Ranked: The Friendliest Cities in America

Whether you're planning a vacation or thinking about a full-on move, doing a bit of research beforehand can mean the difference between having a great experience and a not-so-great one. You’ve probably thought about the neighborhood, transportation options, cost of living and even the weather of different cities—but there’s one factor you might be missing: how friendly the city is.

Wait, what? Can a city really be friendly or unfriendly?

The answer is yes absolutely, and it can have a big impact on your overall experience.

According to Truity's research, which is based on 3.6 million anonymized results from our Big Five personality test, there’s a surprising link between personality and geolocation. We found that cities definitely have their own personalities—though whether they attract certain types of people (so personality type influences where you live) or the city itself actually affects a person's behavior and shapes their residents over time is still up for debate.

But one thing’s clear: if you’re looking for a welcoming place, these friendly cities should be at the top of your list.

What Makes a City Friendly?

Before we dive in, you’re probably curious about how we define ‘friendly.’  

In a word: Agreeableness.

Agreeableness is one of the five core personality traits in the Big Five personality system. Those who score high in this trait tend to be altruistic and empathetic, emotionally attuned to others, guided by a strong moral compass, and prefer cooperation over conflict.

In short, they’re the kindest neighbors you could ever have—and here’s where they live:  

1. Dayton, Ohio
2. Detroit, Michigan
3. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
4. Richmond, Virginia
5. Cincinnati, Ohio

The Five Friendliest Cities: What to Expect 

So, what do all of these cities have in common? For starters, they’re often nestled near rivers or lakes, most are found in the Midwest, and they boast a cost of living below the national average. Sounds pretty nice, right? 

But let’s get deeper into it—what does an “Agreeable” city actually feel like in everyday life? Here’s what you can expect to find if you take a trip to one of the five cities above. 

Neighbors on First Name Terms 

Did you know that only 26% of Americans know their neighbors? We doubt the number will be so low in our Agreeable cities! For Agreeable people, connection and community are key. So, you can expect to find neighborhoods where everyone knows everyone by name—the kind of places where casual chats over fences are the norm, little ones play together and community cookouts are a regular occurrence. 

However, this closeness can also have its downsides, especially if you’re on the introverted side. While it’s nice to exchange smiles with your neighbors, living in such close quarters can mean that those neighbors become friends you didn’t necessarily choose. You might feel pressured to get involved in local activities or gatherings, even if they aren’t really your thing, simply because everyone else is participating. 

Rich in Community Spirit 

Another hallmark facet of Agreeableness is altruism: displaying a selfless, wholehearted concern for the welfare of others. People who are altruistic feel moved to act in the face of injustice, serve their community and help others who are less fortunate. 

In our friendliest cities, this spirit of altruism translates into a wealth of opportunities for charitable giving and volunteering. From grassroots organizations tackling local issues to small charities focused on helping vulnerable residents, you’ll find an abundance of neighbors ready to step up and lend a hand to those in need.

Altruism doesn’t just benefit others—it can have a positive effect on your own happiness. As countless studies show, people who regularly engage in helping others tend to experience higher levels of joy and fulfillment than the average person. 

A Melting Pot of Cultures 

An often overlooked aspect of Agreeableness is its strong link to cultural intelligence. While individuals with low Agreeableness scores might be indifferent toward others’ feelings, or at least regard them as only one of many factors in their decision-making, those who score high in this trait exhibit genuine empathy. This makes them more accepting, curious, and respectful of the differences that enrich communities.

In ultra-friendly cities, this quality shines through. These places are true melting pots of different lifestyles and ideas. You’ll see it reflected in the eclectic mix of restaurants, hear it in the multitude of languages spoken, and experience it in the variety of places of worship scattered throughout the neighborhoods.

Is an Agreeable City the Right Place For You? 

For the more Agreeable types among us, reading this list might have you scrolling through real estate listings and daydreaming about your next move! If you value harmony and kindness, a friendly city is likely to feel like home. You’ll discover a sense of belonging and likely stumble upon plenty of kindred spirits along the way.

However, an Agreeable city isn’t for everyone. If you find yourself leaning more toward the less community-minded and more independent end of the spectrum, the constant warmth and politeness from your neighbors might feel a bit overwhelming—even annoying at times.

And let’s not forget the downsides of being highly Agreeable. Those who embody this trait can sometimes fall into the trap of people-pleasing, bending over backward to meet others’ needs while neglecting their own. They can also struggle with competition and conflict, preferring to keep the peace rather than stir the pot—even when it’s necessary.

If you’re driven, logical and ambitious, you might find life—even a brief visit—in an Agreeable city rather challenging. The gentle, peace-keeping demeanor of the locals may clash with your go-getter attitude, leaving you feeling like a square peg in a round hole. For you, a city that aligns more closely with your Big Five traits might be the key to enjoying your surroundings. 

So, how do you find one? It’s as simple as heading over to our Personality Atlas for insights on any location you’re curious about. This fun tool will show you how major cities around the world compare on their personality traits. And don’t forget to take our free Big Five test while you’re at it, so you can compare your traits to where you live—or where you’d like to!