1. Washington
Washington is home to one of the most famous social phenomena in the country: the “Seattle Freeze,” according to The Seattle Times. This term describes the city’s reputation for being polite on the surface but distant and unapproachable in reality. People in Seattle and other parts of Washington tend to keep to themselves, avoiding unnecessary social interactions and making it difficult for newcomers to feel welcome. While they aren’t outright rude, there’s a noticeable lack of warmth, and making friends can be a real challenge.
Customer service in Washington is often indifferent, with workers seeming disinterested or even annoyed. Tipping culture is average, but road behavior is less than stellar—Seattle has some of the worst traffic in the nation, and drivers are notorious for being passive-aggressive, refusing to let others merge, or driving below the speed limit in the fast lane just to make a point. While Washington has plenty of natural beauty and a strong economy, common courtesy is not one of its strong suits.
2. Nevada
Las Vegas might be the entertainment capital of the world, but don’t expect a warm welcome from the locals, according to 107.9 Coyote Country. Nevada, particularly in Vegas, has a transient, tourist-heavy population that leads to a certain level of detachment. Service workers deal with rude, demanding tourists all day, and that exhaustion shows in the level of customer service. Many people working in Vegas are just trying to get through their shift, and that can lead to interactions that feel cold and transactional.
Outside of the tourist areas, Nevada has a strong independent streak, with people who prefer to mind their own business rather than engage in friendly small talk. Tipping is decent in the service industry (since it’s expected in places like casinos and hotels), but in general, everyday interactions lack warmth. The combination of impatient tourists, exhausted workers, and a culture of keeping to oneself has created an environment where common courtesy is often an afterthought.
3. Texas
Texas might be known for its Southern hospitality, but don’t let that fool you—common courtesy isn’t as widespread as you’d think. In the big cities, especially Houston and Dallas, people are always in a rush, and if you hesitate for even a second, you’re likely to get honked at or pushed aside. Houston has been ranked among the worst cities in America for road rage, with frequent incidents of aggressive driving, cutting people off, and refusing to let others merge, according to KLAQ El Paso. The state as a whole also has one of the highest rates of fatal crashes caused by aggressive driving.
Beyond the roads, there’s a growing divide in Texas when it comes to politeness. While small-town folks still hold onto traditional manners—yes ma’am, no sir, holding doors open—the bigger cities have adopted a more impatient, get-out-of-my-way attitude. Tipping habits vary wildly, with some Texans leaving generous 20% tips and others barely scraping by with 15%. Customer service is also hit-or-miss, with many workers displaying a level of indifference that doesn’t exactly scream “welcome to Texas.” The mix of Southern charm and big-city impatience creates a confusing social atmosphere where politeness is anything but guaranteed.
4. Rhode Island
Rhode Island might be the smallest state in the country, but it sure has a big reputation for rudeness, according to WPRI. Surveys consistently place it among the least friendly states, and locals themselves seem to agree. A study by Zippia found that 42% of Rhode Islanders think their state is ruder than most, which is a pretty telling statistic. If the people living there feel that way, there’s probably some truth to it. Tipping habits don’t help the case, either—Rhode Islanders leave an average tip of just 15.3%, which is on the low end of the scale. And let’s not forget the roads, where drivers have been ranked among the worst in the nation. About 3.1% of Rhode Island drivers have been cited for tailgating, cutting people off, and other aggressive behaviors.
If you’ve ever been to Rhode Island, this probably doesn’t surprise you. It’s not that people are outright mean, but there’s a noticeable lack of warmth, especially toward strangers. Customer service can feel indifferent, and casual conversations with locals don’t always have the friendly tone you might expect in other parts of the country. The combination of impatient drivers, low tips, and an overall sense of unfriendliness gives Rhode Island a reputation for being one of the least courteous states in the U.S.
5. Massachusetts
Massachusetts—particularly Boston, according to Boston 25 News—is known for its blunt, no-nonsense attitude, which some people interpret as straightforwardness while others just see as plain rude. The term Masshole didn’t come from nowhere, after all. Drivers in Massachusetts are notoriously aggressive, weaving in and out of traffic, honking at the slightest inconvenience, and making it difficult for out-of-towners to navigate the streets without getting a middle finger thrown their way. In fact, 3.1% of Massachusetts drivers have received citations for rude driving behaviors. That might not sound like a huge number, but compared to the national average, it’s on the higher side.
And let’s talk about tipping. The average tip in Massachusetts is only 15%, which, while not the absolute lowest, isn’t exactly generous. Add that to the fact that about a third of the state’s residents admit they think their home is ruder than most, and you start to get a clearer picture. People here aren’t necessarily trying to be rude—it’s just the culture. They move fast, they don’t have time for small talk, and they expect you to keep up. While some appreciate the efficiency, others see it as a lack of basic courtesy.
6. New York
This one shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone. New York is famous for its rudeness, especially in the city. People are in a rush, and they don’t have time for pleasantries—no eye contact, no chit-chat, and definitely no stopping on the sidewalk to let someone pass. It’s not necessarily mean behavior, but it can feel that way if you’re not used to it. A study by Business Insider ranked New York as one of the rudest states in America, and it’s easy to see why.
Tipping is actually a bright spot here—New Yorkers tend to tip well, usually around 18–20%. But when it comes to general politeness? Not so much. Whether it’s the subway, taxis, or just walking down the street, you’ll notice a certain level of impatience and indifference. It’s not that people want to be rude—it’s just that the fast-paced lifestyle doesn’t leave much room for small talk and courtesies.
7. New Jersey
New Jersey has earned a reputation for being one of the most aggressive, no-nonsense states in the country. Whether it’s the legendary rudeness of drivers on the New Jersey Turnpike or the blunt attitudes of locals, visitors often leave feeling a little bruised. In a survey conducted by Business Insider, New Jersey ranked among the top five rudest states, and it’s not hard to see why. People here aren’t necessarily trying to be mean—it’s just that they’re direct, impatient, and have no problem speaking their minds. If you’re standing in line and not paying attention, expect to be called out. If you don’t merge onto the highway fast enough, expect a blaring horn.
Tipping is a mixed bag in New Jersey, hovering around 16–17%, which is decent but not particularly generous. But where Jersey really falls short in courtesy is on the roads. The state has one of the highest percentages of aggressive drivers, with honking, tailgating, and cutting people off being practically second nature. And don’t even think about pumping your own gas—while it’s illegal in New Jersey, gas station attendants aren’t exactly known for their friendly service. If you ask a question, expect a short, to-the-point response. People here simply don’t sugarcoat things, and while some appreciate the honesty, others find it off-putting.
8. Florida
Florida might be a popular tourist destination, but don’t expect much Southern charm—especially when you’re on the road. The state is infamous for having some of the worst drivers in the country, with high rates of road rage incidents, aggressive merging, and general disregard for traffic rules. According to an Insurify study, Florida has one of the highest rates of drivers cited for tailgating and improper passing. If you’ve ever driven through Miami or Orlando, you know that turn signals are more of a suggestion than a rule, and cutting people off seems to be a local pastime.
Beyond driving, Florida’s customer service can also be hit-or-miss. Tourists often complain about impatient waitstaff, indifferent hotel employees, and an overall lack of warmth from locals. Some of this can be attributed to the sheer volume of visitors—people in tourist-heavy areas get tired of dealing with out-of-towners, and it shows. Tipping habits vary widely, with some regions averaging 18–20%, while others hover around 15%. And let’s not forget Florida’s infamous Florida Man headlines, which don’t exactly paint the state in the best light when it comes to social behavior.
9. Illinois
Illinois, particularly Chicago, is known for its brusque, no-nonsense attitude. People here move fast, talk fast, and don’t have time for small talk. If you’re expecting a warm, Midwestern welcome, you might be disappointed—especially in the city. A survey by Business Insider ranked Illinois among the top 10 rudest states, and customer service complaints are common, particularly about rushed or indifferent interactions. It’s not that people are trying to be rude, but efficiency often takes precedence over friendliness.
Tipping culture in Illinois is fairly average, sitting around 16–18%, but driving behavior is another story. The state has a high percentage of drivers cited for aggressive and reckless behavior, and Chicago in particular is notorious for impatient honking, lane-cutting, and general disregard for traffic rules. Pedestrians don’t fare much better—if you hesitate while crossing the street, expect to get yelled at. The state’s blend of urban impatience and Midwestern indifference creates an atmosphere where common courtesy often takes a backseat.
10. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is another state where rudeness seems to be the norm, particularly in the Philadelphia area. Philly is well-known for its tough, no-nonsense attitude, and while some might call it “gritty,” others just call it rude. This is the city where fans once booed Santa Claus, after all. Customer service can feel rushed, and conversations are often blunt—if you’re expecting warm, friendly small talk, you might be in for a shock.
Driving in Pennsylvania can also be frustrating, with many drivers engaging in aggressive behaviors. The state has a high rate of tailgating citations, and road rage incidents aren’t uncommon. Pittsburgh drivers, in particular, have a reputation for not letting people merge, and Philadelphia’s roads are chaotic at best. While some Pennsylvanians are friendly, there’s a strong undercurrent of impatience and directness that can make the state feel less than welcoming.
11. California
California might have a laid-back image, but if you spend enough time here, you’ll notice that common courtesy is in short supply—especially in places like Los Angeles and San Francisco. People in these cities are in a hurry, and they don’t have time for small talk, pleasantries, or even basic manners. Walking down a busy street in L.A., you’ll quickly realize that no one makes eye contact, no one holds doors open, and if you accidentally bump into someone, don’t expect an apology.
Driving in California is another nightmare altogether. The state has some of the worst traffic congestion in the country, and with that comes some of the most aggressive driving. Cutting people off, running red lights, and weaving through traffic are all standard behavior. And let’s not forget the high cost of living, which has made people more stressed and less patient. Customer service can feel cold and transactional, and tipping is inconsistent, with many Californians tipping the bare minimum. While the state still has plenty of friendly people, the overwhelming hustle and frustration often make courtesy feel like an afterthought.
12. Michigan
Michigan is another state where people tend to be more direct than friendly, and in some cases, that bluntness can come off as downright rude. Detroit, in particular, has a reputation for being tough and no-nonsense, and while there’s a strong sense of community, there’s not always a lot of warmth toward strangers. A survey by Business Insider ranked Michigan among the top 10 rudest states, with complaints about customer service, road rage, and general unfriendliness.
Driving in Michigan is its own headache, with drivers frequently running red lights, refusing to let others merge, and generally making the roads a stressful place to be. The state’s economy has had its ups and downs, and in some areas, there’s a level of frustration that translates into an impatient, short-tempered attitude. Tipping habits are average, but the overall atmosphere can feel cold and unfriendly, especially to outsiders who aren’t used to the state’s tough exterior.
13. Virginia
Virginia might have a Southern reputation, but don’t expect classic Southern hospitality here—at least not on the roads. This state ranks number one in the country for rude driving violations, with 5% of drivers cited for tailgating, aggressive passing, and other discourteous driving habits. That’s worse than any other state in the U.S. If you’ve ever driven on I-95 through Virginia, you know exactly what I’m talking about—people cut you off without hesitation, tailgate like it’s a competitive sport, and honk the second a light turns green.
Beyond driving, Virginia’s tipping culture isn’t exactly stellar either, with an average tip of about 16%. While that’s better than some states, it’s still on the lower end of the spectrum. Additionally, 21% of Virginians admit that they think their state is ruder than most. The mix of impatient drivers, subpar tipping, and a generally reserved attitude contributes to Virginia’s reputation for lacking common courtesy.
