1. New York
New Yorkers are known for their fast pace, and sometimes that comes off as downright rude, according to Joan Acocella from Smithsonian Magazine. Whether it’s dodging eye contact on the subway or honking the second a light turns green, patience isn’t exactly the city’s strong suit. Visitors often report feeling brushed off by locals, especially in Manhattan. But really, it’s more about efficiency than hostility.
Still, if you’re not used to bluntness, the direct way people communicate here can feel jarring. Don’t expect a warm “Good morning” from a stranger—unless you’re in a quieter borough or upstate. That said, if you ask for directions, most New Yorkers will help… they just won’t sugarcoat it. Manners are there, just wrapped in streetwise grit.
2. Florida
Florida has a mix of cultures, but it also has a reputation for being a bit chaotic—especially on the roads. Aggressive driving, cutting people off, and little road courtesy make for a stressful experience. Add in the influx of tourists and retirees, and the lack of patience is understandable but still unpleasant. It’s one of the top states for road rage incidents.
Beyond the roads, service industry workers often report rude customers, especially in high-tourism areas like Miami and Orlando. Entitlement runs high when vacationers think the rules don’t apply. And let’s be honest—Spring Break in Florida doesn’t exactly bring out the best behavior. Between beach brawls and public drunkenness, the manners tend to melt in the heat, according to Stephanie Hayes from The Tampa Bay Times.
3. Massachusetts
Massachusetts has what some call “Masshole” energy—particularly on the roads, according to Kristi Palma from Boston.com. Boston drivers are infamous for their aggressive behavior, and turn signals seem more like suggestions than tools. Locals can also be standoffish, especially if you’re not from around there. There’s a strong pride in being tough and no-nonsense.
In restaurants or stores, don’t expect over-the-top friendliness. The service might be efficient, but warm and fuzzy it is not. People are often blunt and to the point, which can rub outsiders the wrong way. Still, there’s a loyalty and honesty beneath the bark—you just have to dig a little.
4. California
You’d think the laid-back lifestyle would lead to polite behavior, but not always. In cities like Los Angeles, people can be surprisingly dismissive if you’re not deemed important, according to Michael Wittner from Patch. Ghosting is a common social offense, and flakiness is part of the culture. Don’t expect firm commitments—or even timely responses—to plans.
On the roads, it’s a whole different beast. LA traffic brings out the worst in drivers: tailgating, cutting off, and plenty of honking. Despite all the wellness talk, road rage and passive aggression are alive and well. The “nice” in California can often be just surface-level.
5. New Jersey
Jersey has a reputation for being tough, loud, and opinionated—and it lives up to that, according to Joe Mason from Asbury Park Press. People talk fast and don’t hesitate to speak their minds, which can feel rude if you’re used to more polite conversation. On the Turnpike, it’s every driver for themselves. Don’t expect anyone to let you merge without a fight.
There’s also a no-nonsense vibe in stores and restaurants. If you’re indecisive at the deli counter, someone behind you will call you out. But behind the gruffness, many New Jerseyans are actually very helpful—just don’t confuse bluntness with cruelty. It’s manners, Jersey-style.
6. Nevada
Las Vegas isn’t exactly known for refined behavior. Between drunken tourists and high-stakes gamblers, civility often takes a backseat to indulgence. Service workers report high levels of rudeness, especially on weekends. It’s not unusual to see shouting matches in casinos or public spaces.
Outside of Vegas, rural Nevada has a “don’t mess with me” vibe. People are private and not always warm to outsiders. There’s a strong independent streak that can come off as cold. It’s not so much rude as it is aloof and guarded.
7. Texas
This one might surprise you, given the “Southern hospitality” stereotype. But in big cities like Dallas or Houston, courtesy can get lost in the sprawl and traffic. Texas ranks high in aggressive driving incidents, and tempers flare fast on the highways. Politeness may exist, but patience? Not so much.
Texans can also be blunt in conversation, especially about politics or religion. There’s little filter, and that can be jarring if you’re from a more reserved area. While small-town Texans might still hold doors and say “ma’am,” the cities are a different story. The hospitality sometimes feels more like a relic than a rule.
8. Illinois
Chicago has a lot going for it, but a reputation for rudeness isn’t one of its proudest points. Locals aren’t necessarily mean—they’re just in a hurry. The “Midwestern Nice” tends to fade the closer you get to downtown. People are more likely to ignore you than engage.
Public transit brings out the worst: loud phone calls, pushing onto trains, and general lack of awareness. Even service workers say tourists often complain about poor attitudes. It’s a hard-working city with a tough edge, and that shows in how people treat each other. Civility isn’t always on the menu.
9. Pennsylvania
Philadelphia especially has a reputation for being brash—remember, they once booed Santa Claus at an Eagles game. People here don’t sugarcoat anything, and that includes criticism. There’s a gritty, rough-around-the-edges pride that can be intimidating. If you expect cheerful small talk, you’re in for a culture shock.
Even outside Philly, parts of the state skew toward bluntness. You’ll get honesty, not flattery, and sometimes that honesty stings. Customer service reviews in certain areas often note a lack of friendliness. It’s more about efficiency and attitude than pleasantries.
10. Georgia
Atlanta traffic can bring out some of the rudest driving behavior in the country. Cutting people off, tailgating, and ignoring signals are all part of the daily grind. That Southern charm doesn’t always extend to the highway. It’s one of the top cities for road rage complaints in the U.S.
In retail and hospitality, politeness is more common—but it’s not universal. In tourist-heavy areas, employees often deal with entitlement and pushy customers. The “bless your heart” charm can mask passive aggression. So while smiles are common, true courtesy isn’t guaranteed.
11. Michigan
Detroit and other large cities in Michigan can be pretty direct in conversation. There’s no fluff—just facts, and sometimes that feels curt. The economic struggles of the past decade have added a layer of frustration to daily interactions. People are friendly once you know them, but not always warm to strangers.
Michigan also sees a fair share of rude drivers, especially in winter when tempers and road conditions clash. Speeding in snowstorms and ignoring four-way stop rules are all too common. Locals are used to it, but visitors are often surprised by the pushiness. Manners tend to take a backseat when survival is the goal.
12. Arizona
Arizona has a growing population of transplants and tourists, which has led to some social tension. Locals often complain about rude behavior from newcomers, especially in Phoenix. The heat doesn’t help—it’s hard to stay patient when it’s 110 degrees out. Road rage and customer service complaints spike in the summer.
In tourist areas like Sedona, workers report a growing lack of respect. People ignore signs, leave messes, and act entitled in restaurants and hotels. The laid-back vibe is still there, but it’s often overshadowed by frustration. Patience runs thin when crowds swell and temps rise.
13. Washington
Seattle is famously polite on the surface, but the “Seattle Freeze” is a real thing. People will smile at you but keep their distance emotionally. Newcomers often find it hard to make friends, and social interactions can feel cold or performative. It’s not rudeness, exactly—it’s just detached.
Service workers in Seattle sometimes report passive-aggressive customers rather than overtly rude ones. On the roads, driving can be passive to a fault, creating tension and confusion. People follow the rules, but warmth can be lacking. Manners are more about form than feeling.
