Massachusetts

Massachusetts Is One of the Least Friendly States, Survey Finds

And the rest of New England isn't far behind

Massachusetts welcomes tens of millions of visitors every year, but apparently these visitors don’t feel very welcome. In fact, Massachusetts is the 47th friendliest state in the United States, according to a new survey from a digital travel guide agency.

That ... isn’t very good.

“Locals aren’t exactly rude, per se, but the overall indifference towards strangers can take its toll,” Big Seven Travel says in its description of Massachusetts. “It also takes a long time to be accepted as a true Bostonian, not just a blow-in.”

But the state has unfriendly company to the North — the 44th friendliest state in the survey is New Hampshire. The survey blames the low ranking on the “proudness” and “stubborness” of New Hampshire locals. It also says the population being spread out “can make it harder to make friends.”

Overall, New Englanders were classified as unfriendly compared to the rest of the nation. Maine received the highest rank among New England States, coming in at 31. Vermont was ranked 34th, Connecticut 38th and Rhode Island 41st.

“New Englanders are often thought to be reserved, but Mainers are open and warm,” the agency's report says.

Big Seven Travel’s survey is based on the results of an online poll shared with the company’s social media audience of 1.5 million.

The only states in the country that received a lower ranking than Massachusetts were Delaware, Arkansas and New York, with New Yorkers being the least friendly people in the country. But there might be hope for visitors to New York if they “don’t dawdle on the sidewalk or hold up traffic taking Instagram shots” the report reads.

The friendliest state in the country is Minnesota, according to the survey. Minnesota gets the highest ranking due to the Twin Cities’ “homey feel” and “locals who go the extra mile to welcome tourists.”

Contact Us