My opinion is that it has been unfair to label New Yorkers as rude in the first place. I have traveled a great deal and find that no matter where you go in America people are at least civil (in general). New Yorkers are the best conversationalist in my opinion. They are not rude as a rule, but they will let you know when you crossed the line. I have some friends from there, and I value their friendship.
The three states I find, in my experience, the friendliest in the US are Missouri, Colorado, and Minnesota. I don't know where this concept of Southern hospitality came from, but I personally think it is overrated (Please don't reply to that, I really don't care to discuss it).
Hi Swampmonster and Everybody,
My family and I have done a bit of moving around the country and have experienced mostly friendly people and hospitality in some form or fashion in every place we lived (we have zigzagged all over).
We moved to a city of 1.3 million and were told by friends..."just get used to the fact that you won't know your neighbors!" I told them if you make the effort, you can get to know your neighbors.
The first weekend in our house, our neighbor came over with a loaf of homemade bread, a jar of homemade preserves and a big,fat Sunday newspaper. I just had to ask where she was from and her reply was, "Wahoo, Nebraska!"
I made chocolate chip cookies for every new neighbor who moved in on our street (the street was partially developed when we got here). We may not know everybody on our street, but for the most part, most of the ones I do know look out for one another and their property as well. We all wave greetings, at the very least!
Poll or not...bottom line is I am just so proud to be an American! :D