The World Population Review recently published its “Friendliest States of 2024 Study,” a ranking that has sparked debate, particularly in the state that landed at the bottom of the list: New York. This study, based on a combination of tourist reviews, average tipping rates, and an Instagram poll, aimed to gauge the perceived level of friendliness across the United States. While New Yorkers are known for their generous tipping habits, averaging nearly 19%, their perceived gruffness and direct communication style seemingly overshadowed this generosity, resulting in their last-place ranking. This result has been met with a mixture of amusement and indignation by New Yorkers, many of whom argue that their directness is often mistaken for rudeness, and that true kindness lies in actions rather than superficial pleasantries.
The study’s methodology, relying on subjective tourist experiences and a limited Instagram poll, raises questions about its accuracy and representativeness. Tourist perceptions can be influenced by a multitude of factors, including cultural differences, language barriers, and individual expectations. A brief interaction with a busy New Yorker might be interpreted as unfriendly by a visitor accustomed to a slower pace of life and more outwardly expressive displays of politeness. Furthermore, the Instagram poll, by its nature, likely reached a specific demographic, potentially skewing the results and not reflecting the diverse population within each state. Relying solely on these metrics paints an incomplete picture of a state’s overall friendliness.
New Yorkers themselves have offered a nuanced perspective on the study’s findings. While acknowledging that they may not be known for their effusive displays of friendliness, they contend that their directness and practicality are often misinterpreted. They argue that true kindness lies in their willingness to help, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their strong sense of community, qualities not easily captured by a simple friendliness ranking. This distinction between surface-level niceness and genuine kindness forms the crux of the debate surrounding the study’s results. It highlights the complexities of defining and measuring “friendliness” across different cultural contexts.
Interestingly, New York’s perceived lack of friendliness doesn’t seem to have tarnished its global appeal. In the “World’s Best Cities in 2025” guide by Resonance, an international consulting group, New York City secured the second-place position, a testament to its vibrant cultural scene, economic dynamism, and “indomitable spirit.” This ranking suggests that factors beyond mere friendliness contribute to a city’s overall attractiveness. It reinforces the idea that while friendliness can enhance a visitor’s experience, it’s not the sole determinant of a city’s worth or global standing. New York’s consistent appeal, despite its perceived gruffness, speaks to its multifaceted character and enduring allure.
The “Friendliest States” study also revealed a broader trend: East Coast states, in general, fared poorly in the rankings. Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island all landed in the bottom half of the list, suggesting a potential regional variation in the expression and perception of friendliness. This clustering of East Coast states at the lower end of the spectrum raises questions about the influence of cultural norms and historical factors on regional perceptions of friendliness. Perhaps the fast-paced, densely populated environment of the East Coast fosters a more direct and pragmatic communication style that is sometimes misinterpreted as less friendly by those from other regions.
In contrast, the top spots in the friendliness ranking were dominated by states in other regions. Minnesota claimed the title of the friendliest state, followed by Tennessee and South Carolina. This geographical distribution of perceived friendliness further underscores the potential influence of regional cultural norms on the study’s results. The slower pace of life and emphasis on Southern hospitality in some of these states may contribute to their higher rankings. However, it’s important to remember that these are generalizations, and significant variations in friendliness undoubtedly exist within each state. The study’s findings should be viewed as a broad overview of perceived friendliness, rather than a definitive statement about the character of individuals within each state.
