3 Minnesota Cities Ranked As ‘Friendliest’ In America For 2026

Well, we are known for being nice after all! There is always some sort of list coming out these days and you have to take them all with a grain of salt.

However, this is definitely one worth celebrating! Minnesota has several showings on a new list naming the friendliest cities in the entire country. I am not surprised at all.

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What makes a city friendly? In this particular list, what makes a city 'friendly' is gauged by how likely its residents are to greet a stranger! This list was crafted based on a survey of about 3,000 vacationers.

AMFM Treatment put this list together and I can't lie - I was definitely surprised by not only the top ten friendliest cities in the country but also by which Minnesota cities made the list.

The Ten Friendliest Cities In The Country - Any In Minnesota?

For a state known for being nice, it is a bit surprising that we don't have any showings here. Hilo, Hawaii has been crowned the number one friendliest city in the country. If I lived somewhere that amazing, I would be extra friendly too!

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A handful of Georgia cities made the cut, along with two in Tennessee. I guess southern states are also known for being friendly, also known as southern hospitality. (That is also the name of one of my favorite shows. Ha!)

3 Minnesota Cities Named 'Friendliest' In The Country

So which Minnesota cities made the cut? Sadly, not Duluth. I will say that I try to be friendly to strangers when I am in Canal Park and such if they seem like tourists. I want them to feel welcome but also, it depends on the situation.

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The highest showing on the list came in at number 93: Brainerd! There is definitely something special about Brainerd. The next showing is Winona coming in at number 106. My husband is from there and I have some family from there as well so Winona definitely has a special place in my heart!

And last but not least, our last showing on the list can be found at number 123. Mankato also made the cut. I have only driven through but it does seem like a cute town!

I definitely thought we would have done better but I am just glad we have a few spots on the list. That is better than none, right?