(Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash)
Ever found yourself wandering through a new city, desperately clutching your phone like a modern-day compass, only to be rescued by a local who not only gives you directions but offers to walk you there? Welcome to the friendliest cities in the USA, where strangers aren’t just people you haven’t met yet, but potential tour guides, instant friends, and the kind of folks who’d invite you over for a barbecue before you’ve even finished asking for the nearest coffee shop. Buckle up, because we’re about to take a cheerful jaunt through America’s most welcoming urban jungles—places where the smiles are wide, the greetings are warm, and “Southern hospitality” is just the beginning.
StudyFinds researched which cities make the cut, collecting the most common recommendations from 10 expert websites. If you think your city can be described as one of the friendliest, let us know where you live in the comments below!
StudyFinds is a research-driven platform that analyzes and synthesizes expert recommendations from trusted sources. Rather than writing reviews ourselves, we meticulously compile consensus findings from leading industry experts and established publications to save consumers valuable research time. Each article represents hours of analysis across multiple authoritative sources to identify the most consistently recommended choices.
Table of contents
1. Honolulu, Hawaii
Oahu is one of the most popular American beach destinations – but besides the great tourism hospitality, there is a great sense of unity among the natives on the island. Many businesses even offer a “kama’aina” or resident discount. “Whether it’s through hyper-local restaurants or a museum exhibit showcasing Hawaiian history, Honolulu’s sense of community and identity is only becoming stronger with time,” writes Conde Nast Traveler.
The Hawaiians also take great pride in their indigenous culture, showcasing history through local restaurants and museums. The city’s population is also extremely diverse, with residents hailing from all over the world. “Honolulu, Hawaii is back on the list! After making the Most Neighborly Cities list in 2020, Honolulu fell out of the top 25 in 2021. This year it’s back at #20, due in large part to the fact that it’s the ninth happiest city in the U.S.. Honolulu is also home to plenty of nonprofits, and is one of the most inclusive cities in the country,” adds Neighbor.
2. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island is an island city that is home to rich history and beautiful coastlines. “Known for being a popular New England summer vacation spot, Newport tops the list of most welcoming places in the US. Travelers will enjoy the rich history that this island city has to offer between touring the stately Gilded Age mansions, visiting the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and listening to classic tunes at the world-famous Folk Festival,” writes Booking.
The residents in this peaceful town are known to be the most welcoming, winning the top spot Booking’s list in 2021. “The winning place in America—Newport, Rhode Island—is set on Aquidneck Island, with a yacht-filled harbor, an oceanfront Cliff Walk trail, famed Gilded Age mansions and a rich maritime history,” says Forbes.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is famous for its colorful Mardi Gras celebrations, where residents and revelers roam the streets and gather on balconies. “Everyone has a story — and wants to hear yours’ is how one T+L reader described New Orleans’ friendliness. ‘In neighborhoods, all doors are open, or everybody is sitting on the porch,” says Travel + Leisure.
If you visit New Orleans, you’ll be sure to experience the city’s distinct Creole culture and vibrant history. “Come as you are to New Orleans and feel right at home. Jackson Square is always buzzing with energy as local street artists sketch to the soundtrack of live jazz musicians,” writes Expedia. “Drop a few dollars in an open saxophone case on your way to slurping back fresh oysters.”
4. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is is set along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and perfect for those looking for an “outdoorsy” place to live mixed with Southern hospitality. “Chattanooga is an idyllic southern getaway with a good balance of activities in the city and outside of it, all mixed in with the charm of easygoing and friendly residents,” writes Next Vacay. “With a bustling downtown scene full of good food and good times, and breathtaking escapes into garden trails and mountains, you’re guaranteed to make memories and friends.”
Chattanooga is a great place for hang-gliding, bass fishing, mountain climbing and caving expeditions. “Chattanooga is probably so friendly because everyone is outside enjoying the mountains. All that fresh air from hiking, biking, and kayaking generates a lot of feel-good endorphins,” says My Move.
5. Asheville, North Carolina
Grab a beer with a neighbor at one of Asheville’s many craft breweries or partake in watersports along the French Broad River. You’ll be sure to find someone to show you around. “Locals in the charming city of Asheville are good-mannered, eager to help and friendly to both other locals and visitors alike. People will say ‘hi’ just about anywhere: Walmart, the parking lot or even when stopped at a red light,” writes Enjoy Travel.
Asheville is known for a vibrant arts scene and historic architecture, including the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence. “Sometimes described as “eclectic,” Asheville also has a vibrant arts and culture scene which is demonstrated in the lively River Arts District and complemented by festivals like the LaZoom Comedy Tour,” adds MapQuest. “Perhaps most importantly, the locals are friendly and welcoming, earning Asheville a reputation as one of the most friendly cities in America.”
Sources used to create this list
- Conde Nast Traveler
- Neighbor
- Booking
- Forbes
- Travel + Leisure
- Expedia
- Next Vacay
- My Move
- Enjoy Travel
- MapQuest
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
Honolulu is the most diverse city in the country. That’s a good thing. How to get along in any city… Be humble, respectful, and be generous. You’ll never have any problems… Anywhere.
Hmmm…agree that there is no basis for these rankings. I moved to Chattanooga, and it is one of the most unfriendly cities. Southern hospitality is the biggest joke. People are so rude and judgemental here. It’s a beautiful place, but the people ruin it. Visit for sure, just don’t move here.
I can’t speak for Chattanooga, but Southern Hospitality is no joke. I’m guessing you’re some jackass New Yorker who’d complain about anything.
I’ll maybe second that. Wanna ruin the south. Sen yankees and “dual citizens”//Archie Bunker could elaborate
I couldn’t agree more with you. The locals in Honolulu are far from friendly and downright nasty especially to newcomers.
Hawaii is one of the most unfriendly places on earth. Travel there often to see grand kids. From federal, state, local high paying make work jobs to to the hostile response tourists receive. Everything from seating every local or “not native” native before tourists at vastly overpriced restaurants and all things Hawaiian That is basically a made up culture. As only the survivors of internal strife from the big island got to determine the culture. It is their actual history. The only friendly people are the tourists and of course the military and their families.
So very TRUE. The locals are racist and unwelcoming to newcomers.
Lol, whoever wrote this has actually never lived in Honolulu. I’ve lived around the US and world and I’ve never seen a MORE unfriendly city than Honolulu. Super racist, they despise non-“locals” who leave the tourist reservation, rampant tribalism, cronyism, nepotism, and corruption, high property crime. And don’t ever unfortunately needs help, folk here wouldn’t even cross the street to urinate on you if you were on fire and they had to go, much less call for help.
This comment couldn’t be more true. The locals are completely racist and the poverty rate makes Honolulu one of the most dangerous places to visit.
This is all bs,the only one might be Ashville,sounds like this writer threw darts at a map.That was how she did her research.
Ashevilles a drug den now. Used to be good.
Stay on the Blue Ridge Parkway about 20 miles from Asheville.
Wow! The new “Murder Capital of the US” is one of the 5 friendliest cities? Hmmm…..
There are so many overlooked places that are simply amazing. I recently moved to Grants, NM. It has a population of around 8,500 people and is, as most places in New Mexico are, poor. However, the area in which Grants is located is simply amazing. Within mere minutes of my home I can hike in an alpine environment high atop Mt. Taylor, an 11,301 ft dormant volcano. Also, heading south on Hwy 117 you will drive through an area where beautiful sandstone cliffs rise a couple of hundred feet above the road way, and on the other side of the road is El Malpais National Monument. I thought lava would be boring, but it is anything but. On the other side of this valley the Zuni Mountains begin. They rise to above 9,200 ft and are elevated enough to contain pine forest and even Aspen trees in the higher parts. There is nearby El Morro National monument, a very interesting place and a great hike as well. There are also huge caves in this area due to collapsed lava tubes. Then, if that weren’t enough, heading west, towards Gallup, north of I-40, are huge red sandstone cliffs which will fascinate you nearly all the way to Arizona. Every year they hold something called the Quadcathelon. It’s a four part race beginning with a 12 mile bike ride to the end of the pavement, then a run followed by a snowshoe segment and then skiing. I’m too old for that, but I do thoroughly enjoy hiking here. Every day is something new. New Mexico is truly the land of enchantment.
Then
New Orleans? I guess if you have a death wish.
New Orleans…come for the sights stay for the high crime rates?
If you’re a howlie, stay away from honolulu.
Haole, my dude. Haole
That is a batch of hooey only if your a scumocrat. FJB
That isn’t art, it’s cryp gang code messages…..looks like a high crime area when you see this graffiti all over the place…stay clear…
This should be headlined friendliest large cities. Small towns are almost always friendlier that large cities.
Amen big cities stink and are good places to get carjacked.