Top 10 U.S. States with the Rudest People

People across the country have pretty strong feelings about the attitude and behavior of their fellow citizens, especially when it comes to drivers, customer service, and just basic everyday interactions.

The state where you might experience a cold shoulder or some less-than-polite treatment could be different from someone else's experience. That's what makes lists like this so interesting. It's all based on collective experiences and impressions.

Whether it's based on a bad encounter with a local or a general perception of a state's reputation, this list reflects how many see the residents of certain places as a little more short-tempered or blunt than others.

Cast your vote for the states that you think should be ranked as having the rudest people. Have you had an experience where the locals weren't exactly welcoming, or maybe you've just heard too many stories to let it slide? Make your opinion count as others have before you, and see which states end up at the top.

1. Florida

   

   Florida, with its large population of retirees and tourists, is seen as having a mix of friendly and rude behaviors, depending on the region. Some areas, like Miami, are noted for more impersonal interactions, particularly in busy tourist spots.

   I'm retired and have visited Florida in January and February for the last twenty years. I'm called a Snow Bird because I winter in Florida to avoid the snow. During my stays, I have encountered many very rude and pushy people, although a few were nice.

   I asked one of the nice individuals why so many people are very rude and pushy in Florida. He explained that almost all Florida residents moved there from other states, bringing their bad habits with them. While this was a good explanation, it didn't ease my interactions with these rude and pushy individuals. Obviously, I don't winter in Florida for the friendly people.

   I could give you fifty examples, but I'll limit myself to just one. Once, while shopping in a crowded, large Florida grocery store, I noticed a man in his 30s. He was driving his shopping cart like a race car, hastily throwing items into it, and bumping into other customers and carts. He never smiled or apologized to anyone, seeming solely focused on getting in and out of the store as quickly as possible.

2. New Jersey

   

   New Jersey residents are frequently described as assertive, with a reputation for being outspoken or blunt, especially in densely populated urban areas. The state's proximity to New York City contributes to a cultural crossover that emphasizes direct communication.

   Honestly, NJ should be higher than Florida. Most of Florida's rudeness is just old-man crankiness. NJ just has a lot of cranky people of all ages.

   I'm from Jersey, born and raised. We're awful. We don't sugarcoat anything, we tailgate like there's no tomorrow, and out-of-state people will learn this pretty quickly when we're doing 90 on a freeway instead of 65.

   Our jokes are at the expense of others. We're quick to judge and call names. Not to mention the political divide is astounding in my area - there's an even split of conservatives and liberals, and we all come for each other's throats when we get into it. Bullying is a serious issue here, as is suicide and opiate-related deaths. Not only are we rude, but we're particularly cruel. Don't move here unless you want your feelings to get hurt.

3. Massachusetts

   

   Massachusetts, particularly in the Boston area, is known for its fast-paced and sometimes brusque communication style. While residents may be direct, there is also a strong sense of community and loyalty among locals.

   I have lived here my whole life and I love it. We have thick skin. No, we are not the nicest people. If you want nice, don't come here.

   We don't say hello to every person on the street - people are nuts, and we have enough of our own problems - and we don't play nice. If you do happen to get our attention, we are just going to make fun of you and belittle you. It's how we show love to one another. Some may not understand it, but that's how we are. If you don't like it, don't stay here.

   No one asked you to come here, and if you are just going to whine about how "your" state is so much better than ours, by all means, go home! We don't want you here anyway. The fewer crybabies, the better.

4. New York

   

   New York is known for its fast-paced lifestyle, and its residents are often perceived as being direct or brusque in public interactions. The state's largest city, New York City, is particularly associated with hurried and occasionally impersonal behavior.

   I live in New York State in the Capital Region area, including Schenectady, Albany, and Troy. I find that a lot of people here are shady and do things behind your back. They will backstab you in an instant.

   They are nice to your face, but when you're not looking, they demean you. They are highly judgmental control freaks, interfering with your happiness and well-being. They are impatient, disrespectful, have no boundaries, no respect for your space, and are consistently inconsistent.

   The environment here is chaotic, high-stress, and not peaceful at all. No one minds their own business here. Romance is terrible. You can't ever find a loyal partner. They are liars, quick to undermine you and to take away your freedom.

   We've lived here for two years now and are seriously making plans to leave as soon as we can. We're in Upstate, north of Albany. The people are incredibly rude, standoffish, and unfriendly. They are incredibly narrow-minded and racist. Every day, I can't help wondering why we moved here in the first place. When you're a tourist, everything looks great, but then, after a while, their true colors show.

   Plus, it's super expensive to live here. Don't move here, whatever you do. As soon as our son graduates next year, we're out of here. Anywhere would be better than Upstate New York. And they are the worst drivers I've ever driven around with.

5. Ohio

   

   Ohio residents are often seen as polite, but in the larger cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati, people can be perceived as more rushed and less inclined to engage in small talk. The state combines Midwestern friendliness with urban efficiency.

   I have never been to Ohio, but almost everyone I have met from there is so arrogant and rude. I have met a large number of them because one of their main freeways leads directly to my state. They think they know more than anyone else and that they are better in every way than others around them. And I am white, so it's not a racist thing in my case.

   As far as backstabbing goes, I once worked closely with a woman from Ohio that I initially thought was very nice. However, before too long, I found out that she was lying to me and our bosses. She was trying to set me up, pretending that I hadn't done some of the work she had (allegedly) given me! Thankfully, one of the doctors we worked for saw through her scheme and let me know. Because of that and many other negative experiences, I unfortunately keep my guard up whenever I meet someone from Ohio.

6. Missouri

   

   Missouri residents are often regarded as polite, though some urban areas, such as St. Louis, may have a reputation for being less friendly than rural parts of the state. The state's cultural identity blends Midwestern and Southern influences.

   Last year I moved from California to Missouri. I had hoped that the people in Missouri would be friendlier than people in California.

   As far as people and their rudeness go, I was wrong. Living in Springfield, Missouri, the people here seem to be just as rude as they are on the West Coast. No difference, which is a shame since Missouri is a beautiful state.

   Never in my life have I seen such rude and hateful people. No one will talk to you in public, and good luck trying to engage someone in conversation. They will just brush you off. People will stare at you and make faces. Most people have their circle of friends, and that's about it.

   You walk into a store, gas station, or anywhere, and if you get close to someone, they run off. Large crowds are also horrible because no one wears a mask, and even the police are anti-maskers there. Everyone is trying to run and avoid everyone else, creating a total madhouse. It is ultra-conservative, so people are very judgmental, and all of that. If you wear something that shows skin, people will run from you as if you're the plague. I've had a lady and a man tell me, "You're making us uncomfortable." I've seen people huffing and puffing, and it's not an exaggeration when they talk about the huff and puff. If you get near them, they literally huff and puff. It amazes me.

7. Illinois

   

   Illinois, especially in Chicago, is sometimes associated with brusque or impersonal behavior, typical of a large urban area. However, the state's rural regions tend to be more traditionally friendly and welcoming.

   I moved from NYC to the suburbs of Illinois, and four years have passed in this place with only work and no social life or friends. Why did I do that? There are absolutely no good reasons to live in Illinois. At least NYC is always awake, and you can enjoy great food at any time of the day, with unbelievably good pizza, whether thin or deep-dished. Even the street vendors' food is delicious.

   NYC has plenty of entertainment, but there is absolutely zero in Illinois or Chicago. It's more expensive than NYC, with no customer service. The eateries are terrible, and the people are crazy, selfish, entitled, antisocial, judgmental, arrogant, rude, narcissistic, bigoted, opinionated, rural, ignorant, prejudiced, racist, obnoxious, and they drive as if they own the world. They never apologize or back off when wrong.

   God forbid you get into a road altercation here. They'll call the cops on you, and the cops will actually show up at your door to harass you for why you've given someone the finger. Illinoisans are sheltered cry babies who feel entitled to everything. You shouldn't even try to defend yourself if they are attacking you. They'll insult you and laugh, and if you try to brush them off, they'll continue until they see you break down. Even then, they won't back down. Yeah, Illinoisans are tough, alright, but not for the right reasons.

   It's an unbelievably bad place to raise a family, with bad nature and scenery, bad weather, bad crime, no manners, no culture, no values (only money and prestige), no morals, and a white trash-redneck closed-minded mentality!

8. Texas

   

   Texas is often associated with Southern hospitality, but in major cities like Dallas and Houston, interactions can be perceived as more hurried and less polite. However, overall friendliness is still a notable feature in many parts of the state.

   Texas needs to be number one, straight up. We are even ruder than some states that even Floridians cannot handle. If you come to the Southwest, y'all better not come here if you do not want your feelings to get hurt, cooked, and thrown into the trash.

   Road rage is literally not uncommon here. And when you do make us angry, let's just say, the words that we say to you will not be so nice. If you're going to complain about how we're so rude, wah wah, cry me a river, bro. We never wanted you here if you're going to get your feelings hurt in so many ways, so do not come here.

   Long story short, Texans are some of the rudest people you will ever meet. The drivers are so dumb your mind will just explode. Some of them will swerve into another lane, not even use their blinker, and just slow down. Do NOT expect that we will not scream at the drivers about how dumb they sound.

   Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas are the main cities that will not hesitate to humble you and shut you down for just making them angry with something they do not like.

   - a local Texan

9. California

   

   California's large population and diverse regions contribute to a range of social behaviors, with cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco often described as impersonal or hurried. However, friendliness varies greatly depending on the locale.

   I have experiences in both Southern and Northern California. I met a lot of people with an attitude in both areas. Their attitude problem seems to come from having a globalist mindset. Many people living in California, whether they are White Americans, Black Americans, colored immigrants, or foreigners, are globalist-minded.

   When people have a globalist mindset, they tend to think that everybody else is stupid or inferior, which makes them arrogant and rude. I perceived this type of unpleasant attitude from all kinds of people while I was in California. People are easygoing on the surface but are not very kind or respectful to other people nearby.

   Some immigrants and foreigners are not helping or getting along with each other and act as white wannabes instead. They became the ass-kissers or the puppets of the globalist elites and are being cold and traitorous to their own people. It's really too bad because there are a lot of beautiful sceneries, nice weather, and good food in California, which I loved.

10. Arkansas

    

    Arkansas is generally considered to be part of the Southern United States, where hospitality is valued, but some areas may have a reputation for being less welcoming to outsiders. Attitudes can vary significantly between urban and rural areas.

    Been here 15 years. Lived in the Camden, Arkansas area for all 15 years. Moved here from Wisconsin. I can tell you the people in Arkansas are the rudest people I have ever seen. They are also the stupidest people on this earth.

    I also think 80 percent of the people here are druggies or have a drinking problem. This state is garbage, just garbage.

    The law enforcement and other 'higher-ups' in Arkansas lack intelligence and are horribly unprofessional and rude. The mindset of many people in this state is very unfriendly. It's not just the people in charge, but a big majority of residents as well. Not sure how they get off on being bigots.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    South Dakota

    

    South Dakota residents are typically seen as friendly and polite, with a strong sense of community, particularly in rural areas. The state's culture emphasizes hospitality and openness.

    While the state has the Black Hills region in the west, which is scenic and has largely nice people living and visiting there, anything east of it - where the terrain is flat - has the most hideous, hateful yokels and hicks living there. It's pretty much stuff straight out of The Hills Have Eyes and Wrong Turn.

    If you're an immigrant especially, they're going to go full-on foul-mouthed hate, the kind they've harbored inside for a long time just waiting to unleash. Also, in those small towns, they will treat you like a non-existent, second-class non-human even in a store. They'll recognize you're an "outsider" by the way you're dressed and because you're not obese like most of them. For example, they'll just serve locals in front of you, even though they were behind you in line, and will take forever to have endless conversations to avoid serving you.

    If you say anything, they'll pretend you do not exist, and you'll have to become very loud and outspoken to get noticed so they realize you're not backing off or simply walking out without service. I would not recommend anyone move to Eastern SD.

    But even in the Black Hills, I have seen things like a car speeding through a 20 mph zone trying to run down a pedestrian on a crosswalk while honking non-stop at him. People also use their cars as weapons on overcrowded roads, and there's a lot of road rage, likely due to the high number of tourists. I do not ever wish to visit that state.

12. ?

    Montana

    

    Montana residents are often perceived as independent and reserved, reflecting the state's rugged, rural environment. However, once relationships are established, people tend to be friendly and welcoming.

    I've been around the whole country many times and experienced the worst rudeness in Montana. I'm talking about total strangers you had no prior interaction with harassing and threatening you completely out of the blue.

    I felt unsafe several times there - not because of grizzly bears, whom I never had any problems with - but because of people. Despite the state being gorgeous, the rude, aggressive people are the sole reason I wouldn't want to visit again.

    During my long visit, every week there was an incident with some hateful, aggressive, foul-mouthed person. It was so frequent that I came to expect it and felt uncomfortable being anywhere near people. I felt much safer camping alone in the woods around grizzlies.

    There were both white hicks and Native American individuals who were very hateful towards me. I was told to "go home," etc. I never experienced anything like that in any other state. There's an attitude of hate towards "outsiders," and at the same time, people there are very uneducated, lack culture, and don't hold back their verbal abuse. It is no Mayberry there.

The Contenders

13. Nevada

    

    Nevada, with its focus on tourism in cities like Las Vegas, can be perceived as having a more impersonal or transactional social environment. Outside of the major tourist hubs, interactions may be more relaxed and friendly.

    I moved here from New Jersey, which is higher on the list. I thought no matter where I went, people would be nicer. Not here. I do believe a lot of the rudeness is driven by ignorant, privileged white people who have never left the state. Did I say ignorant? I meant stupid.

    There are car accidents every single day, multiple times a day. They all just crash into each other. They complain about traffic caused by people moving here, but if you ask them, they have six children and fourteen grandchildren. They don't realize those are the people on the road. People here have no drive to do anything but get pregnant at 18. Gaudy trucks are everywhere. Everyone has a jet ski and an RV, and all the conversation is about guns. The evidence of small 'members' is everywhere here. Dumb little prick middle American wastes.

14. Utah

    

    Utah is generally known for its friendly and welcoming residents, though the rapid growth of cities like Salt Lake City has led to perceptions of more impersonal interactions in urban areas. The state's strong community ties are still evident.

    I can't agree more with what everyone else has said. Utah is a state of hypocrites. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am ashamed at the behavior of so many members in this state, which so obviously opposes our fundamental beliefs. People are awful, rude drivers who intentionally try to frustrate others on the road by tailgating and blocking others from turning. When you make eye contact with someone and smile, you will often get a scowl in return. Law enforcement officials are completely egotistical and cruel, as opposed to the usually well-meaning and affable ones that I have encountered in other states. I only ever visit this awful place to see family members.

15. Oklahoma

    

    Oklahoma residents are typically known for their politeness, although some urban areas may have a reputation for being less welcoming than rural regions. The state's culture is influenced by a blend of Southern and Midwestern values.

    There are quite rude people here that ignore you on the phone or pretend they are not listening. Terrible place to work and live, terribly hot and miserable. The food is gross and unhealthy, and they are some of the fattest people on earth, very rude. If you come from Sweden, you will think you are in a war zone.

    Oklahoma drivers might exhibit more road rage and rude gestures compared to other states. This could contribute to a perception of rudeness in certain situations.

    Oklahoma City is considered a rude city. According to polls, 2.3% of respondents picked the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area as the rudest metro area in America.

16. Michigan

    

    Michigan's residents are generally considered polite, though in cities like Detroit, the pace of life can lead to more rushed or impersonal interactions. The state's mix of urban and rural communities contributes to varying levels of friendliness.

    If all the compliments in regards to Michigan are negative, the state must have a very low vibration. I don't think that people are being hypocritical by sharing their experiences. This is what this website is for, similar to Yelp.

    While you do have a good point about the Upper Peninsula being "nice," that does not compensate for all the truthful comments about people not being kind. If 7 out of 8 people say the people in Michigan are generally not nice, this evidence is factual. Also, bias may be at play. Many of the commentators have traveled all over. Have you? You don't know if a state is truly rude unless you have something to compare it to.

    My advice to you is to get out of the Upper Peninsula, explore the world, and come back to see if this 'hell on earth' is really authentically nice. There is a difference between telling the truth and being rude. Thanks so much. I look forward to hearing about your travels.

    It looks like 90% of people agree that Michigan is rude. This is a known fact. Basic thinking will not expand the mind. Thus, the word provincial.

17. Connecticut

    

    Connecticut, especially in its wealthier suburbs, is sometimes perceived as being aloof or less outwardly friendly. The state's proximity to New York City contributes to a culture of efficiency that can be mistaken for rudeness.

    Connecticut is a strange state. It's small and tense, and you can't go anywhere without bumping into someone. It makes people territorial.

    I find people have a surface politeness, and some are actually very nice. But you also have some really cranky, miserable people with stone faces. People here are very conformist and don't like variety in their fellow human beings.

    In the small towns, all the rich women wear baseball caps and pink shirts and drive SUVs. It's a suburban thing, apparently. Pod people abound here.

    In the more racially mixed cities, a lot of people are very angry, as Connecticut is a huge "white flight" state. Connecticut is slowly becoming more integrated, which is a positive.

    It's not the worst state, and I don't think people are as abusive as is claimed, but I do think it's a highly secular, business-like region, and people are control freaks. Personally, I hate it and am leaving.

18. Indiana

    

    Indiana, located in the Midwest, generally has a reputation for being polite, but some urban areas may be considered less friendly by outsiders. The state's cultural emphasis on work ethic can lead to more reserved social interactions.

    Coming from someone who's had the displeasure of living here my entire life, I'm more than qualified to speak on Indiana's crappiness. There are lots of insufferable rednecks here, the kind that are proud to own Confederate flags. I'm not joking. I've seen at least two of them in the town I live in, and I've seen them on cars too.

    Lots of homophobia, too. This one guy I went to high school with posted a picture of himself with what I believe was a rocket launcher and looked super racist, I believe, trying to emulate ISIS or something. That's not even counting the deranged crack addicts or Trump simps, either. I don't get why people here want to act like it's part of the South so badly, when it's west. If I had a car, I would've left this state years ago, but I'm S.O.L.

19. Alabama

    

    Alabama is known for Southern hospitality, but like many places, attitudes can vary between urban and rural areas. In some cities, people may be perceived as less warm toward strangers compared to smaller communities.

    I lived there, and the level of hatred towards immigrants is astounding. While people may appear nice and reserved on the outside, at first, I learned that it's only a facade, and what lies beneath is violent hate. I was physically assaulted simply because I'm an immigrant from Europe. My college mates, who were immigrants from various countries, were chased by a big group of neo-Nazis with chains while trying to walk to college. Multiple immigrants working at the nearby gas station were shot dead. My neighbor from Asia had his car pelted with rocks just for driving through a neighborhood. Both local whites and blacks were involved in these incidents.

    People don't show their hatred upfront but suddenly become violent. It seems they're just waiting for a convenient moment. I was told that even if you're an American born and bred just 2 hours away, you'd never be accepted there.

20. Arizona

    

    Arizona, with its growing population and influx of newcomers, can have a mix of social behaviors. Some regions, especially tourist-heavy areas like Phoenix, may be seen as less friendly due to the fast pace of life.

    For those who voted for New York, you're only thinking of the stereotypes. I lived in both New York and Arizona. People from Arizona are a lot more rude than in New York, even the kids at my schools were extremely rude as well.

    I've lived in Arizona my whole life and yes, by far the worst place ever. People are full of themselves and think they are gods. Complete jerks everywhere in this state.

    I have traveled to almost every state in America. The nastiest people I have ever met live in Arizona!

21. Maryland

    

    Maryland, particularly around the Washington, D.C. metro area, is often seen as fast-paced, with residents sometimes perceived as more impersonal or rushed. The state's proximity to the nation's capital influences a more businesslike demeanor.

    I was outcast there too and have no idea why. These were other whites doing this, and I'm not gay or anything either. If they decide you don't fit in, they will be very rude to you and ruin your existence so much that you feel you've been banished from there.

    I was only 5 when my parents moved us there for their jobs, and I was tormented from then until 17, when I got the hell away from those hostile, scornful, narrow-minded rednecks and snobs. Malicious lies about me persisted, but only if I knew the source could I have sued for slander.

    I don't miss the ice on the ground in winter, as I took a few tumbles. Spring is lovely there, and the summer felt good, especially at night. Those were the only things I left behind. Too bad about the people. I could never fix that, and good thing I never tried to drive there.

    Once I got far away from MD, I found many places where the people were tolerant, accepting, and even cordial, some even friendly and appreciative. Wild horses couldn't drag me back there, nor any amount of money. Bye-bye!

22. Mississippi

    

    Mississippi is known for its Southern hospitality, though some areas may be perceived as less welcoming, particularly by outsiders. The state's small towns tend to exhibit more traditional politeness and warmth.

    Racist, hostile to outsiders, and just mean.

23. Vermont

    

    Vermont is known for its reserved yet polite residents, with a strong emphasis on privacy and independence. The state's rural, close-knit communities tend to be more welcoming once relationships are established.

    Anyone not from Vermont is considered a "Flatlander." It's like if you weren't born in VT, your state is crap, and nobody wants you here.

    There are some great people here, but it depends on what part of the state you live in. Northern VT has nicer people. Southern VT is riddled with redneck trash and liberal extremists, with no middle ground.

    People incorrectly assume this is a nice state. Try living here for more than a few years. There's a reason almost everyone leaves as soon as they graduate high school.

    I've been to a lot of states, but the people here have the worst reaction to outsiders. Yes, including NYC.

24. Pennsylvania

    

    Pennsylvania, especially in Philadelphia, is sometimes associated with a more direct and brusque communication style, though rural areas tend to be more traditionally friendly. The state's urban centers can be perceived as less welcoming by outsiders.

    Even worse than people from Virginia are those from Pennsylvania. I have traveled the world over and have never met people more self-absorbed and oblivious to the existence or rights of others. Their inability to imagine life outside of themselves is most apparent in their driving. They drive 20-30 miles over the speed limit, change lanes without signaling or even looking, run stop signs, and pull out of parking lots without stopping.

    Pennsylvania is so boring that its self-centered inhabitants feel the need to invade nearby states all summer long, quite like mosquitoes. You can always tell if Pennsylvanians have been in your state because they leave behind piles of litter and garbage. They're not fit to live in a world with other humans.

25. North Carolina

    

    North Carolina blends Southern hospitality with a more modern, fast-paced lifestyle in its urban centers. While rural areas are known for being warm and welcoming, cities like Charlotte can feel more impersonal.

    The driving is usually a nightmare. People are backstabbing but then can't back anything up. They think "being nice" is a cover for trying to manipulate others. They'll lie and justify it to themselves, so it's not on their consciences. It's hilarious when you catch someone doing something wrong to you. They can never handle the heat.

    Really? People here are actually very nice outside of the Cary and Raleigh areas where all the snobs live. Yes, those people are rude, but the rest of the state? I mean, Charlotte and Asheville have some of the best people you'll ever meet, and the rural areas are no exception. I don't think it should be up this high, but alright.

26. Wisconsin

    

    Wisconsin is generally known for its Midwestern friendliness, though some urban areas like Milwaukee may exhibit more impersonal behaviors compared to rural regions. The state's culture is often described as down-to-earth.

    Wisconsin has the most terrible, mean, bullying, hostile, and just purely evil people I have ever met! Road rage every day, and just awful. I am embarrassed to say this was my home state. I am moving and never coming back. I have traveled and lived in many places, and Wisconsin is the most evil.

    Rudest people. Worst drivers. Very dumb.

    Don't walk at night because you may get killed by the many drunk drivers. Nothing is good about Wisconsin. All their food sucks. Even for a cheese state, they can't even make a decent pizza.

27. Rhode Island

    

    Rhode Island residents, particularly in Providence, are sometimes perceived as reserved or less outwardly friendly. The state's small size and close-knit communities contribute to a culture that can feel insular to outsiders.

    Rhode Island has really bad drivers. Be careful driving in Providence because most of the bad drivers live there. Traffic is bad in the city of Providence, but everywhere else is fine.

    By the way, traffic is worse in the morning around 7 AM - 11 AM and 2 PM - 7 PM. The most annoying part of Rhode Island is the poor roads. It's the worst in the country, which is sad for Rhode Island's reputation.

    People on the East Coast and West Coast are not nice at all. They are very cold and not genuine. However, on the East Coast, they are more direct, which is nice, and confrontational.