Watch Where You Step
It’s no surprise that America is a massive country, which makes it hard to know which states open their arms to newcomers and which ones slam the door. Though some places are full of chit-chat and a friendly smile, others keep their heads down and wear their honesty on their sleeve—for better or for worse. With that, let’s dive into both sides of the spectrum.
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1. Missouri
People often say that locals ‘round these parts aren’t as friendly as the postcards would have you believe. Though some people are more than open to a good chat, a lot of others are most judgmental or simply don’t give tourists the time of day.
2. New York
NYC aside, New York as a whole is pretty notorious for its stand-offish locals. It’s not really a place for newbies, and tourists are on the receiving end of shouting or open groaning if they so much as take a wrong turn. New Yorkers, especially those in the city, don’t have time for slowpokes.
3. Illinois
As far as rudeness goes, it sort of depends on where you go in Illinois. Chicagoans are another busy sort—who tend to swear out loud…and a lot—while those in more rural areas aren’t as nasty. Honestly, the biggest issue is with mean drivers,
4. Massachusetts
Speaking of road rage, Massachusetts motorists are pretty notorious for their cruelty on the road. Not only that, but the locals aren’t as openly friendly towards tourists, and if there’s ever a sports game going on, you'd better have your game face on.
5. Washington
It doesn’t matter where you go or who you speak with—people in Washington are just a little salty. Though some locals swear by their customs, not every tourist feels a warm welcome from the Evergreen State. Though the biggest culprits are in Seattle.
6. New Jersey
New Jersey isn’t for the faint of heart, especially if you aren’t accustomed to brutal honesty. Locals here tend to speak their minds more often than most, which can be a rude wake-up call that blindsides a lot of people. Oh, and if you’re a lousy driver, prepare for middle fingers on the road, too!
7. Florida
Blame the uptick in traffic or all the new retirees, but the vibes in Florida are a bit off. It’s hard to feel welcome in a place that seems stressed out all the time, and it’s even harder to meet people who keep to themselves.
8. Rhode Island
Of course, it’s not only Floridians who keep to themselves. Rhode Island locals aren’t as willing to roll out the red carpet either, which can put off a lot of tourists. It’s particularly bad among customer service employees, many of whom are often treated less than favorably. Then again, the drivers aren’t too friendly either!
9. Ohio
Alright, it’s not that Ohioans are “mean” per se, it’s that they’re unaccustomed to small talk. You won’t stumble into a yapper on the street, and it takes a little while before they open to you. It’s easy to assume that the state is standoffish, but they really only seem that way at first.
10. California
In a land chock full of tourists and hopeful actors, not everyone is friendly. There’s a certain air in California, especially the bigger cities, that detracts from any charm. People are busier, colder, and tend to walk by without saying a word.
That’s not to say that every state is a bust! Let’s explore some of the friendlier places in America.
1. Minnesota
Say what you want about their accents, but Minnesotans are some of the kindest people around. They’re often ranked as some of the nicest locals, even in the face of Old Man Winter and those mosquito swarms in the summer. They welcome just about everyone and actually do live up to their stereotypes!
2. Tennessee
There’s nothing like a little Southern charm to get you through the day. Tennessee is more than willing to lend a helping hand, offering all sorts of advice on the best spots to visit and even just stopping for a chat. Don’t let Nashville fool you either—it’s a big city, but it’s one of the most welcoming, too.
3. Maine
Maine prides itself on community and friendliness, two things you’ll find throughout the state. Interestingly, despite its beauty and abundance of local restaurants, Maine gets swept away by some of the larger names on the map. But there’s a reason they say big things come in small packages: you have all sorts of charm just waiting for you, and smiling locals to guide you.
4. Wyoming
Wyoming is one of the friendliest states in the U.S., and it’s worth a visit! The locals aren’t shy about getting to know you, and they’re quick to acknowledge you on the street. It’s sort of like being in a small town from a Hallmark movie, but with worse winters.
5. Idaho
Idaho might be on the colder side, but that doesn’t extend to the locals. The people here are friendly, driven by community, and a legitimate sense of friendship! It’s easy to feel like a local yourself, especially since so many Idahoans come from all walks of life.
6. Colorado
If you want small-town vibes and mountain views, there’s no better state than Colorado. But outside of the breathtaking nature lies some of the friendliest locals! They’re always available to guide you along the trail or shoot the breeze before your next stop.
7. Texas
You’ve probably heard of “Texas tough,” but don’t let that fool you. The people here are incredibly hospitable, and they’re not shy about striking up a conversation with strangers. They’re pretty much the definition of down-to-earth.
8. Kansas
It’s always jarring to visit a new state, but Kansas welcomes you with open arms. They have a strong sense of community and a ton of friendly faces that make navigating a breeze. Not only that, but it won’t take more than a day to feel like you’ve lived there your whole life.
9. Indiana
They don’t call it Hoosier hospitality for nothing! Forget everything you thought you knew about the Midwest; neighbors know each other, locals immediately feel welcomed, and the whole state is filled with warm smiles and small talk.
10. Hawaii
Is anyone truly surprised to see Hawaii on the list? With so many stunning islands and delectable dishes, it’s hard for that beauty not to seep into the state’s general spirit. The only sad thing is that the locals aren’t quite as friendly as they were pre-COVID, though we don’t blame them—with so many tourists running amok on the land, it’s easy to get bitter.
