the fifty friendliest states in the union

To a visitor, locals (especially those from the countryside) 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. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals 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.

Although it only takes 90 minutes to drive across Delaware, the small size of the state doesn't necessarily equate to neighborliness. Why do some of our readers view Delaware negatively? Is it because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? It's one of the least welcoming states in the country, which is a shame.

In general, locals in MA aren't rude to tourists, but their indifference can be wearing. The Bay State isn't exactly known for its welcoming population because of its propensity to ignore its residents. Likewise, it takes a considerable amount of time to establish oneself as a permanent resident of Boston rather than a temporary visitor.

A New Jerseyan's demeanor may come across as rude. Based on the results of this poll, it appears that is the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. However, the (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. The people of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a certain "polite but unfriendly" air about them, hence the nickname "the Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's the deluge of recent days.

The people of New Hampshire are extremely loyal to their home state and its beauty. 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 here due to their stubbornness and the small population.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. It's true that Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, but neighborly cities like Reno offer a more pleasant alternative. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the unfriendliest 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.

A person who was not raised in Rhode Island is likely to always be treated as a foreigner there. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Though many native Golden State residents would like to believe that they have a reputation for being friendly, our readers do not share this perception. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no hospitable city. In fact, it has an air of disdain that borders on rudeness. Casual lifestyles prevail in smaller urban centers.

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 anyone breaking out in a full-blown smile. A pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Unfortunately, that's not the case. It's true that New Englanders have a rep for being cold and unfriendly, but you'll still be greeted warmly and offered assistance getting through doorways. Despite the state's lack of cultural vitality, residents still manage to pull together for occasional open mike nights and other community events.

Despite the state of Alaska's isolation, the tourism industry is thriving and locals are always happy to see visitors. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of the locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

People in Montana are incredibly friendly and welcoming. 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. Communities joke and tease one another in a way that is both fun and welcoming to visitors.

The state of Virginia has always been known for its warm and welcoming culture, but the state's increasing diversity is only making that reputation stronger. A cultural mecca, Washington, D.C. may come across as traditional and wary to outsiders. C and 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. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Those in small towns in Vermont may be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The locals in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. It's great that people from all over the United States can congregate in this one state.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. One of the most sociable and lively places to live in the United States, Salt Lake City is also known for its welcoming attitude toward the LGBTQ community.

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 is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

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. 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.

When passing a stranger on the street, it is not uncommon for an Iowa resident to smile, wave, and say hello. There is a genuine sense of community, from the friendly cashiers to the farmers selling fresh produce 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 great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Thanks to its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and engaging hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. You can find your new best friends in a bar in Baltimore with little effort.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the Midwest thanks to its friendly and polite citizens and their strong sense of community. 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. Is there a chance it's related to the Packers?

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. People from North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful without demanding anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

People in Oregon are known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors. Getting in with Portland's hipsters may be difficult, but I promise you, they're cool. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once 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 had a chance to say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. There is no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in one another.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. 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.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. In the larger cities, people will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football scores. These folks 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. The warmth and welcome of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone pack their bags and head to the Bluegrass State.

In spite of common perception, cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are actually quite welcoming. It's not an exaggeration to say that Pennsylvanians are some of the friendliest people in the country. Readers gave it high marks for the amount of assistance they received from total strangers. Look lost Possibilities are high that a friendly local will offer assistance.

Every town in New Mexico has friendly locals. There is a wide variety of people and cultures to experience. In addition, two New Mexico cities were among the 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. Now you know

The town has a total of 10 residents. With a population of over 3 million, this southern state offers a diverse landscape of rural and urban areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities such as Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, Georgia received a score of 4.5 out of 7.

Overwhelmingly, our readers agreed with the claim that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the United States. True friendliness among the populace, without the intrusiveness The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located smack dab 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.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. A sense of community characterized by people helping one another can be found virtually anywhere you look. You can pass for a true native if you just learn the "one finger" wave to use while driving.

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 what makes the state one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. All visitors are welcome in the eyes of the locals, and they will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

As a state with a strong focus on tourism, Hawaii provides excellent service to its guests. Famous for its "Aloha Spirit," it is a paradise. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a smile, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in America, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," has earned that moniker for good reason. 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.

Travelers 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 friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for taking the kids, there's a ton to learn, and you'll quickly feel like a native. It doesn't matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

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 an excellent sense of humor and are generally pleasant to be around. A single trip to Indiana will convince you that it is so much more than a "fly over" state.

In spite of Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make visiting the state a delight. 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. Do not enter the vehicle until you have returned to retrieve the keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

People in Texas are very friendly, and they often say "Howdy" to strangers. The welcoming people you meet "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly helped make this state one of the friendliest in the United States. Its people, even in its big cities, have a friendly, welcoming attitude.

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

Tennessee has a vibrant culture and friendly locals who are eager to show off their city to visitors, exuding classic Southern hospitality. 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.