the fifty friendliest states in the union

The locals (especially those in the upstate) may come off as rude at 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 while taking photos for Instagram, though.

The people of Arkansas tend to be warm and welcoming if (and only if) you're a native. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it can make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

Though the state of Delaware is relatively compact (it takes only about 90 minutes to drive from one end to the other), its size does not necessarily equate to neighborliness. Is it that our readers' preconceptions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? It's one of the states with the lowest friendliness ratings in the country.

In general, locals in MA aren't rude to tourists, but their indifference can be wearing. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case Personalists with an "in your face" approach are typical of a New Jersey native. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

Consistently placing high on lists of environmentally-friendly states, Washington is a different story when it comes to its residents. Though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, earning the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's the constant downpours.

New Hampshire is a stunning 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. 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 rough place to spend 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. 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 all your 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." Friendly locals tend to congregate in smaller communities, but don't expect a warm welcome from the cashier at your corner store.

It's a common misconception that Californians are a friendly bunch, but our readers beg to differ. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. Cities of a smaller size have a more relaxed atmosphere.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. 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.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. It's not that 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.

Alaskans are happy to see visitors because the state relies so heavily on tourism, despite the state's remote location. 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.

People in Montana will surprise you with their friendliness and hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. The townspeople joke and tease each other in a lighthearted manner, and they welcome visitors with open arms.

With its increasing diversity, Virginia is becoming an even more inviting and friendly place to live. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities make it a great place to live

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. While it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, 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 welcome to visitors. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." The diversity of its residents is one of the state's most notable features.

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 U.S. cities for the LGBTQ community.

A large majority of our readers agree that Maine is a great place to call home due to its low crime rate and welcoming community. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. When you first step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. The state of West Virginia is largely isolated from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, which has fostered a strong sense of community there.

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. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

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 and friendly 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. Because Green Bay is one of the happiest cities in America, its residents are naturally friendly. Is there a chance it's related to the Packers?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with its fantastic residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. Community spirit in the state received high marks from our readers.

Oregonians have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming to visitors. Although Portland's hipster culture may be difficult to enter, the people there are nice (I swear). And your dog is sure to fit right in, as this state is ranked highest in the nation for its pet-friendliness.

It's undeniable that Mississippi is a beautiful state, full of all the warmth and hospitality that the The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. 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.

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. There is no pretense here; they are genuinely kind and interested in talking to strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. They'll help you carry your groceries to your car and hold the door open for you just because they want to be nice.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming 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."

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. There's something about a Kentuckian's warmth and hospitality that makes you want to settle down here right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are friendlier than you might expect. Indeed, the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; 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 An amiable local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. A melting pot of people from all walks of life, it's easygoing and diverse. Two cities in New Mexico's Enchanted Circle area are among the top 20 retirement destinations for LGBT people in 2018. So there you go.

Having a total of 10 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. They thought Georgia was great, according to 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 creepy, prying way. True to its reputation, Idaho welcomes visitors with open arms and genuine kindness.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are known for their warmth and hospitality. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

Nebraskers are among the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Learn the "one finger" wave while driving, and you'll blend in 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 in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor, making the Buckeye State a prime example of the Midwest ideal. They welcome visitors and are happy to recommend their favorite restaurant or bar. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

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 friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

You can tell that Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country by visiting Oklahoma City, also known as "The Big Friendly." The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. When guests come to visit, they are treated with the same warmth and hospitality.

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. People in this state have such a warm welcome attitude toward tourists, it makes visiting this state a dream.

Because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals, Colorado is a great vacation destination. It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting history, and history buffs will quickly feel at home there. 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 have a positive disposition and an entertaining sense of humor. When you finally make it to Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

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

Greetings of "Howdy" and the friendly Texans This state's reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly earned it a spot among the top ten friendliest in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Locals in Tennessee are full of life and eager to show off their city to visitors, exemplifying the classic Southern hospitality that has made the state famous. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

In addition, the most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Because of its friendly locals and picturesque landscape, the Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice."