Merriam-Webster defines friendly as: of, relating to, or befitting a friend: such as showing kindly interest and goodwill; Not hostile; Cheerful, comforting; serving a beneficial or helpful purpose; not causing or likely to cause harm.

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You get the picture. So, when studyfinds.org listed the findings of their new report on the "friendliest" cities in America and teased the fact that a Louisiana city was among the Top 5, I was sure it had to be a small, rural town in North Louisiana.

Possibly Gilliam or Rodessa?  Nope. Maybe it was Haughton or Elm Grove? Not the one.  Then it had to be Stonewall or Minden? Still no winner.

What Louisiana city made the "friendly" grade? None other than New Orleans.  Yep, the Big Easy was ranked the third friendliest city in America.

Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images
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The same New Orleans that propertyclub.nyc named the 8th Most Dangerous City in America was being hailed as one of the absolute friendliest cities in the whole country.

According to their findings, the friendliest city in the country is Honolulu.  Though I've never had the privilege of going, I can only imagine that's true because everything is so beautiful there and life feels so carefree, that it would be easy to be friendly there.

Second on their list was Newport, Rhode Island.  Chattanooga, Tennessee was fourth and Ashville, North Carolina rounded out the Top 5.

Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images
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But right there in the middle, labeled the 3rd Friendliest City in America, was our very own Crescent City, New Orleans.

Here's how it was described:

New Orleans is famous for its colorful Mardi Gras celebrations, where residents and revelers roam the streets and gather on balconies. “Everyone has a story — and wants to hear yours’ is how one T+L reader described New Orleans’ friendliness. ‘In neighborhoods, all doors are open, or everybody is sitting on the porch,” writes Travel + Leisure.

If you visit New Orleans, you’ll be sure to experience the city’s distinct Creole culture and vibrant history. “Come as you are to New Orleans and feel right at home. Jackson Square is always buzzing with energy as local street artists sketch to the soundtrack of live jazz musicians,” writes Expedia. “Drop a few dollars in an open saxophone case on your way to slurping back fresh oysters.”

Now let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. Some people are friendly in New Orleans. Just like those of us in North Louisiana, they say "please" and "thank you"; "yes mam" and "no sir." Not everyone there is a criminal.  Not all are hooked on or dealing crack.

Thankfully when they put this survey together, they were lucky enough to not run into the ones who aren't so "friendly."

See the full listing of all the cities that made their list HERE.

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