the fifty friendliest states in the union

At first glance, locals (especially those in the upstate) 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 vibrant 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 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.

A person can drive across the entire state of Delaware in under an hour, but that doesn't make it any more neighborly. What makes our readers assume that Delaware is unwelcoming? Is it its (possibly unfair) reputation as boring? 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. Massachusetts is not known as one of the friendliest states in the country due in large part to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Furthermore, it takes a long time to establish oneself as a local, rather than a tourist, in Boston.

New Jerseyans' demeanor is sometimes misunderstood as rudeness. Based on the results of this poll, it appears that is the case. People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright and bold. Nevertheless, at least the (possibly unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

While Washington State often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, its reputation among its residents is decidedly mixed. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's all the wet weather

There is a lot of beauty in New Hampshire, and the people there are very proud of their state. However, this sense of pride can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Generally speaking, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida 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 many 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 your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders aren't particularly hospitable. Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as the rest of the country would like to believe. If you're looking for a place where you'll feel welcome and safe in a big city, Los Angeles isn't it. 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. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. In other words, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

Most people from Connecticut are polite, reserved, and pleasant, but some are downright friendly. I wouldn't say that at all Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. 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.

While Alaskans may feel cut off from the rest of the world, the state's reliance on tourism means they'll go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. Even the native Alaskans were likely newcomers at some point, so most locals here understand what it's like to start over in a strange place. It's either that or they'll completely ignore you; either way, they're not rude.

Our Montana neighbors will win you over with their genuine hospitality. Despite its large size, the whole state feels more like a large town. Someone who won't invite you over for tea, but is nice all the same. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

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

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming. With so many tourists passing through, the locals will go out of their way to assist you. The people of Vermont's small towns can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but 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 reception of guests. 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 diversity of its residents.

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. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known for being friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

You won't find a more hospitable or friendly group of people anywhere in the United States than West Virginians. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. Since West Virginia is largely isolated from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, its residents tend to stick together.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a wave as they pass them 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. The locals have a great sense of humor, are laid back and polite, and embody the Midwest ideal of a friendly community.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Because it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it's a lively and friendly place to hang out with friends. In a Baltimore bar, you're sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, a state whose citizens are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Was it possibly related to the Packers?

You won't find many people living here or tourists passing through, but that has nothing to do with the quality of the people who do call it home. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. Based on your votes, residents of this state have a strong sense of community.

People in Oregon are known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors. I hear it can be difficult to break into Portland's hipster scene, but I'm here to tell you that despite the stereotypes, hipsters actually are nice people. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the country.

Mississippi is a beautiful state bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. The warmth of Mississippians is often a pleasant surprise to visitors. People in this area are extremely friendly, and they will make you feel at home as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. No pretenses, just genuine kindness and interest in one another among strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking towns in South Dakota populated by engaged and welcoming locals. People will strike up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the largest cities. The residents of this region are the very embodiment 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 you pack your bags and move here tomorrow.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was written for a good reason; people here are genuinely kind to one another. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a decent chance that a friendly local will assist you.

Friendly locals can be found in almost every community across New Mexico. In a nutshell, it's chill and incredibly multi-ethnic. As an added bonus, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. That sums it up

With only ten people, This southern state has a population of over 3 million, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. The state is home to both rural and urban areas. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is straightforward. Many of the readers of Big 7 Travel found Georgia to be quite pleasant.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. True friendliness among the populace, without the intrusiveness The state of Idaho is just as welcoming and friendly as its reputation suggests.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. Chicago is arguably more tourist-friendly than New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. Anywhere you look, you'll find people pitching in to help one another, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

There has been a lot of natural disasters recently, but the locals will do anything to make you feel at home. Louisiana is home to people of many different cultures, but they all share the trait of making their state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor across the region. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. 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. Because of its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained worldwide recognition. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a 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. People here are very talkative and will always look out for their own. In the same vein, they are welcoming to outsiders.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the legendary friendliness of Kansans, so strike up conversations with complete strangers at will. Locals' warm welcome of visitors is one of the state's many attractive features.

It's a pleasure to visit Colorado because of its progressive environment and the fact that its residents are among the friendliest anywhere. 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.

Residents of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help those in need. The locals have a pleasant disposition and a good sense of humor. Once you visit Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in the largest of cities, 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 the keys have been left in the ignition. There is a good chance that it will arrive undamaged.

Locals in Texas are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy" or "Howdy, neighbor!" Its welcoming people "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the friendliest states in the United States. You'll feel right at home among its friendly locals in any of its big cities.

People in South Carolina are known for their warmth and hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has the warm hospitality and friendly people for which the South is famous in abundance.

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.

And the winner is among America's friendliest states Superior customer service is what puts Minnesota on top. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home.