The 50 Friendliest States In America

[left-of-center2012]

Turns out that when it comes to friendliness, not all states are created equal. From old school Southern charm to outright city rudeness, there’s varying degrees of politeness. We asked our social audience of 1.5 million people “what are the friendliest states in America?”

From strangers helping you find your way when your phone doesn’t work to making new best friends in a local bar, these are the states across the USA where you’ll be made to feel the most (and least!) welcome.

https://bigseventravel.com/2019/08/the-50-friendliest-states-in-america/

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

1. Did you read article OP? Turns out all 50 are friendly (supposedly). YMMV I think if you are a

middle aged woman travelling solo - there are some places (im looking at you Utah and Nebraska) where you are totally invisible to a degree I never thought possible. Either no one looks you in the eye and wants to have a conversation, or if they do you get asked a ridiculous no. of times if you are travelling alone - like why would that matter to anyone? One campground I phoned in Nebraska the lady told me, after asking me how many of us and finding out it was only me, that I should call back, she would have to ask her husband who was at the moment holding a baptism service. I didn't bother, just kept driving. Driving around here in WI, no one asks or cares if I have a male chaperone or not.

Its not just me, Im not imagining it - there are websites for and by women solo travelers and this is what they all say -some places just are more welcoming than others.

Then theres places like New Orleans where everyone is super friendly and I always find myself engaging in the most meaningful conversations with random stangers in the course of a typical day.

[Clash City Rocker]

2. Based on the rankings, I'm guessing it's "most friendly to white people"

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. I was surprised to read that MN was listed as the friendliest.

I live here, and while I don't think we're necessarily unfriendly, there is a definite reserve. People are generally polite and helpful, but a stranger is not likely to get a warm embrace and an immediate invitation to dinner.

[Dagstead Bumwood]

5. I've not been to Minnesota, so I can't judge.

But I'd always heard about the whole "Minnesota Nice" thing and all. Like Canada, but a state. Nothing but positives. For what it's worth, Ohio ranked #11, and I'm not so sure I'm buying that, either.

Most of the traveling I've done is out west, namely the southwest. Met some nice people in NM, and pretty country, to boot. Same for Colorado.

[Skittles]

6. I would agree with that assessment

I have lived there and while I find the people of Minnesota to be really great, down to earth folk, I don't think of them as outwardly friendly......and that's not a BAD thing.....places I have lived where the people are "friendly" are also intolerant and gossipy

[rurallib]

8. Our daughter and hubby just moved from Minnesota after 9 years there

They lived in a suburb of the cities. She never really felt welcomed there.
2 months in Oklahoma City and they feel right at home.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. That doesn't surprise me. Minnesotans will be pleasant, polite and helpful,

which is especially necessary during the winters here - you'll often find total strangers digging each other's cars out of snowbanks or lending their jumper cables - but we tend to be a bit standoffish, though in a nice way. It's the Scandinavian influence, I think.

[SouthernIrish]

4. Not surprised that Tn is #2

I work at a place that has tourists from all over the world. I meet people that always remark how friendly the people are here. That makes me happy because the south is bashed by more than a few people. Especially annoying when I know that those same people may have never been to the south.
Yes, I know that the majority of the south votes conservative, I don't like it either. I just don't like it when we are all lumped into one box. We're not all alike. Thankfully.

[Ron Obvious]

7. I don't get all the New York hatred

#50 on the list. Such a stereotype. Don't expect small talk or "Howdy"-style southern friendliness but I've never found New Yorkers unfriendly.

[Rhiannon12866]

11. I don't get that, either. I've lived in New York for most of my life, but in the Northeast

Maybe they're referring to New York City, which I've visited, but never spent much time there.

[ProudLib72]

10. I'm 7th on the list

Guess they never met me. I'm as misanthropic as they come, and I pride myself on that.


Now get off my damned lawn you stupid kids!

[Danmel]

12. I disagree with thr New York characterization

I grew up in Brooklyn, worked in Manhattan for decades. People in New York help each other out and help visitors too. As long as they stop blocking the sidewalk and freaking walk already!!