Well WE think of our great state as, friendly. But we LIVE here. Does Massachusetts have America’s FRIENDLIEST town?
New Yorkers speak their mind. New Englanders, not so much!! You just feel it. But, that depends what part of New England we’re talking about.
Being from Cambridge comic Lenny Clarke has no problem speaking his mind! But, he’s friendly, even though Cambridge didn’t make the list.
What Make’s A Town Friendly?
How about a bar where everybody knows your name? What’s more friendly than that? How about having the oldest ballpark in the country, where people meet to celebrate America’s past time, singing Sweet Caroline. But yet, Boston is not on the list? When I left Boston in the 1980’s, I had the chance to work in Philly, Hartford, New York and Chicago. While they are all great cities, I still missed home. Chicago was surprisingly friendly. But that comes with being a mid-west city. Philly was a tougher version of New York. But had the provincial charm, like Boston, with lot of neighborhoods. Hartford didn’t know if they liked the Yankees or the Red Sox, but I liked it.
The List
According to Tripstodiscover.com, 16 towns across our great country are considered the most friendly. No, they didn’t choose the list with fancy, scientific metrics. But they are a travel website, so maybe they are on to something. So, let’s answer that question: Does Massachusetts have America’s FRIENDLIEST town?
Key West, Florida
Friends that go there each year swear by it. Trips To Discover says: The southernmost city in the Continental United States is known for its tolerance and acceptance of diverse people and ideas, as well as its bar scene. What’s most commonly noted is that it’s one of the best spots to cut loose and forget about all your worries.
Savannah, Georgia
Georgia is a beautiful state with wonderful lakes and fun! Savannah deserves to make the list!
Trips To Discover says: It’s highly walkable, safe, and offers a fantastic food scene, fun shopping experiences, and loads of historic attractions. Take a stroll through the shady parks, walking underneath the oak trees draped with Spanish moss, and you never know who you’ll meet.
Telluride, Colorado
Even if you don’t meet anyone, how do you beat that view? But, we’re sure you’ll have fun at the film festival.
Trips To Discover says: Telluride is not only one of the most beautiful mountain towns in Colorado, but it’s one of the friendliest. Nestled deep into a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains, it has a storybook feel with streets lined with grand Victorian-era buildings and jagged mountain peaks providing an especially impressive backdrop.
Asheville, North Carolina
Some call it one of the happiest places in the nation!
Trips To Discover says: The River Arts District is a great place to stroll, with art galleries, breweries, eateries, and street musicians to enjoy. The surrounding area is an adventure enthusiasts’ playground with miles and miles of scenic trails and roaring rivers for whitewater rafting.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Any place that’s good enough for a Modern Family episode is good enough for me.
Trips To Discover says: In Jackson Hole, the views are extraordinary and the people are exceptionally friendly. Located at the doorstep of Grand Teton National Park, it’s surrounded by incredible scenery, abundant wildlife and a wide range of opportunities for outdoor adventure, which may be why the locals are just naturally always smiling.
Sedona, Arizona
I have first hand experience with this amazing place. This is Bell Rock, because, yes, it looks like a bell. This and other pictures can’t capture the depth and beauty of seeing Sedona in person. If you need to find yourself, it could be here.
Trips To Discover says: Sedona is a kind of “New Age-y” place that’s all about maintaining a positive vibe, helping one to forget about their worries and whatever the bad news happens to be that day. It’s a place where you can breathe deep and take in some of the freshest air, gaze up at some of the brightest blue skies, and out at some of the most impressive red rock canyons. It also helps to foster a culture of acceptance of anyone and everyone who is friendly, without judgment. While it’s all about good vibrations, you’ll find plenty to do from indulging in spa treatments and browsing art galleries to four-wheeling and taking treks to high-energy spots known as vortexes.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Ok it’s not fair to use the obligatory lobster picture to depict Maine. But, this town is friendly.
Trips says: Bar Harbor, Maine is a popular tourist destination for thousands of visitors thanks to its location in Acadia National Park, yet it somehow manages to retain its small-town charms. A community where locals know everyone’s name and fun gatherings are often hosted, from art shows to the annual Acadia Night Sky festival that brings families for night hikes and watching movies under the stars, it’s a fun place to be.
Beaufort, South Carolina
It’s friendly, and safe, thanks to the Marine Corps air station base there.
Trips says: One of America’s most charming Southern towns, Beaufort can often be found on lists of the friendliest towns, exemplifying Southern hospitality. Just 90 miles from Charleston, this three-centuries-old town is a place where you can see residents hanging out on the front porch drinking sweet tea and enjoying get-togethers with neighbors for crab boils. The state’s second-oldest town, it also boasts a wealth of historic sites and magnificent antebellum architecture, a picturesque waterfront, and mouth-watering local cuisine, including thick and spicy gumbos.
Burlington, Vermont
People move here each year and work from home. I have friends that moved there ten years ago, and won’t look back.
Trips says: Burlington is the largest city in Vermont, yet it has the feel of a small town with a population of just over 42,000. It has a laid-back, artsy vibe that’s helped to attract young and friendly locals who are likely to welcome you in as if you’re one of their own. In the summer, it hosts a different festival nearly every weekend, like the Jazz Fest, Brewers Fest and Art Hop, while the Saturday farmers’ market is a great place to stop for lunch and locally-grown produce.
Whitefish, Montana
An expensive wooden motor boat? I’m in.
Trips says:
Tucked along the shores of picturesque Whitefish Lake in Flathead County, Montana, Whitefish is an outdoor adventure hub. It offers lots of small-town charms with an idyllic blend of beaches and mountains, bringing opportunities to enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, swimming, waterskiing, skiing, boarding, and more. It makes a great base for visiting nearby Glacier National Park and has been ranked by multiple locations as one of the friendliest in the U.S.
Springdale, Utah
With THAT view, you gotta be friendly.
Trip says: The gateway to Zion National Park, Springdale is a small town that lies along the North Fork of the Virgin River. Founded in the 1850s, it’s popular with tourists who can enjoy everything from bird watching to hiking. There are campgrounds and lovely inns, fun shops, eateries, and a brewery. Zion Brewery was the first to open in Southern Utah, serving around a dozen of its own brews along with delicious pub favorites like buffalo meatloaf and chicken wings. Afterward, enjoy a treat at Springdale Candy Company known for its homemade fudge and hand-dipped chocolates.
Charleston, South Carolina
Trips says: The small coastal city of Charleston is renowned for its Southern hospitality. While visitors often come for the history, with Civil War-era sites like Fort Sumter and magnificent centuries-old homes, the cherry on top is the welcoming community. Mingle with the locals at the weekly Charleston Farmers Market or while drinking a pint at Cooper River Brewing Company. The food scene is incredibly impressive, and just a short drive away you’ll find sandy beaches.
Bend, Oregon
Those chairs look mighty friendly!
Trips says: Bend is a popular hub for outdoor adventure, located just east of the Cascade Mountains where hiking, biking, paddling, golfing, skiing and boarding can all be enjoyed. It’s also famous for its beer, often named among the top beer cities in the country with the third most breweries per capita. As such, it puts on a big Oktoberfest celebration providing the perfect excuse to indulge with all the friendly locals.
Skagway, Alaska
When do we set sail?
Trips says: Skagway is tucked between North America’s deepest fjord and the Coastal Mountain Range, delivering awe-inspiring views while being home to very friendly locals. Residents total less than a thousand, but in the summer, the cruise ships bring many visitors who enjoy discovering the historic buildings from the gold rush area in the six blocks downtown that makes up the National Historic District, looking as if it’s been frozen in time.
Gig Harbor, Washington
Trip says: Despite being fairly close to the big city, just 14 miles from Tacoma, Gig Harbor locals are incredibly friendly. There’s a deep sense of community, a place where people often strike up conversations in line at the grocery store and help their neighbors out.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Of course we made the list!!
Trip says: Located at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown has long been known for being open-minded, friendly, and welcoming to all. Expedia named it among the friendliest towns in the country based on user reviews, and it’s also been called one of the most dog-friendly. If you bring your four-legged best friend, Commercial Street is a great place to stroll together, enjoying the art galleries, shops, and eateries. Of course, there are beautiful beaches like Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach, along with sorts of recreational activities to enjoy. Join a whale watching tour to spot humpbacks and other whale species or hit the Long Point Lighthouse Trail.
