Welcome To The Welcome Ranking
Some states are famous for sunshine, some for scenery, and some for making strangers feel like they accidentally walked into a family reunion.
For this ranking, we looked at friendliness surveys, migration patterns, diversity rankings, volunteering culture, and general reputation among other Americans.
The results? A few feel-good favorites—and a couple near the top that are sure to surprise some people. Do you agree?
30: Arizona
Arizona has become one of America’s biggest fresh start states, thanks to warm weather, fast-growing cities, and a strong newcomer culture. Phoenix and Tucson bring a mix of retirees, young professionals, and transplants, which helps outsiders feel less like outsiders. It’s welcoming, but sometimes in a fast-moving, suburban-sprawl kind of way.
29: Delaware
Delaware is small enough that people tend to notice newcomers, but not so small that everyone needs your life story by dinner. Its beach towns feel relaxed, its communities are easy to navigate, and its slower pace helps. It may not shout hospitality, but it offers a quietly friendly place to land.
Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons
28: Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has two very different personalities: big-city bluntness in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and smaller-town neighborliness almost everywhere else. That mix keeps it from ranking higher, but many Americans still find it warm once they settle in. It’s the kind of state that may tease you first, then help you shovel snow.
Popscreenshot, Wikimedia Commons
27: Ohio
Ohio has a classic Midwestern welcome: practical, friendly, and not too showy. People may not roll out a parade for newcomers, but they’ll probably explain the best grocery store, complain about the weather, and ask where you went to high school. It’s approachable, affordable, and often more welcoming than outsiders expect.
Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant), Wikimedia Commons
26: Virginia
Virginia blends Southern politeness, military-town turnover, college communities, and big suburban energy. That makes it easier for newcomers to find their place, especially around Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. It can feel formal in spots, but overall, Americans tend to see Virginia as courteous and easy to settle into.
Bruce Emmerling, Wikimedia Commons
25: Rhode Island
Rhode Island can be a little clannish, but its compact size also makes it feel surprisingly personal. People know their neighborhoods, their favorite diners, and probably someone who knows your cousin. It’s not always instantly warm, but once you’re in, the local loyalty can feel very welcoming.
Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons
24: Tennessee
Tennessee has a strong hospitality brand, especially around Nashville, Knoxville, and smaller towns where a simple hello can turn into a full conversation. The state’s growth has brought tons of newcomers, which helps. Still, fast-changing cities can make the welcome feel uneven depending on where you land.
Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons
23: Oregon
Oregon’s welcome is more low-key than bubbly. People may give you space before giving you friendship, but many newcomers appreciate the open-minded culture, outdoor communities, and strong local identity. Portland can feel aloof, but smaller towns often become surprisingly warm once you break through.
22: South Carolina
South Carolina has a classic Southern hospitality reputation, and in many places, it earns it. Charleston, Greenville, and coastal towns are used to visitors and transplants, while smaller communities lean into manners and neighborliness. It can feel traditional, but many still associate the state with warmth.
21: Wisconsin
Wisconsin makes people feel welcome through food, sports, and easy conversation. The state has a reputation for helpful neighbors and a come sit down attitude. It may not be flashy, but between local traditions and friendly gatherings, outsiders usually find an opening pretty quickly.
20: Georgia
Georgia’s welcome is strongest where Southern hospitality meets modern diversity. Atlanta is full of transplants, while smaller towns lean on charm and community traditions. The state can feel busy and uneven, but many Americans still see Georgia as one of the more socially open Southern states.
formulanone, Wikimedia Commons
19: North Carolina
North Carolina has become a magnet for people looking for a softer landing. Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville, and Wilmington all bring different versions of welcome. It’s friendly without being overwhelming, and its transplant-heavy growth helps newcomers feel like they’re not arriving alone.
Asheville Photography, Wikimedia Commons
18: Nevada
Nevada may not seem traditionally cozy, but it’s one of the easiest states to reinvent yourself in. Las Vegas and Reno are filled with people from somewhere else, which creates a no one asks too many questions kind of welcome. It’s not always warm and fuzzy, but it is open.
Dietmar Rabich, Wikimedia Commons
17: Maryland
Maryland ranks high for diversity, which helps make it feel welcoming to many different kinds of people. Between Baltimore, the D.C. suburbs, coastal communities, and college towns, newcomers can usually find a pocket that fits. It’s not always laid-back, but it offers a strong sense of cultural variety.
16: Colorado
Colorado has a powerful newcomer appeal, especially for outdoor lovers and young professionals. Denver and the Front Range are full of transplants, which makes arriving easier. The welcome can be expensive and competitive, but socially, many Americans see Colorado as open and friendly.
Dustin Cox from Pueblo, CO, USA, Wikimedia Commons
15: Texas
Texas is huge, complicated, and very region-dependent, but its welcome is hard to ignore. The state has big-city diversity, small-town manners, and a famous come on in confidence. Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio all offer different entry points for newcomers.
Tony Webster, Wikimedia Commons
14: New York
New York may not seem friendly in the traditional sense, but many Americans find it deeply welcoming in practice. It’s diverse, direct, and full of people who came from somewhere else. Nobody cares if you’re different, which can feel like its own kind of hospitality.
Dietmar Rabich, Wikimedia Commons
13: Florida
Florida is practically built for arrivals. Retirees, families, immigrants, and career changers all pour into the state, creating a constant newcomer culture. It can feel chaotic, but few states are better at absorbing people who are starting over.
12: Massachusetts
Massachusetts can be brusque on the surface, but it often wins people over with strong communities and civic life. Boston may not baby newcomers, but the state’s college towns and diverse suburbs offer many ways to belong.
Sharon Hahn Darlin, Wikimedia Commons
11: Illinois
Illinois gets a boost from Chicago, one of the most diverse and socially connected cities in America. The state offers big-city openness and Midwestern friendliness, giving newcomers multiple ways to plug in quickly.
Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Wikimedia Commons
10: Washington
Washington’s welcome is calm, progressive, and a little reserved. Seattle may be known for the freeze, but the state’s diversity and migration help newcomers find their people. It’s not chatty, but it feels accepting.
9: Maine
Maine’s welcome is quiet but real. Locals may take time to warm up, yet the state has a strong reputation for safety and kindness. Many newcomers feel a steady sense of community once they settle in.
Domenico Convertini, Wikimedia Commons
8: Utah
Utah ranks high because of strong community ties and a reputation for neighborly support. Newcomers may notice distinct social rhythms, but many find people helpful, polite, and community-minded.
Garrett from Salt Lake City, Wikimedia Commons
7: Nebraska
Nebraska is where friendliness still feels practical. People help, explain, and make room without making a big deal of it. Omaha and Lincoln add diversity, while smaller communities keep traditional hospitality alive.
6: Vermont
Vermont’s welcome is small-scale and sincere. It values kindness, civic participation, and looking out for neighbors. For those wanting a slower sense of belonging, it ranks very high.
Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons
5: Hawaii
Hawaii has one of the strongest welcome identities in the country, though respect matters. Visitors may feel the aloha spirit quickly, but long-term newcomers are expected to understand local culture and community.
Caracas1830, Wikimedia Commons
4: Montana
Montana’s welcome is rugged rather than polished. People show kindness through practical help and local advice. Its strong community reputation helps newcomers feel connected quickly.
WikiCapa at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons
3: South Dakota
South Dakota’s smaller population helps communities feel personal quickly. It’s known for politeness and calm friendliness. Many Americans associate it with sincerity and neighborly decency.
Robbschultz69, Wikimedia Commons
2: Minnesota
Minnesota nice remains a powerful reputation. People are polite and community-minded, even if friendships take time. For first impressions, few states feel more comfortable.
Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant), Wikimedia Commons
1: Iowa
Iowa takes the top spot because its welcome feels simple and believable. It combines neighborliness, safety, and strong community involvement. Many Americans feel like they’re treated as a neighbor almost immediately.
Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia Commons
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