These States Are The Rudest In America
The United States is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Those who've traveled across the country are guaranteed to see that people are different in each state. While some states are full of friendly residents, others don't have the greatest reputation. Here are the rudest states in America.
Why Hamilton May Not Want To Return To Utah
While many people love going to Utah to explore the great outdoors, the people may need a reality check.
For example, a member of the Hamilton touring company wrote how disappointed he was when the audience spent most of the musical on their phones. Utah residents also have a bad reputation when it comes to driving and customer service.
Rude Drivers In Virginia
One of the reasons why Virginia is considered to be one of the rudest states in the US is because of its drivers.
About five percent of drivers from the state have driving infractions for rude behavior including not stopping at stop signs, illegal passing, and tailgating. Take for example these people who blocked traffic just to take autumn photos for social media.
Good Luck Making Friends In Washington
Those who want to make new friends should avoid Washington. According to a survey from PEMCO Insurance, over 40 percent of Washington residents say that it's not important for them to make new friends.
Many prefer to live the life of a recluse and don't want to spend their time getting to know new people.
Illinois Knows They're Rude
According to Best Life, at least four percent of Illinois residents are considered rude. That number increases to 22 percent with a survey by Zippia.
Illinois sort of takes pride in their rude reputation. For example, there's a Chicago restaurant called Ed Debevic's where servers will purposely insult the customers.
Which California Cities To Avoid
California has one of the largest populations in the world, so it's likely that you're going to run into some rude people.
Big cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco tend to be the most common places where people experience mean people. California drivers are also something to fear, especially on the freeway.
The Stressful Life In Massachusetts
Massachusetts residents have a few reasons why they aren't the nicest. Many have to deal with the high cost of living, long commutes, and bad weather, which makes them a little more cranky.
This stress could weigh on anyone with some customers being reported for swearing and threatening to sue businesses.
Don't Get In The Way On Rhode Island Roads
Even though Rhode Island residents live in the smallest state in the country, they still want to get to where they're going as fast as possible.
This means they will exhibit road rage, cut people off, and more. Rhode Island is also known for having some of the worst customer service experiences.
New York Is Home To Narcissists
Those who live in New York need to grow some thick skin because it's one of the toughest states in America.
Studies found that a large percentage of drivers have no road manners and locals don't have a problem pushing their way through crowds. Observers have noted that the general population is narcissistic and will do whatever it takes to get what they want.
Connecticut Residents Aren't Too Friendly
Connecticut has been said to be an isolating and lonely place to live. Since the cost of living is high, it can cause people to act out.
Connecticut residents may be rude, reclusive, anti-social, snooty, and standoffish, which has caused many people to struggle making new friends. Steve Beisheim posted on Quora that Connecticut residents seem traditional, conservative, and private.
Don't Expect A Tip In New Jersey
Since New Jersey is so close to New York, residents have to deal with annoyances including high cost of living and a large population.
These things have triggered people to act out by not tipping, having rude conversations, and more. New Jersey is also ranked as one of the worst places for driving.
Be Careful Of What You Say In Alaska
The weather in Alaska isn't for everyone and that may be one of the reasons why it's one of the rudest states in the country.
It's ranked as one of the top three worst states regarding customer service. For example, a rude customer was banned from a restaurant after saying mean things to an employee.
Ohio Is Stuck In The Past
Inexperienced drivers may want to avoid Ohio. A study found that the state violated the rules of the road 32 percent more than all other American states.
Other negative remarks given to Ohio include swearing, rude customers, and not being courteous towards others. Some visitors felt like Ohio residents lived as if they were stuck in the past.
Iowa Doesn't Have Great Customer Service
Iowa has one of the worst reputations when it comes to customer service. One restaurant went so far as to post on social media to beg customers to be nice to the staff.
They are also one of the worst-ranked states for driving and have been reported being rude to minorities.
Wisconsin Drivers Are Dangerous
One Reddit user pointed out how much trouble she had when dealing with drivers from Wisconsin. She complained that they would tailgate her, not stop at a stop sign, never signal for a turn, speed into oncoming traffic, and more.
Also, Wisconsin residents are known to rarely utter "please" and "thank you" when doing business over the phone.
Wyoming Feels Very Isolated
While Wyoming has the lowest population in the United States, they still have some of the rudest people. This may be due to harsh weather and isolation.
A writer for High Country News detailed his time after moving to Wyoming and noticed that no one would go up to him and introduce themselves. Instead, if someone doesn't know you, they'll probably ignore you.
Driving Is Unsafe In South Dakota
South Dakota is famous for the American landmark of Mount Rushmore, but even this all-American state has its fair share of rude people.
They are ranked as one of the worst states for driving. One Reddit user posted that people in South Dakota usually won't use their turning signals and will run red lights.
Look Out For These Types Of Drivers In Maryland
Maryland doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to being polite, especially in the cities of Baltimore and Ocean City. For example, one Ocean City restaurant experienced many disrespectful and impatient customers when they were understaffed.
The driving is also really dangerous. A forum talking about driving in Maryland had people citing times where drivers were slow, distracted, and clueless on the road.
What To Know Before Heading To Idaho
According to Insurify, Idaho ranks in the top two states for worst driving in America. Also, they run stop signs 30 percent more than the national average.
While there are some friendly residents, others are more reserved and prefer to keep to themselves. A City-Data user named Tiffany Green reported that there was also a high amount of theft in the state.
Michigan Tells It Like It Is
There's no sugar-coating anything in Michigan. Residents in this state are known to be blunt, even if it might hurt your feelings. Detroit is also known to be one of the roughest cities in America-- not exactly the ideal place to make new friends.
Manage your expectations when conversing with people in Michigan as they will speak their mind.
Why Car Insurance Is Higher In Delaware
Non-Delaware residents may not know that auto insurance in the state is 57 percent higher than the national average. This is because Delaware drivers tend to be more dangerous.
For example, Delaware drivers don't stop at red lights 60 percent more than the rest of the United States. Also, they have a bad reputation for their customer service.
These Nevada Stereotypes Are So Accurate
States with large populations tend to have ruder residents and that remains true in Nevada, specifically Las Vegas. This may be due to the many tourists that come through everyday.
According to Movoto, there are some stereotypes about Nevada residents that are pretty accurate. For example, they have a superiority complex, aren't easily impressed, and drive very fast.
North Dakota Residents Have A Bad Rep
Not only did people who moved to North Dakota from out of state find the residents to be rude, but they've even been described as mean!
One new resident commented on the City of Crosby, North Dakota forum, "No one will let you into their inner circle, but be glad-- you don't want to." Ouch.
Floridians Have A Reputation For Being Selfish
More people are finding out that residents of Florida tend to be more selfish than the majority of the country. While some Floridians point the finger at the tourists who crowd the major cities, overall, it seems to be the people who live there that are making the state less friendly.
Laurie Camp of Florida posted, "Out beautiful beaches become a trash can. I'm not sure who you think picks it up but you just jacked up my taxes."
Parts of Pennsylvania Are "The Worst"
Pennsylvania isn't known for its friendly residents, that's for sure! Many point out that the people who live there are mean, rude, and even harass people walking down the street keeping to themselves.
One young woman confessed that she felt bullied from the time she left her house in the morning to the time she came home. Even the workplace isn't off-limits to be rude in Pennsylvania!
West Virginians Aren't Forward-Thinkers
It's been noted that West Virginia isn't as forward-thinking as some other American states. This has led some to believe that many West Virginia residents carry a bias and some are prejudice.
When it comes to customer service or job interviews in this state, more than one person felt that West Virginians carry a bias!
People in Arizona Aren't Friendly
With all of the beautiful scenery and warm weather, you might think that residents of Arizona would be happy and friendly. Yet, those who visit from out of state are surprised by how rude they found people here!
Visitors were stunned at the lengths people will go to avoid conversations, even in the service industry in Arizona.
Montana Isn't Big On Hospitality (Anymore)
Americans from other states are surprised at the lack of hospitality and friendly people when they visit Montana. Expecting big skies and small-town charm, many find that the locals are only looking out for themselves!
According to them, however, it's not the long-time locals who changed the friendly vibe of Montana. They point the finger at the out-of-state people moving into their cities for changing the once-friendly atmosphere.
Southerners Can't Believe That People Toss Bacon Grease
In the North, many people try to limit fat consumption by getting rid of grease. But in the South, people save it, especially if it's bacon grease. They use it for flavor and to clean the pan. Donald Tomlin of
Garden & Gun
called bacon grease "Southern olive oil."
Since bacon grease holds all the flavor, Southerners will repurpose it for eggs, cornbread, black-eyed peas, biscuits, green beans–everything. If a Southerner visits a Northern restaurant, these foods might taste different. This is because Northerners will toss the grease instead of repurposing it.
Southerners Struggle To Greet Strangers In The North
Life in the South tends to be slower and more relaxed. As a result, Southerners will often talk to each other while going to the store or out on a walk, even speaking to strangers. But people in the North avoid speaking to strangers.
Southerners find their avoidance rude, while Northerners find Southern conversations "nosy." One Redditor explained the Northern attitude: “It's not that we don’t like strangers, it’s just that 'mind your own business’ is culture trait #1 for us.” For Southerners, that’s bizarre.
Southerners Don't Like Northern Cornbread
If Southerners taste Northern cornbread, they might not like it. Traditional cornbread is made with cornmeal, butter or bacon grease, and buttermilk. But most importantly, southern cornbread does not have sugar.
Northerners often put sugar in their cornbread, while Southerners do not. Depending on where you order cornbread in the U.S., it might taste different! "Proper tea should be sweet. Proper cornbread should not," one Southerner told Southern Living. “Sweet cornbread is called 'cake.'” If you tell Northerners that, they might get a confused look on their face.
Southerners Want Northerners To Say "Ma'am" And “Sir”
In the South, it is common to answer people with "no ma'am," “yes ma’am,” “no sir,” and “yes sir.” It’s good manners. But in the North, people don’t say that. They might even find it weird when a Southerner is just being polite.
In the “Ask an American” subreddit, a Southerner asked if Northerners think that using these phrases is rude. Most answered that it’s not rude, but strange. “My girlfriend finds it weird when I say “yes ma’am,” “thank you sir,” etc.,” one user wrote. “She is from Boston, I am from south Louisiana.”
Southerners Like College Football More Than Northerners
It's no secret that Southerners love college football. But Northerners do not seem to share that love. Some Northerners like it, but few are attending their state college’s games like many Southerners do.
"That was the biggest disappointment of moving to New England," said one Redditor, who moved from the South to the North. “College football is not big here.” Even in the West, college sports tend to be a bigger deal than in the North. Many Southerners wonder why, and what Northerners do with their time while not watching games.
Southerners Don't Get Why "Honey" Sounds Rude
In the South, people are more likely to call others "sweetie," “sugar,” or “honey.” These are terms of endearment in many states. But in the North, few people call each other that. They might even think that a Southerner is being condescending.
Depending on the context, using those terms might even be illegal. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Civil Rights, calling someone “sweetie,” “honey,” or “dear” are unprofessional in the workplace. Even if someone means no harm by those terms, they can still bother coworkers.
Southerners Call It A Buggy, Not A Shopping Cart!
Pop quiz: what is the metal cart that you wheel into grocery stores? If you answered "shopping cart," then you likely live in the Northern or Western United States. If you replied “buggy,” then you probably live in the South (with the exception of Florida).
If a Southerner moves to the North, they might get confused when someone mentions a shopping cart. Likewise, Northerners do not know what buggies are. But if any American heads to England, they will have to call it a “shopping trolley!”
Southerners Miss Fried Food In The North
The American South is known for its delicious fried foods. But in the North, people offer fewer fried foods, and they are not made as well. According to a user on Quora, most Northerners have no idea what hush puppies are.
If you want to find these fried foods in the North, you'll have to find "novelty items on a hipster menu," according to the user. Fried catfish, okra, and pickles practically don’t exist there. As a result, a lot of northern food seems bland to a Southerner.
Southerners Can't Stand Northern Sweet Tea
In the South, sweet tea is a staple. You brew the tea, pour in sugar while it's still hot, and then serve it over ice. In the North, it’s the opposite. People will ice their tea first and then put sugar in it.
Iced tea with sugar is not the same as sweet tea. For one, the sugar will not dissolve in cold water; it’ll just sink to the bottom. Two, Northern tea is not usually sweet enough for Southerners. Anyone who travels up north might be disappointed by their tea.
Southerners Don't Get Northern Coffee
If a Southerner visits a Northern friend, they might make coffee differently. Instead of home brewing it, many Northerners use instant coffee–which Southerners do not understand. They also make a lot more iced coffee than Southerners have ever seen.
In the South, pots of coffee are home-brewed, and instant or iced coffees are rare. But they might be surprised to learn that half of the world prefers instant coffee. In Australia and New Zealand, people drink instant coffee 75% of the time.
Southerners Can't Believe That Their Decor Is Copied Up North
Distressed wood, chicken-shaped vases, milk crates–all of these make up an interior design style called farmhouse. It was inspired by the American South and remains there to this day. But according to Deep South Magazine, farmhouse design is becoming popular in the North.
Part of it has to do with the popularity of the show Fixer Upper, where designer Joanna Gaines focuses on a "modern farmhouse" look. To Southerners, this might seem weird. Why would Northerners like a farmhouse style when many don't live on a farm?
Southerners Can't Find Good Mexican Or BBQ Up North
Because the South is so close to the Mexican border, it has fantastic Mexican food. They also have a long tradition of barbecue. But in the North, you'll be hard-pressed to find BBQ or Mexican even close to that quality.
According to a Quora user, who moved from the North to the South, BBQ is different in certain regions. In the South, BBQ is "almost certainly pork." In the North, people might grill multiple meats instead of slow-roasting them. Even the sauce might taste different to a Southerner.
Southerners Believe Northerners Talk Too Fast
Just like Northerners drive quickly, walk quickly, and order quickly–they speak quickly. Southerners might need to ask people to repeat what they said because they were talking too quickly. Meanwhile, Northerners get frustrated because Southerners speak "too slow." This can lead to an irritating conversation between the two.
The difference stems from linguistics. Because Southern accents have drawn-out vowels and twangs, they talk more slowly than people with Northern and Western accents. Southerners find it weird that Northerners want to speak quickly; what's the rush?
Southerners Miss Some Restaurant Chains Up North
In 2019, a Redditor recalled how they felt moving from Tuscaloosa to New York City. "I remember being legitimately horrified when I found out that Zaxby's wasn’t a thing there," they wrote. Yep, most Northerners have not tasted Zaxby’s chicken, along with a bunch of other Southern chains.
Waffle House, Bojangle’s, Whataburger, Cook Out–all of these delicious chains do not exist in the North. If Southerners visit the North, they might have a hard time finding a decent chicken or BBQ restaurant. On the bright side, Northerners make fantastic pizza.
"Dinner" Means Something Different In The North
Depending on where you are in the U.S., the word "dinner" might have a different meaning. In the South, dinner is served in the afternoon. Evening or nighttime meals are called supper. In the North, the midday meal is lunch, and the evening or nighttime meal is dinner.
If a Southerner talks to a Northerner about “supper,” the Northerner might not know what they're talking about. And if a Southerner and Northern plan for dinner together–well, they might arrive at the restaurant at different times.
Southerners Don't Understand Northerners’ "Coke"
Depending on where you are in the U.S., you'll receive a different response when you say "Coke." In the South, “Coke” is a general term for any soda. If you ask for a “Coke” at a restaurant, the waiter will ask which specific type of soda you’d like.
But in the North, “Coke” is only Coca-Cola. Other types of soda are called “pop.” Southerners find this weird because when they order a Coke at a Northern restaurant, they really mean a Sprite. That’s a culture shock!
Southerners Think Northerners Are Always In A Hurry
To a Southerner, Northerners act like they are always in a hurry. Since their lives are busy, and everything is close by, they want traffic, stores, and restaurants to move quickly and efficiently. But Southerners think that Northerners are hurrying for no reason.
On the flip side, Northerners often get frustrated by how slowly life moves in the South. Many believe that Southerners "move too slowly," even in major cities like Atlanta. At best, Southerners think that hurrying is weird, and at worst, it's annoying and stressful.
Southerners Wish That Northerners Would Try Catfish
Catfish is an incredibly popular food dish in the South. Fried "chuckleheads" or “mudcats” “polliwogs” remind many Southerners of their childhood. But in the North, most people have never tried catfish. To many of them, the thought of eating catfish is gross!
In the North, most catfish species cannot be eaten. Meanwhile, the largest producers of U.S. catfish are Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Southerners cannot comprehend why Northerners have not tried it and why many refuse to. They are missing out on a childhood delight!
Southerners Don't Like People Mocking Their Accents
In 2020, a Quora user asked, "What about northerners in the USA do southerners find the most disagreeable?" One person from southern Virginia said that people from the North–even the northern part of the state–tend to make fun of their accent.
“I have never had a fellow southerner make fun of my accent,” they wrote. “I have been to cities up north and had some horrible treatment from the locals because of my accent.” That said, they also mentioned that many Northerners are still kind regardless of how they speak.
Southerners Think That Northerners Sound Brash
In 2018, a Redditor asked Americans, "Southerners, what grumps you about Northerners?" One user responded, “Northerners tend to be a bit more brash in social interactions than I am expecting.” Does that mean they are rude? No! It's just that Northern manners differ from Southern ones.
One Northerner provided an example. When they visited a Charleston restaurant, they ordered by saying, “Lemme get….” Although the Northerner meant nothing by it, it still did not go over well with the waiter. Southerners who visit the North might feel surprised by this.
Southerners Tend To Wait "In Line" Instead Of “On Line”
What do you call it when you patiently stand in a queue? Turns out that there's a regional difference in the way people describe this action, and people from the North tend to say that they’re waiting "on line."
A lot of Southerners don’t get this, because they say they’re waiting “in line.” As Twitter user @catesish explains, “You wait in line, and you GO online on a computer!”
Southerners Want To Know Why Don't Northerners Use Koozies
Southerners sure love their koozies. If you don't know what that is, it’s a cushiony foam drink holder that keeps cans and bottles cold, even in the heat of a Southern summer.
People like koozies so much they even have them custom made as wedding favors. As Twitter user MustBeTheMeds posted, "House koozies at the bar? Yup im back in the south".
Southerners Are Aghast That Northerners Don't Know What Proper Potato Salad Is
Potato salad is one of those side dishes that has the power to polarize people. There are people who like a more vinegar-based potato salad and there are others who prefer theirs to have a creamy mayonnaise base.
Southerners especially love the latter, especially with lots of mustard in it. And many of them can't stand the vinegar-soaked concoctions that pass as "potato salad" in the North. Then again, you have those people who enjoy potato salad either way, which is just as confusing.
Southerners Think People Up North Should Know What Okra Is
Up North, many people don't even know what okra is. (Hint: it’s a vegetable). But in the South, it’s a staple of many meals. Southerners eat an abundance of the green plant and especially love it when it’s deep-fried, as shown here.
There’s even an annual "Okra Strut Festival" held in the town of Irmo, South Carolina, each year, to celebrate the pod-like veggie.
Southerners Have Fond Memories Of Cheerwine
It has a strange name, but that doesn't stop Southerners from loving Cheerwine, a popular cherry-flavored soft drink from North Carolina. The beverage goes especially well with barbecue.
The reddish drink doesn’t contain any alcohol despite its name. "Cheerwine has the same relation to wine that ginger ale has to ale: that is, it’s roughly the same color," says Amy Rogers, a food writer for the NPR station WFAE.
Southerners Think Northerners' Fried Chicken Is Too Bland
How can fried chicken be different in various regions of the same country? Well, if you ask a Southerner, they'll tell you. Traditionally, Southern fried chicken is made by soaking the chicken in buttermilk and coating it with seasoned flour.
In the North, people typically make it by dipping the chicken into eggs and coating with cracker crumbs and flour before frying and seasoning.
