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The Most Courteous City in Each State

Citycommunications/Wikipedia

Imagine stepping into a city where everyone greets you with a smile, holds the door open, and offers a helping hand. Politeness is alive and well across America, and these cities prove that a little kindness can go a long way.

Alabama – Mobile

WeaponizingArchitecture/Wikipedia

Famed for its rich past and southern appeal, Mobile’s residents are warm, friendly, and respectful. Whether you’re enjoying the bayfront or celebrating Mardi Gras, locals always make you feel welcome with a smile and a friendly chat.

Alaska – Juneau

Alan Wu /Wikipedia

In the capital of Alaska, people go out of their way to help each other, even if it’s shoveling snow or lending a hand with outdoor activities. In Juneau, you’ll quickly find that hospitality thrives, even in the cold! The community spirit here is truly heartwarming.

Arizona – Scottsdale

Joseph Plotz/Wikipedia

Scottsdale is a city where residents are known for their generosity and courteousness. From boutique shop owners to golf course staff, you’ll find people who genuinely love sharing their city with visitors. This makes every visit special.

Arkansas – Fayetteville

Brandonrush/Wikipedia

This college town in the Ozarks exudes politeness. It has a welcoming atmosphere, and Fayetteville residents go out of their way to greet newcomers and make everyone feel at home. It’s a place where smiles are abundant, and kindness is a way of life.

California – San Diego

Boatguy619/Wikipedia

This city is famous for its laid-back vibe, but don’t let that fool you—residents here are also incredibly polite. The beachgoers, surfers, and business professionals alike show respect and kindness wherever you go. San Diego’s friendly nature is as warm as its weather.

Colorado – Fort Collins

Jeffrey Beall/Wikipedia

Fort Collins is a city where friendliness is a way of life. The sense of community here is palpable and inviting. Its bike-friendly streets and outdoor lifestyle create an open, welcoming vibe where people wave and smile without hesitation. 

Connecticut – West Hartford

Ragesoss/Wikipedia

West Hartford’s charming atmosphere is paired with friendly faces. The town’s warmth is felt in every interaction. No matter if you’re visiting a café or strolling through the park, expect a nod, a smile, and some good conversation. 

Delaware – Rehoboth Beach

Austin G./Yelp

The beach towns of Delaware are renowned for their hospitality, and Rehoboth Beach takes the lead. Locals here are always happy to strike up a conversation or help point you in the right direction. The welcoming vibe makes it a favorite destination.

Florida – Sarasota

Ebyabe/Wikipedia

Sarasota offers more than just sunshine—it’s a place where people are polite and welcoming. From the art galleries to the beaches, locals treat you like a neighbor from day one. The friendly atmosphere here adds to the city’s charm.

Georgia – Savannah

Averette/Wikipedia

In Savannah, Southern charm is alive and well. Right from the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the way residents greet you with warm smiles and take the time to hold doors open—a true reflection of their polite culture.

Hawaii – Hilo

Ken Lund/Wikimedia commons

Hilo, on the Big Island, is where the spirit of “aloha” is not just a saying but a way of life. People here are always eager to share their culture and traditions with warmth and respect, representing the politeness of the islands.

Idaho – Boise

Jyoni Shuler/Wikimedia commons

The people of Boise are famously laid-back and friendly. Be it a neighbor offering gardening tips or someone striking up a conversation on a hiking trail, this city welcomes you with open arms and this makes it a community that’s truly inviting.

Illinois – Naperville

Sea Cow/Wikipedia

Naperville is consistently ranked as one of the friendliest cities in Illinois. It’s a city where smiles are abundant. Clean parks, community events, and the kind locals make it a pleasant place where courtesy is a daily practice.

Indiana – Carmel

Tysto/Wikipedia

This suburban city is known for its charm and excellent manners. With well-kept streets and a neighborly feel, the people of Carmel are always ready to offer a kind word or a helping hand. Their welcoming atmosphere makes it a delightful place to visit.

Iowa – Des Moines

Tony Webster/Wikipedia

Des Moines locals are all about that Midwestern kindness. From strangers helping each other dig each other out of snowstorms to lively conversations at farmers’ markets, this city radiates politeness and friendliness year-round.

Kansas – Overland Park

City of Overland Park/Wikipedia

Overland Park is a city where politeness is part of daily life. From friendly waves on the sidewalk to locals holding doors open, kindness is never far away. It’s a place where courtesy is contagious and makes everyone feel welcome.

Kentucky – Lexington

Britt Selvitelle/Wikipedia

In Lexington, Southern hospitality is at its finest. Whether you’re at a horse farm or exploring the vibrant downtown, locals always greet you with a smile and a polite “how are you?”. This city truly values good manners and community spirit.

Louisiana – Lafayette

TheLionHasSeen/Wikipedia

Lafayette brings that Cajun kindness to the forefront. Noted for its warmth and hospitality, residents here are quick to greet you with open arms, making you feel like family, even if it’s your first time in town.

Maine – Portland

John Phelan/Wikipedia

Portland offers a blend of coastal charm and genuine friendliness.  A local café or strolling along the harbor, residents are polite and approachable, happy to share their love for the city with anyone who visits.

Maryland – Annapolis

high limitzz/Wikipedia

Annapolis, with its maritime roots, has politeness anchored in tradition. Sailors and locals alike greet visitors with respect, and you’ll often find a friendly wave or helpful advice around the historic harbor area.

Massachusetts – Newton

Magicpiano/Wikipedia

In Newton, courtesy is a way of life. Residents take pride in helping each other, be it on the bustling streets or in their close-knit neighborhoods. People here treat strangers with the same respect as friends.

Michigan – Ann Arbor

WeaponizingArchitecture/Wikipedia

Ann Arbor’s combination of college-town vibe and Midwestern friendliness makes it one of the politest places in Michigan. People offer directions, hold doors, and are always up for a pleasant chat about the city’s artsy culture.

Minnesota – Rochester

Wikideas1/Wikipedia

Rochester has a reputation for being one of the kindest cities in Minnesota. Even if you’re at the Mayo Clinic or a local diner, the town’s residents are eager to offer help and make visitors feel at home.

Mississippi – Oxford

Gary Bridgman/Wikipedia

Southern charm is alive and well in Oxford, where politeness meets small-town hospitality. Locals are quick to smile and greet you, and this makes it one of the warmest and most welcoming cities in Mississippi.

Missouri – Columbia

Me/Wikipedia

Columbia offers a blend of college-town energy and Midwestern kindness. If you’re on campus or enjoying a local event, people here are friendly, courteous, and always happy to strike up a conversation.

Montana – Bozeman

Mike Cline/Wikipedia

Bozeman’s beautiful sceneries are only rivaled by the kindness of its residents. Outdoor enthusiasts and locals show their politeness, offering helpful tips and always treating each other with respect in this scenic Montana town.

Nebraska – Lincoln

Hanyou23/Wikipedia

It is a place where neighbors still wave to each other from their porches. The town’s friendly atmosphere and small-town feel make it one of the most polite cities in Nebraska, where manners are a top priority.

Nevada – Henderson

Lvtalon/Wikipedia

Henderson may be near the bustling Las Vegas Strip, but its residents are known for their laid-back, friendly demeanor. Here, people greet you with a smile and are always willing to lend a hand, offering a polite contrast to the neon lights of the big city.

New Hampshire – Portsmouth

AlexiusHoratius/Wikipedia

Portsmouth’s coastal charm is reflected in the politeness of its residents. No matter if you’re exploring historic streets or enjoying a local restaurant, people here go out of their way to be courteous and make sure visitors feel right at home.

New Jersey – Princeton

Dan Komoda/Wikipedia

Princeton brings a polite, intellectual vibe to New Jersey. Regardless of where you go, be it visiting the university or exploring the town, residents are courteous and always eager to offer a helpful suggestion or friendly conversation.

New Mexico – Santa Fe

Fernando montes17/Wikipedia

Santa Fe is renowned for its artistic culture and friendly people. Locals here don’t hesitate to offer a welcoming smile or show visitors the best way to explore their unique city. It’s a place where friendliness matches the vibrant colors of the surrounding view.

New York – Rochester

Patrick Ashley/Wikipedia

Rochester blends urban living with small-town courtesy. People here are quick to strike up a conversation or offer assistance without hesitation. The city’s reputation for politeness makes every visitor feel at home.

North Carolina – Asheville

Michael Tracey/Wikipedia

Residents here are as warm as the city’s famous southern food. Politeness is part of the charm, and whether you’re exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway or sipping coffee downtown, you’re bound to experience genuine kindness from locals.

North Dakota – Fargo

Jonathan Geiger/Wikipedia

Fargo’s residents are known for their open-heartedness. The city may experience frigid winters, but the hospitality is warm year-round. Expect courteous greetings from strangers, and this hands-down makes it one of the most welcoming cities in the Midwest.

Ohio – Columbus

J. Jessee/Wikipedia

Columbus mixes Midwestern manners with the vibrancy of a college town. The people are known for their respectful nature and genuine interest in helping others. Politeness comes naturally in this growing city.

Oklahoma – Norman

Nicholas Benson/Wikipedia

Norman’s small-town feel, combined with its university energy, creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The locals often engage visitors with kindness, making it easy to strike up a conversation in any part of the city.

Oregon – Bend

David Wilson/Wikipedia

Bend is not only known for its outdoor recreation but also for its polite and respectful locals. It’s common to receive a smile or a friendly tip while exploring the town or hitting the trails, which contributes to its relaxed yet courteous vibe.

Pennsylvania – Lancaster

Randolph Carney/Wikipedia

Lancaster’s rich Amish heritage brings an extra level of respect and politeness to the town. Community is valued here, and visitors are often met with warm, sincere hospitality that reflects their close-knit way of life.

Rhode Island – Newport

Kenneth C. Zirkel/Wikipedia

Newport blends its seaside elegance with small-town warmth. Residents offer a polite and friendly attitude whether you’re visiting historical landmarks or strolling along the waterfront. It’s a city that makes everyone feel welcome.

South Carolina – Charleston

Chris Pruitt/Wikipedia

Charleston is famous for its Southern charm, with politeness embedded in the city’s culture. If you’re enjoying the historic district or dining at a local restaurant, expect warm smiles and gracious hospitality throughout your visit.

South Dakota – Sioux Falls

WeaponizingArchitecture/Wikipedia

Sioux Falls offers a mix of urban convenience with small-town kindness. The city is known for its neighborly spirit, and visitors are often greeted with friendly conversations and a genuine willingness to help.

Tennessee – Franklin

Ichabod/Wikipedia

Franklin, with its charming historic streets, is one of the friendliest cities in Tennessee. Politeness is ingrained in the town’s culture, which makes it easy for residents and visitors to connect over shared stories and southern hospitality.

Texas – Plano

Eric Fredericks/Wikipedia

This town stands out for its mix of urban flair and southern politeness. It’s a city where people are quick to offer help or engage in friendly conversations. The warmth of the locals complements its bustling growth, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Utah – Provo

Javin Weaver/Wikipedia

Provo is not just a college town; it’s also a hub of friendliness and respect. The politeness of everyone living in the town is evident in every interaction, from the university campus to the surrounding nature trails. Such kindness makes everyone feel right at home.

Vermont – Burlington

Kenneth C. Zirkel/Wikipedia

Burlington’s residents are as warm as its beautiful lakefront. The city’s laid-back vibe is matched by the politeness of the people, who go out of their way to make sure visitors feel at ease while exploring the town’s artsy and scenic spots.

Virginia – Alexandria

Ben Schumin/Wikipedia

Alexandria combines historic charm with modern politeness. Its residents are noted for their friendliness and genuine respect toward visitors and locals alike. Whether walking through Old Town or along the waterfront, you’ll be met with smiles and kind gestures.

Washington – Spokane

Roman Eugeniusz/Wikipedia

Spokane, a city that seamlessly blends urban culture with outdoor living, is distinguished by the politeness of its people. A warm greeting and a helping hand are never far away, and this makes the city an inviting destination for anyone passing through.

West Virginia – Charleston

WeaponizingArchitecture/Wikipedia

In Charleston, Southern hospitality is more than just a tradition; it’s a way of life. Kindness comes naturally here, with a warm greeting always ready to brighten your day. It’s a city where friendliness is felt in every corner, from the Capitol Market to the riverside parks.

Wisconsin – Madison

Richard Hurd/Wikipedia

Madison is a city where kindness is as abundant as cheese. Be it at a farmer’s market or out on the lakes, the people of Madison treat everyone with respect and friendliness, highlighting its status as a standout destination in Wisconsin.

Wyoming – Cheyenne

Cliff/Wikipedia

Cheyenne may be known for its cowboy roots, but the politeness of its residents is equally impressive. Helpful and courteous, locals here are always ready to offer directions or a smile.  Cheyenne is a welcoming city for travelers and newcomers alike.

Written by Peterson Sorenson

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