcoming locals. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. People here are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

Whatever the situation, you'll find that Kentuckians 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.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities whose reputations for friendliness may not be as high as they deserve. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. Readers gave it high marks for the amount of assistance they received from total strangers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Almost everywhere you go in New Mexico, you'll meet nice people. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked 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, getting to know locals is a breeze. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it was great.

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 creepy, prying sort of way. When it comes to welcoming visitors, Idaho more than lives up to its reputation.

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.

People from 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 at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

The locals here really go out of their way to make you feel at home, despite the fact that the area has had a rough go of it recently due to 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 good manners and friendly demeanor, making the Buckeye State a shining example of the Midwest. 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. Additionally, it is a fantastic destination for families thanks to the abundance of fun things to do here that children will enjoy.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. There is a special "Aloha Spirit" there. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, suggesting that paradise life has a positive effect on the human spirit.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. Here, people are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Being prepared to strike up a conversation with complete strangers is a must when visiting Kansas, a state known for its hospitable locals and tourists alike. Because locals are so welcoming to visitors, the state is stunning.

Having some of the friendliest people in the world, Colorado is a great place to visit thanks to its progressive culture. 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.

Hoosiers are known for their generous nature and "Hoosier hospitality," the state's unique brand of "hospitality." The residents of this area are friendly and humorous. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as a special place.

Although Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Even in major metropolitan areas, it is not unusual for a complete stranger to offer assistance with tasks such as shoveling snow or carrying groceries. Never take your keys out of the car. With any luck, everything will be fine.

Friendly Texans always have a "Howdy" ready for you. 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 people in both its big cities and its small towns will welcome you with open arms.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well known, and it's one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina has all the warmth and hospitality that the South is famous for, and then some.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager 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.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state wins first place. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.