When their flowers are in full bloom. Economic growth and jobs. The study by the national moving company found that 26 states registered as balanced, meaning that moves in and out of the states and Washington, D.C., were roughly equal. But when it comes to calling this beautiful state home, we wouldnt have it any other way and we think youll ultimately agree. This is true for both property crimes. While still others take up residence in the northern panhandle. But knowing them isnt only to discourage you. Next, depending on where you are from, who you are, and what you believe. However, we want to remind you that you also need to look at other things like how safe you will be if youre residing in West Virginia. Proximity to larger cities. With the lack of demand for this natural resource, the jobs that come with it have been disappearing rapidly. The total area of the state is as much as 24,230 sq mi, making it the 41st largest state in terms of its total area. "If you want to be irrelevant, you pull stunts like this," the paper wrote in a . You can also enjoy being in nature exploring the Little Creek Park that not only offers different sports activities like soccer, basketball and baseball, but also has an old saw mill and an exquisite rock formulation called The Devils Tea Table. Its nothing like the great health care options in Virginia. "Country roads take me home to the place I belongWest Virginia.". The problem is that all things are not equal. Those persons who access this Whereas the national average is 932 dollars. "West Virginia people are very independent-minded. Your basic fare for an UberXL would cost you around $3.87. Throughout the article, I suggested some tools. Although it has great interstate highways that connect it with major cities, thats all there is to the state. A large percentage of the population lives in poverty (16%), and many families struggle to make ends meet. It might be a small town, but it has the worst student-to-teacher ratio in the state. Then there is Morgantown. Then, when the spring temperatures warm. These days, the town has shrunk to 9,889 residents and the economic prospects have dimmed. And when youre ready to take a break from all that fresh air, there are plenty of charming small towns with local businesses to explore. As some decide to move to less populated, rural areas, West Virginia Executive is here to answer the question, "Why West Virginia?". Find the best and worst places to live, raise a family or retire in West Virginia. The Mountain State.West Virginia is a great state. Not always worth it. 2. West Virginia is known to have a humid subtropical climate in which the summers are usually hot while the winters are really chilly. Whether you are putting together your monthly budget. border-right: 10px solid transparent; 4. But, that is an industry in rapid decline. They include the cold and snowy winters, remote and sparse population, high crime rate, limited economic growth and jobs, poor government services, drug abuse, limited diversity, and lack of modern cities. Commissions do not affect our editors'analysis, evaluations or opinions. Furthermore, to easily access Pittsburg. Apart from that, there is the Amtrak Capitol Limited that will connect you to West Virginia from 9 cities outside the state. information assume full responsibility or the use of the information and As with most regions who struggle with employment and wages, West Virginia is trying to manage a problematic heroin addiction in the low-income families of the state. At more than 15% of the population. The weather may differ in various parts of the state. 16. Residents are friendly here. As a result, nothing published on this site should be considered individual investment, financial, tax, or real estate advice. The result is that states have less money to spend. Pennsylvania's home value is predicted to fall by 1.7% in the next year. Compared to other states in the country. The state Senate passed the bill Monday and sent it to . Thank you! For those looking for a laid-back, stress-free lifestyle. Moving from New York City, New York to West Virginia: $1428 - $2380. According to BestPlaces.net, all of the big-spending categories. According to Safewise.com, 5 towns with lower crime rates include: So for your safety. And finally, many of the roads in West Virginia are in poor condition, which means that they often become congested during peak hours. In fact, the state's median home value is less $100,000, and about one-third of the homes listed in the state cost less than $225,000. Certain areas are particularly hard-hit by heroin, methamphetamine, and opioids. Some cities seem to dissuade anyone from wanting to live there. Affordability and retirement were two reasons why Susan Mazur-Stommen jumped at the chance to move to West Virginia from Washington, D.C., in 2019. Renting a house in West Virginia will be cheaper for you as your median average rent would be around $711, which is way cheaper than the U.S national average of around $1,023 as stated by 24/7 wallst. The state has a humid continental climate, making for wet and humid summers. Specifically, the top living in West Virginia pros and cons. And add this next one. And when the mountains ignite into what seems like 1,000 vibrant colors in the Fall, you'll be swept away by WV's autumnal beauty. Noted for its mountains, rolling hills and many state parks, West Virginia offers a variety of outdoor recreational options that include hiking, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, hunting and whitewater rafting. To take advantage of the low cost of living. And bringing many of the trees to their most beautiful state. A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. Since the cost of living in West Virginia is so reasonable. Depending on where you choose to live. Blast to the Past. Thus, Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas. According to Consumer Affairs. West Virginia is extremely cheaper to own a house. As I discussed earlier in the pros and cons of West Virginia. However, the mining sector is unpredictable and has a tendency to . Even with all these issues, you might still find the state okay. We Welcome your Feedback about your Moving Experiences! West Virginia has as many as 834 elementary and secondary schools which are supervised by the West Virginia Board of Education. The poverty rate also means the private establishments arent doing much better. The state has a humid continental climate, making for wet and humid summers. If you want to live with your family in the center of the state in a three bedroom apartment, you will have to pay around $1,025 per month. Snowfall makes up for 8% of the precipitation here, with the average snowfall being less than 20 inches (510 mm) in the southwest. You can also start your day in a healthy way by having some fruits where a bunch of bananas will cost you around $3.43. Im Tom. Would not be complete. Economists and local community . You might also look at working in Pittsburgh if you can find a place in the northern panhandle of the state. Head out to Blackwater Falls State Park to see colorful hills that stretch to the horizon as you explore the many wonders that Appalachia offers. West Virginia Does Autumn Better Than Anywhere Else On The Planet. The mining industry has been the biggest contribution to the state's growth. You will find that because the economy is behind the rest of the country in its development, there are some social issues that can be problematic for you after moving here. This means that job opportunities are very limited. You can learn a lot about a person from the license plate alone. 5. is when you have to worry about. After the state of Wyoming, West Virginia has been known as one of the leading coal producing states in America. Access to quality health care. You will likely be within a few hours. If you or a family member are prone to addictions. The Mountain State.West Virginia is a great state. One of the best things about living in West Virginia is the abundance of outdoor activities available. If youre thinking of moving to Morgantown, your grocery prices will be around 2% lower than the U.S national average. It is clear. You're a tenant if you have a written or oral agreement to pay rent to a property owner so you can live in the property. Im here only to share my thoughts about essential topics for success. When determining where to live. As the United States and the rest of the world begin to move away from coal energy, the job market in West Virginia has seen numerous adverse changes. And makes managing your money less of a chore. Immigrants would have initially arrived at a port on the coast. West Virginia has one of the lowest rates of adults with a bachelors degree or higher in the nation. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $500 to $700 in many areas. From the largest metropolitan areas in the state. As one of the most rural states in the country, West Virginia is a place where residents can truly experience life in the slow lane. The 54-year-old cultural anthropologist and her husband bought a 110-year-old house in Hinton for $47,000. If enjoying all four seasons of weather are important to you. The cheapest train ticket available for you would be around $11, whereas the most expensive train ticket will cost you around $171 as per Wanderu. Although there is plenty of sunshine that will come down on your home, its tough to get beyond the 15% unemployment. One-week written notice unless a different period of notice is . Studies determined that more than 20% of the state's population is 65 or older. Furthermore, groceries, utilities, and transportation are anywhere between 5-10% lower. These factors have led to widespread health disparities in West Virginia. One reason for these problems is that West Virginia has a shortage of healthcare providers. Might be one of the reasons not to move to West Virginia. z-index: 5; It is the home of West Virginia University. The cost of a one-way ticket is $1.50, while the national average is $2.10. As the summer temperatures cool. } An educational website created to help you achieve success one step at a time. In terms of taxes, housing and utility prices, the state is quite affordable. To give you perspective, the temperature ranges from between 24 degree Fahrenheit to 41 degree F. The state experiences an annual precipitation of around 810 mm to 1,400 mm especially in the months of April to September. And stretch your dollars a little further. So your overall tax burden in West Virginia will be around $9,155. First of all, the fall season may be the best time of year. And home prices are especially affordable. If you want to raise a family, this might not be the state to come. If educating a family is important to you. 6. Beckley has the highest crime rates here. 3. For example, a study done by WalletHub ranked West Virginia near the bottom. The two, who now call Redwood City, Calif., home, said the political climate back int . in percentage, dropping from 1.85 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2020. Will sometimes say they have had a hard time being accepted into their community. Moving to Minnesota Relocation Guide for 2023, Moving to Maryland Relocation Guide for 2023. . D. Smith Shares Five Reasons to Move to West Virginia. In addition, the state is plagued by drug addiction and crime. You can enjoy a hamburger from outside on your cheat days where you will be charged around $4.33. Look for communities where there is more sunshine, lower in the mountains, to avoid that issue if it is bothersome to you. But then again, not everyone can appreciate the unique, only-in-Virginia kind of lifestyle that we lead here. Or, half days drive to reach Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., or Charlotte, NC. The median home value in the state is currently less than $100,000. So, bumping into a friend or neighbor at the grocery store. So, if you are raising a family. This applies to both property crimes and violent crime rates. You will find fewer high-paying professional opportunities within the job market. The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III on 7 October 1763. Regardless of the several reasons not to move here, the state has some things going for it like the low cost of living, a great place for outdoor activities, etc. West Virginia ranks among the most distressed states in child poverty rates and median incomes, in population loss and in working-age adults out of the labor force. West Virginia is considered a conservative state politically. With a population of about 50,000 people. The summer climate is quite comfortable. So, if this could be an issue, you should do your best to avoid moving to West Virginia. This includes determining the educational policies and rules associated with the elementary and secondary schools. Get the best rates for your apartment lease. If youre picky about your music, then this advantage may take some getting used to before you love it. It is another one of the cool things about West Virginia. There are several safe cities in the state where you can establish a home with confidence, but it will require your due diligence to find the right neighborhood. Okay. Popular spots of Seneca Rocks and Monongahela National Forest are some of the places that attract tourists to enjoy various activities like fishing, rock climbing, hiking and whitewater rafting. Furthermore, the median age in the state. color: #21669e; Not surprisingly, this low median income has a number of consequences for West Virginians. That could mean being on the road for a few hours. If you are planning to reside in the city of Charleston, then be prepared to experience around 860 mm of rainfall especially in the winters. The state has higher crime rates. List of the Pros of Living in Virginia. And inspiring landscapes. If you are interested in knowing about the history of the place, you should definitely visit the South Charleston Mound where you will learn more about the Adena Indians and much about the local history of the place. understand and agree that movingastute.com is not responsible or liable for While there are some pockets of diversity in places like Charleston and Huntington, the overall lack of diversity is concerning. Since the entire area sits in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. If youre considering West Virginia as your next place to live in, we advise you to plan a budget for yourself and for your entire family if you want to move with your family. Theres not much to do in West Virginia if youre looking for a bustling city with nightlife and plenty of activities. For Ashley, 30, and Sean Noland, 34, finding a stable future was the biggest reason for leaving West Virginia. How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Motorcycle? If you can secure employment in West Virginia before you move, work as a freelancer, or want to have an affordable retirement, then this state has a lot it can offer. In these metropolitan areas. The data also showed a . Of similar size as Charleston. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. West Virginians are more likely to experience delays in care, avoidable hospitalizations, and premature death than people in other states. Areas that have a weak economy have more people leaving than staying. Illegal drug use, overdose rates, and drug addictions are issues here. The unemployment rate comes in at a scary 11.0%, while even people who find jobs have to make due with a median income of just $36,793. Furthermore, dont let the bad things about West Virginia scare you away. If you are not from that one specific area, then you might not ever be fully apart of that community. Posted by Joshua Haley | Updated: Jan 10, 2023 | Moving Tips. .description.active { Despite having a very low cost of living, the poverty rate is 15.8%. And a shrinking population. You will have to pay around $6,997 as your income tax, whereas your sales tax will be around $635 as per SmartAsset. position: fixed; If you decide to start living in West Virginia, then youll need to manage a 32.11 rate instead. On the other hand, Architectural or an Engineering Manager can expect to bag an average salary of around $140,510. Below are top ten reasons NOT to move to West Virginia. font-size: 18px; Farmers markets are slowly taking over, and Virginians are to blame. Published by admin on January 11, 2023. Your email address will not be published. Finally, all written content is the property of Dividends Diversify LLC. } Finally, summer arrives with both warmth and humidity. Even those who move to West Virginia. Enjoy..Mailing Address: World According to Briggs 20449 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy # 354 Aloha, Oregon 97003#WestVirginia #Top10Additional FootageSecond-Day AirEric MacomTravel essentials:audible.com: https://amzn.to/2Hip1RsSling Bag : https://amzn.to/2F6gQ97Tablet : https://amzn.to/2HPp8Fe.Travel books you need to read.Blue Highways: http://amzn.to/2fLiF1bTravels with Charley in Search of America: http://amzn.to/2BVcQqr. The state was also the 8th most popular place people moved to for health reasons. The state is one of the poorest in the country. Because of that, West Virginia was one of only seven states to lose a congressional seat following the 2020 census. Versus the state as a whole. First of all, there are safety concerns. There's even an incentive program for remote workers who move to West . But regardless of where you choose to settle down. The population is fleeing, jobs are disappearing and coal isn't coming back. So, if you are considering moving to West Virginia, there are several things you need to know and prepare. And all they have to offer. padding: 10px 15px; Heres my top 10 list of moving to West Virginia pros and cons: We will go through each of these points about the West Virginia quality of life in a moment. If you love to go hiking, hunting, or fishing, then the open lands and extra elbow room are going to feel like a paradise. See our site policies and contact information. Farmers markets are slowly taking over, and Virginians are to blame. They include the cold and snowy winters, remote and sparse population, high crime rate, limited economic growth and jobs, poor government services, drug abuse, limited diversity, and lack of modern cities. If you love rain, then you are going to enjoy West Virginia. Next, we have some more of the worst things about West Virginia. I post 3 times a week and sometimes live stream. So, how about we get to the bottom of this. In March 2019, West Virginia had a 5.1% unemployment rate for the state. Next, another one of the good things about West Virginia. This leads me to another one of the negatives of living in West Virginia. The crime rate for violent crimes in West Virginia is around 3.17 per 1000 people according to NeighborhoodScout. You will find that property taxes are very low here. In the eyes of native West Virginians. West Virginia is also known to experience frequent snowfall especially in the high mountainous regions. According to Wikipedia, the state has one of the highest poverty rates in the country. Consider these tips. stroke:#FFFFFF; top: 100%; Copyright 2023 States Explora | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. 1. And if you love the rain, then youre going to enjoy what life in West Virginia has waiting for you. Hi! max-width: 100% !important; Just because you enjoy small-town West Virginia living. But not all of them are good for you. Okay. Consider a town in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. But, access to regional metropolitan areas. First of all, the median home value is one of the lowest in the country. 3. In 2018, West Virginia's GDP was $77.48 billion and ranked 39th in the country. It is 14% cheaper to live here than average in the United States. They also lack proper maintenance after bad weather. While there are certainly some good job opportunities available in West Virginia, it is important to be aware that they may not be what you are looking for. The job market in West Virginia can be somewhat challenging. Far removed from its rust belt roots. The state has a high poverty rate, a lack of jobs, and poor healthcare and education system. However, sales tax comes in at 5.6% which is actually below the national average, as are the state's property taxes which beats the national average by around .25%. You will find numerous opportunities to create a business, start a profession, or offer your services in the public sector. You should also make sure you have insurance on your car and property when you live here. 17. Your basic taxi fare in West Virginia will be around $4.75. Dont expect a lot of invitations to birthday parties or social engagements. preferred email? No matter what you decide. From its colonial roots, Introduction If youre looking for a place to call home, you may want to think, Introduction Hello there and welcome to stateexplora.com. They are greater than most law-abiding citizens would prefer. Over 90% of those living here are white, one of the countrys highest. But understand, in most of the state. Youll quickly discover that life without bluegrass feels quiet and empty when living here. This means that job opportunities are very limited. Although the state sits right up next to the East Coast, youll experience more of a mid-continental climate when you start living here. West Virginia is contemplating a big tax break to lure back people who have moved away. All these make it undesirable to live in. A top-tier public institution of higher education. The amount that West Virginia would give in tax credits to former residents who move back to the state to work. Just do your homework. left: 50%; And violent crimes. Poor quality government services. content: ""; Ready to get an awesome price quote for your move? Or how about Summersville? 2) Is West Virginia a good place to live? West Virginia has become a magnet for remote workers who are interested in trading the daily grind of urban living for an appealing small-town lifestyle. Or, a lot of people. Whether youre into hiking, fishing, or hunting, theres something for everyone to enjoy outdoors here. And thats all I have for today. If you book an UberX, your basic fare would be around $2.55. Healthcare options here are also pretty poor. An abundance of outdoor options. Okay. To the larger cities in the state. So let me explain a little. Specifically, it is a great state for outdoor types of people. Versus other states in the country. Virginia's beaches are nothing to sneeze at. The median home value in the state is currently less than $100,000. The cost of living is around 7% lower than the U.S national average in West Virginia. You will always have the presence of the mountains in the background as well. And all delicious southern fare, for that matter. Top 10 reasons NOT to move to West Virginia. svg#us-map { The average cost of living in West Virginia is very low. If you are looking for a beautiful campus full of diversity and culture, you should definitely visit the University of Charleston in the metropolitan city of Charleston. It's too hot in the summer. These tips and tools work anywhere you choose to live! But know that costs will vary with location. And its good to consider them. Or, your mortgage on that new home. State Taxes - definitely not something anyone looks forward to, but an important thing to think about and prepare for when you move nonetheless. They also lack proper maintenance after bad weather. From 2010 to 2020, the population dropped 3.2%, or about 59,000 people. Next, I have another one of the dangers of living in West Virginia. The absence of modern cities is a big issue, especially if youre young and trying to have fun.