Friendliest States: Where South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota Rank

When it comes to natural resources and things to do and see, some places in America have more to offer than others.

That's a fact.

But when it comes to the prevailing attitudes of those places, that's a lot more subjective.

Take the concept of 'friendliness' for instance. You might not be able to put an absolute definition on it, but you know it when you experience it.

And one Tri-State locale is far exceeding most of the rest of the country when it comes to being nice to others.

According to the website Technabob, South Dakota is among the Top Ten places in their new rankings of Smiling Faces: The States With The Friendliest People.

The Mount Rushmore State is number six on the list with this description:

'Compared to other states, South Dakota has a relatively small population. This works in its favor as the community becomes a focal point and strength of local towns. Residents are more than willing to help visitors and make them feel at home during their stay.'

Meanwhile, the complete list of the Top Ten puts to rest the whole notion of 'Southern Hospitality' with only one state south of the Mason-Dixon line in the group (Georgia).

FRIENDLIEST STATES IN AMERICA (Technobob)

1. Vermont
2. Alaska
3. Texas
4. Hawai`i
5. Indiana
6. South Dakota
7. Maine
8. Wyoming
9. Georgia
10. Oklahoma

As for the rest of the Tri-State area, Minnesota landed just outside the Top Ten at 12th overall:

'Some people may consider “Minnesota Nice” as a bad stereotype, but it stems from the polite, if reserved attitude of local Minnesotans. Visitors often equate it to the Midwest version of Southern Hospitality.'

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Iowa, meanwhile is nowhere to be found in the Top 15.

Lately, the Hawkeye State hasn't fared well in these kinds of lists, logging in at only 29th recently in a similar poll.