New York ranked least friendly state in U.S. despite high tipping rates

A new study ranks New York as the least friendly state in the U.S., based on tourist experiences and tipping rates. Despite an average tip of nearly 19%, New Yorkers dispute this finding, claiming they are kind in different ways. In contrast, New York City was named the second-best city in the world for 2025, praised for its "indomitable spirit." This highlights a difference between the city's reputation and the state's friendliness ranking. Other East Coast states also scored low in friendliness, with Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island all in the bottom tier. Minnesota was rated the friendliest state, followed by Tennessee and South Carolina.