the fifty friendliest states in the union

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could New York City may be overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each borough's neighborhoods have a sense of community and that the city as a whole is a fascinating melting pot of cultures. 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 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.

You can drive across the entire state of Delaware in under an hour, but that doesn't make it any more neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? This is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, unfortunately.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts isn't exactly going to make the list of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. Acceptance as a bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as extremely impolite at times. And according to the results of this poll, that seems to be the case The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. If nothing else, the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

While Washington state consistently performs well on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it fares much worse when it comes to its residents. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps the constant downpours are to blame.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. This sense of pride, however, is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Because of its stubborn natives and sparse rural population, making friends here can be challenging.

Nevada, the site of Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. 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. 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.

You'll probably be treated like an outsider in Rhode Island if you weren't raised there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn'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. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. Waiting in line here might lead to a chat with a complete stranger, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. To be more precise, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their politeness, reserve, and general niceness. In any case People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you warmly. In spite of the state's lack of cultural vitality, its residents find common ground at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

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.

You won't believe how welcoming and friendly everyone in Montana is. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you over for tea, but you won't be invited to anyone's house. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more hospitable and warm. Washington, D.C., is a cultural mecca, but some may view the area as conservative and wary of outsiders. C , and other major cities, make it a great place to live.

Making new friends in Vermont is simple because its residents are warm and welcoming. The locals here are very friendly and helpful because of the abundance of tourists. Though the locals of a small Vermont town may take some time to warm up to newcomers, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Natives of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. Many people will greet you with a "hi" in the most unlikely of places, such as a Walmart or a parking lot while you wait for a red light. An attractive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

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 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. Those from New England are notoriously shy, but Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. When you first step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

In all of the United States, you're sure to meet some nice people in West Virginia. Because of the relaxed nature of life here, you'll find a friendly vibe. 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, often stopping to say hello to those they pass on the street and waving as they pass. Authentic community spirit is present, as are friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Among the most populous states, Maryland also features a wide range of ethnic and cultural communities. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. Making new best friends in a Baltimore bar is a breeze.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country. Have the Packers played a role in this at all?

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. People from North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful, often without any sort of payment or reward being expected in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

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 the people there are nice (I swear). Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

It's undeniable that Mississippi is a beautiful state, full of all the warmth and hospitality that the South is famous for. The warmth of Mississippians is often 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.

Some Missourians are so eager to share their lives with you that they'll do so before you've even said hello. They're genuine, friendly, and interested in chit-chat with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. Some random person will hold the door open for you, and others will offer to help you carry your groceries out to your car.

The towns and cities throughout South Dakota are thriving hubs of progressive thought and progressive people. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. You can pretty much use the phrase "Midwestern Nice" to describe the people here.

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 anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" is more than just a slogan; the people who live here are truly friendly. When it comes to assistance from total strangers, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost The average friendly local will probably offer assistance.

People in almost every town in New Mexico are warm and welcoming. You can expect a relaxed atmosphere and a wide range of ethnic and religious groups. And in 2018, two New Mexico cities were named among the Top 20 Retirement Cities for the LGBT community. So there you go.

Ten people strong. This state in the southern United States is home to 3 million people and features a diverse collection of urban and rural communities, as well as welcoming residents. It’s easy to get to know people here, even in larger cities like Atlanta The citizens of Georgia received favorable reviews from Big 7 Travel readers.

Many people will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest people you'll meet in the United States; our readers agree. The locals are genuinely warm and welcoming, and not in a creepy, prying way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation as a welcoming and friendly place for visitors.

Illinois, a state in the center of the Midwest, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. 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.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. A sense of community characterized by people helping each other out can be found virtually anywhere you look. 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. Louisiana is home to people of many different cultures, but they all share a commitment to making their state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. Most locals are friendly and willing to show visitors around, including recommending their favorite restaurants and bars. Also, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it a fantastic destination for families.

Tourists in Hawaii are the top priority, so the state's reputation for warm hospitality is well-deserved. It has a reputation for being filled with "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly wave, so clearly paradise has some sort of healing effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Their hospitality extends 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. Beautiful scenery and welcoming locals make this state a must-see.

An enjoyable state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and some of the friendliest people in the world as a bonus. 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 friendliness 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 legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. Here, you'll find friendly, humorous people. Even if you've only ever thought of Indiana as a "fly over" state, you should definitely make the trip.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Put the keys in the ignition and drive away. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" 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. Its large cities are boosted with small town vibes from locals, who will welcome you with open arms

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warm welcome with gusto.

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 America's friendliest states.

As for the most welcoming state in the Union, it is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.