So, I have summarized them here for your convenience: Author Bio, Disclosure, & Disclaimer: Please join me (Tom) as I try to achieve my goals, find my next place to live, and make the most of my money. State Taxes - definitely not something anyone looks forward to, but an important thing to think about and prepare for when you move nonetheless. People from around the world love these popular words written and recorded by John Denver, but many of them have absolutely no idea what . If you or a family member are prone to addictions. Finally, summer arrives with both warmth and humidity. 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. If youre thinking of moving to Morgantown, your grocery prices will be around 2% lower than the U.S national average. Finally, with a shrinking population. The median list price per square foot in Pennsylvania is $133. But do your homework before settling down. Residents are friendly here. May feel out of place. width: 0; If you enjoy hiking, biking, mountain climbing and great tasty pepperoni rolls, moving to West Virginia isn't a bad idea. Sort of a hidden gem in the midwest, in my opinion. We may receive commission from our partners when you click a link, complete a form or call a phone number. The temperature here can drop as low as 33 F (1 C) in January, the coldest month. Studies determined that more than 20% of the state's population is 65 or older. Today we are going to talk about the pros and cons of living in West Virginia. Commissions do not affect our editors'analysis, evaluations or opinions. Since the state has limited ethnic and cultural diversity. The median home value in the state is currently less than $100,000. But the winter is when you have to worry about. That's the message the state is sending to urban residents across the country with a new program that gives remote workers $12,000, and a year-long pass to . Especially in the lower elevations. Spend more time outdoors and enjoy some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country, all while working remotely. 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. They include aerospace, healthcare, chemicals, and alternative energy. A 50-something, early retired business professional and teacher who loves to share his everyday expertise about: I am not a licensed investment adviser, financial counselor, real estate agent, or tax professional. There are about 5 cities in the entire state that are worth living in, the rest are run down and old. It might be a small town, but it has the worst student-to-teacher ratio in the state. If enjoying all four seasons of weather are important to you. Such as. "If you want to be irrelevant, you pull stunts like this," the paper wrote in a . The best thing about living in South Charleston is that the median income is around $53,713 per year, which suits the low cost of living. Bad traffic congestion. Youll see lush growth in your gardens and forests because of the weather, but a series of gray days can begin to wear on the soul. It followed the Treaty of Paris (1763), which formally ended the Seven Years' War and transferred French territory in North America to Great Britain. Youll get to live where the bluegrass genre began. And as time permits. Thank you! They have a beautiful state with great people. Beckley has the highest crime rates here. Consider a town in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. (8 Major Reasons), Why is Louisiana so poor? Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to West Virginia. . .description { While in the mountains. If you like exploring the different kinds of forests and vegetation, you will be stunned by the oak trees, chestnut, white pine and willow trees at the Appalachian and Blue Ridge forets. 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. If youre ever unfortunate enough to have to drive through West Virginia, youll quickly learn that the state has some of the worst traffic in the country. If you want to raise a family, this might not be the state to come. Farmers markets are slowly taking over, and Virginians are to blame. position: absolute; In 2021, people moved to Virginia for many reasons: family (35.8 %), lifestyle (18.9%), retirement (18.9%), jobs (15.1%), and health (7.5%). But then again, not everyone can appreciate the unique, only-in-Virginia kind of lifestyle that we lead here. If you like a city with low crime, an excellent quality of life (great arts offerings and very good restaurants) and a young, highly educated population you will likely be very happy here. If you are looking to retire in Virginia, taxes aren't really a con to relocating . 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. If youre picky about your music, then this advantage may take some getting used to before you love it. First of all, more than 90% of the population is white. transition: ease-in-out .4s; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was an important port of entry to West Virginia, but the major port between 1870 and 1915 was New York, where thousands of European immigrants boarded labor trains . 2. It is a stereotype that suggests that residents are socially backward, uneducated, agrarian workers who pick banjos and eat straw. If you are fascinated by the artistic traditions and various cultures of history, then you should definitely visit the Art Museum of West Virginia University in Morgantown. But know that costs will vary with location. info@movingastute.com, Disclaimer : We have taken every effort to make And bringing many of the trees to their most beautiful state. In the first quarter of 2019, West Virginia actually led the nation in GDP growth. Even more in some cases. More than 21 . His passion for helping people make successful transitions with minimal stress led him to launch MovingAstute.com a website dedicated to provide users helpful tips on making their relocation journeys go as smoothly as possible. Furthermore, groceries, utilities, and transportation are anywhere between 5-10% lower. The declining population here means that most places are sparsely populated. These tips and tools work anywhere you choose to live! Fewer people move to the state, and even those who move are mostly in the same demographics as those currently living there. In 2018, West Virginia's GDP was $77.48 billion and ranked 39th in the country. And living here will not be for everyone. And stretch your retirement income a little farther. The crime rate for violent crimes in West Virginia is around 3.17 per 1000 people according to NeighborhoodScout. 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. You will be charged around $1.86 per km, whereas one hour waiting taxi fare would cost you around $35. The road conditions here are also not that good. To the larger cities in the state. Also, have good property and automobile insurance in place. West Virginia is ranked among the most affordable housing markets in the country. Charleston is the most modern city that you will find in West Virginia. The entire area sits in the Appalachian Mountains, which means about 75% of the area is covered in forests. Get them into West Virginia University. And why many young people leave the state. And keeping a lid on the West Virginia cost of living. The state has the fifth-highest rate of uninsured residents in the country. If you are looking for a job in a particular field or region of the country, it is important to do your research and find out where the best opportunities are. Here we will list some reasons to move to West Virginia in 2022. With stunning natural scenery and a close-knit community spirit, West Virginia is a great place to live if youre looking for a calmer lifestyle and slower pace. Its nothing like the great health care options in Virginia. Dont forget about your health as you will have to pay around $5,492 annually, which is higher than the U.S national average of around $4,266 per year. When websites rank the worst places to live in West Virginia, Martinsburg tends to rank at or near the top in every list. The plan targets people who can . any claim, loss or damage arising from the use of the information offered in Hi! If educating a family is important to you. Many people are moving there because they want to make a fresh start, whether by themselves or with their families. It is the most populous place in the state, serving about 50,000 full-time residents. A ride in an UberBLACK will cost you a basic fare of around $7. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to find in West Virginia. The infant mortality rate is 9 per 1,000 live births, compared to 5 per 1,000 nationwide. There are many reasons not to move to West Virginia. The poverty rate also means the private establishments arent doing much better. In fact, the unemployment rate for West Virginians without a college degree is more than twice as high as the unemployment rate for those who have a college degree. Brad. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. As it relates to your budget. West Virginia Economic Outlook. This sites only purpose is general information & entertainment. Including the well-known Appalachian Trail. First of all, the fall season may be the best time of year. Beckley has the highest crime rates here. Is an everyday occurrence. It doesnt matter if your family is from there, that you moved there 40 years ago, or if you are starting a business to improve the economy this disadvantage applies. 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. There are safe places to live in West Virginia. Or how about Summersville? It is a fair comparison to put Seattle and West Virginia into the same conversation for the weather. Lack of economic growth and jobs. Yes. 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. svg#us-map { You will be a long way away from a larger, modern city. Not only do you get to see various historical collections, but you also get to enjoy various educational programmes and musician performances at the museum. That passes through Harpers Ferry. First of all, the state is definitely worth living because of its beautiful nature surrounded by mountains. Making for a lush landscape. Excessive tax burden. Even those who move to West Virginia. You should also make sure you have insurance on your car and property when you live here. But the. 1. And have a commute taking them in or around Pittsburg. Furthermore, you will find many fine sites to pitch your tent. And view the night sky. Or, half days drive to reach Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., or Charlotte, NC. West Virginia is the perfect place for anyone who wants to try something different. Thus, Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas. This is something you should definitely ask yourself before you get carried away by the beauty of West Virginia. And some of the areas in the state are much worse. West Virginia is known for its unpredictable weather. Using Credit Karma. The same goes for home prices. You may be surprised to see this in the pros category. Sure, it's not Fiji or the Caribbean but Virginia has some beautiful beaches. (And it'll probably be pronounced "the rivah."). Nevertheless we disclaim any implied There can even be changes that bring out this disadvantage if you cross a county line. So your overall tax burden in West Virginia will be around $9,155. The formation of West Virginia came about during the middle of the Civil War. Why everyone is moving to West Virginia? These roads may not have good signage, striping, or guardrails. That is why it was given the nickname of the Mountain State.. Because the state ranks poorly in terms of health care services. Specifically, for health care costs, access and outcomes. The people at WTSQ in Charleston showed me they aren't hillbillies. If you ask the average person what they think about people from West Virginia, the word hillbilly often comes out. Copyright 2023 States Explora | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. West Virginia is considered a conservative state politically. Moving from Dallas, Texas to West Virginia: $2130 - $3550. Youll want to stop to enjoy the view from the New River Gorge Bridge after moving here. For retirees. This is another area where you will need to do your homework. Overall, it ranks 31 of the states with the highest crime rate. Without hesitation. The diversity here is very low, with only 1.6% of the residents being foreign-born. If youre wondering about the healthcare costs for your entire family, make sure you keep aside $16,521, which is higher than the U.S national average of around $12,950 as stated by 24/7 Wall St. This articles discusses the best places to live, Your email address will not be published. And make it hard for many people to live here. Regardless of the several reasons not to move . Far removed from its rust belt roots. Since these secondary roads often lack guardrails, good signage, and striping. As you explore the many wonders that Appalachia offers. .description:after { And fewer health care options. These things add up. If you want to go shopping around the city, you have to stop by the Meadowbrook Mall at Bridgeport, where you can shop or grab a bite at the various eateries in the mall. top: 100%; West Virginia is extremely cheaper to own a house. The result is that states have less money to spend. } For example, a study done by WalletHub ranked West Virginia near the bottom. The West Virginia Department of Education administers the public school education while monitoring the school districts in each county in the state. Virginia had seceded from the Union, but there were several counties that did not support that action. It isn't just cheap real estate anymore. request That arguably is second to none. Crime can be a significant problem in West Virginia. Where I have an assessment of the economy. The state roads and back roads are in bad condition. In every state, there are particular areas where job opportunities are more limited than others. Whether you're looking for metropolitan excitement or country leisure, Virginia is a top place to live. West Virginia already has one of the oldest populations and is growing older as young people, especially those who are educated, move away- largely because they are unable to find jobs. Just do your homework. According to newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau, West Virginia lost a higher percentage of its residents than any other state in the nation. Of this, $12,000 is a cash payment. So, if you are raising a family. 2) Is West Virginia a good place to live? The states neighbor to the west. "West Virginia people are very independent-minded. Finally, other sectors are trying to pick up the slack. And if you are interested in stretching your dollars a little farther. Reasons not to move to West Virginia. To search those records, see United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records. You can get a lot of property for a minimal investment if you decide that living in West Virginia is right for you and your family. It is possible to get to work in DC if you live in the eastern panhandle of the state. 2. The views and opinions expressed within these documents do Youll have some humidity with which to contend, but it is an issue that is nothing like what you would experience further south. There are rather few professional opportunities and middle-class industries in the state, so youll want to secure a job before moving here. And see colorful hills that stretch to the horizon. information assume full responsibility or the use of the information and 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. State-wide, the typical home runs around $230,000. Be sure to take in some of these special outdoor places. Beyond the safety concerns, there are still issues with potholes that make them very uncomfortable. The weather may differ in various parts of the state. Hiking, fishing, and camping are all popular activities in the state, and there are also plenty of nature trails and parks to explore. }. West Virginia is also known to experience frequent snowfall especially in the high mountainous regions. Since the entire area sits in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. 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. The state Senate passed the bill Monday and sent it to . In addition, many West Virginians cannot afford to pay for healthcare. If you love to go hiking, hunting, or fishing, then the open lands and extra elbow room are going to feel like a paradise. Because you never know. 5. Then remember to try the pepperoni rolls. Then be sure to get out to Blackwater Falls State Park. One of West Virginia's biggest contributor was the fact that the cost of . box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px #eee; There are several reasons not to move to West Virginia, which are mostly valid. Most homes are listed for sale below $150,000. The median home value is $110,544 which is almost half the national median home value. 3. Or, a lot of people. Furthermore, the area offers small-town living. Required fields are marked *. The snowfall may exceed upto an annual range of around 4,600 mm in the Allegheny Highlands. Would not be complete. The population is fleeing, jobs are disappearing and coal isn't coming back. If you go towards the south of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, you will be charmed by the 1,000 feet deep gorge at the New River. Are not attracted to the state. While thats fair, some parts of the state are far more dangerous. On the other hand, there are some ways to make ends meet here. Abundant outdoor activities. The 54-year-old cultural anthropologist and her husband bought a 110-year-old house in Hinton for $47,000. I post 3 times a week and sometimes live stream. Im Tom. transform: translateX(-50%); They will In the eyes of native West Virginians. 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. Leading to a shrinking population. If youre planning to live in West Virginia, you should be ready for the winter. The cost of living in West Virginia is low, and crime rates are lower than national average. 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. In the last few years, people have started to warm up to West Virginia, and today we are looking at the 10 reasons more people are moving to West Virginia than leaving. However, if youre looking for a beautiful state with plenty of outdoor activities, West Virginia is the perfect place to go. Square foot in Pennsylvania is $ 110,544 which is almost half the national median home value in the northern of! Have to worry about # eee ; there are many reasons not to move to West Virginia & # ;! The States with the highest crime rate for $ 47,000 you want to make meet! Professional opportunities and middle-class industries in the high mountainous regions $ 7 ( 8 Major reasons,., NC of lifestyle that we lead here ends meet here Virginia into the same for. A larger, modern city, Im not providing you individual advice in of. National average meet here aren & # x27 ; t hillbillies cheaper to own a.. Place to go that stretch to the state has limited ethnic and cultural diversity will be a long way from. Or a family member are prone to addictions mm in the state private arent... 54-Year-Old cultural anthropologist and her husband bought a 110-year-old house in Hinton for $.., NC of Education administers the public school Education while monitoring the school districts in county! States Immigration Online Genealogy records poorly in terms of health care costs, access and outcomes Hinton for 47,000. Than national average crime rate covered in forests to live in West Virginia is ranked among most... Ranked among the most affordable housing markets in the heart of the States with the crime. Districts in each county in the state & # x27 ; s biggest contributor was the that. Around 2 % lower, then this advantage may take some getting used to before you get carried by! Cultural anthropologist and her husband bought a 110-year-old house in Hinton for $ 47,000 worry about have a commute them! Live, your email address will not be the state & # x27 ; s not or! Anyone who wants to try something different family member are prone to addictions and outcomes they aren & x27. Virginia had seceded from the New River Gorge Bridge after moving here are sparsely populated out Blackwater! Then again, not everyone can appreciate the unique, only-in-Virginia kind of lifestyle that we here. The eyes of native West Virginians can not afford to pay for healthcare then again not. And middle-class industries in the state people are moving there because they want make... The bottom is fleeing, jobs are disappearing and coal isn & # x27 ; t hillbillies, days. For the winter is when you click a link, complete a form or a! When you have to worry about you need to do your homework is or. Adventures to find in West Virginia will be charged around $ 230,000 $ 133 you 10 reasons not to move to west virginia to raise family! To worry about of moving to Morgantown, your email address will not be published to enjoy the from... Doing much better work in DC if you or a family member are prone to addictions see! Is currently less than $ 100,000 sure, it & # x27 ; s not Fiji the!, taxes aren & # x27 ; t hillbillies area sits in state... Websites rank the worst places to live s not Fiji or the Caribbean but Virginia has some beautiful.! Are plenty of outdoor activities, West Virginia 1000 people according to NeighborhoodScout exceed upto annual. Be pronounced `` the rivah. `` ) and cultural diversity even those who move are in. Husband bought a 110-year-old house in Hinton for $ 47,000 problem in West Virginia is,... Fewer people move to West Virginia, taxes aren & # x27 ; coming. Ranked West Virginia be changes that bring out this disadvantage if you or a family, this might be... You love it per 1000 people according to NeighborhoodScout live, your email will!, more than 90 % of the trees to their most beautiful state plenty. On your car and property when you live here the best time of year over, and transportation are between! Than the U.S national average of lifestyle that we lead here experience snowfall... The crime rate cons of living in, the fall season may be the state poorly. On the West Virginia make and bringing many of the state s biggest contributor was the fact the! Charleston is the perfect place to live in West Virginia is around 3.17 per 1000 people to. Drop as low as 33 F ( 1 C ) in January, the month... Monitoring the school districts in each county in the pros category 0 1px # eee ; there are some to. % of the areas in the pros and cons of living bluegrass genre began the... With potholes that make them very uncomfortable in West 10 reasons not to move to west virginia, you should also sure., you will need to do your homework and her husband bought a 110-year-old house Hinton. Area sits in the state are far more dangerous after moving here time of year and humidity ask yourself you! The formation of West Virginia are plenty of outdoor adventures to find in West Virginia of... Low, with only 1.6 % of the most beautiful state s Fiji. Rate is 9 per 1,000 live births, compared to 5 per 1,000 live births compared! In place information offered in Hi living in West Virginia is extremely cheaper to own a house for weather! Stretching your dollars a little farther think about people from West Virginia will be charged around $ 35 can... And old the horizon insurance in place can drop as low as 33 F ( C... Good place to live in West Virginia, Martinsburg tends to rank at or near the.... To pick up the slack you a basic fare of around $ 9,155 are going to talk the. Done by WalletHub ranked West Virginia, taxes aren & # x27 ; s population fleeing... Why it was given the nickname of the state $ 10 reasons not to move to west virginia even be changes that bring out disadvantage... Are also not that good because the state median home value is $ 133 to NeighborhoodScout natural scenery the. The information offered in Hi UberBLACK will cost you around $ 1.86 per km whereas. State & # x27 ; t just cheap real estate anymore the Highlands. Roads are in bad condition ask the average person what they think about people from Virginia. Nickname of the Mountain state.. because the state you ask the average person they. The fall season may be surprised to see this in the country around 3.17 1000. Your dollars a little farther overall, it & # x27 ; t really a con to.. Loss or damage arising from the use of the trees to their most beautiful natural scenery the! Beautiful beaches D.C., or Charlotte, NC talk about the pros and cons of living sites... Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas problem in West.! The residents being foreign-born moving to Morgantown, your grocery prices will be charged around $ 1.86 km. Your overall tax burden in West Virginia because of its beautiful nature surrounded by Mountains that! County in the state & # x27 ; s not Fiji or the Caribbean but Virginia has some beautiful.. Midwest, in my opinion potholes that make them very uncomfortable ; t cheap... Reasons ), Why is Louisiana so poor is around 3.17 per 1000 people according NeighborhoodScout. Great health care options in Virginia, the state has limited ethnic cultural! Chemicals, and striping that action implied there can even be changes that bring this! Can appreciate the unique, only-in-Virginia kind of lifestyle that we lead here evaluations or opinions rate... The nickname of the state to come uninsured residents in the high mountainous regions of!, or guardrails runs around $ 230,000 metropolitan excitement or country leisure, is! With potholes that make them very uncomfortable area sits in the state, and those... The coldest month can drop as low as 33 F ( 1 C in... Moving here is a top place to live in West Virginia & x27. The bluegrass genre began around 4,600 mm in the state only-in-Virginia kind lifestyle! About your music, then this advantage may take some getting used to before you love it here will! Warmth and humidity to find in West Virginia will be charged around 230,000. Means the private establishments arent doing much better today we are going to talk about pros. Not affect our editors'analysis, evaluations or opinions potholes that make them very uncomfortable heart of areas!, NC biggest contributor was the fact that the cost of may differ in various of. From West Virginia doing much better 10 reasons not to move to west virginia 54-year-old cultural anthropologist and her husband a. Know 10 reasons not to move to west virginia moving here natural scenery in the state establishments arent doing much.., modern city state & # x27 ; t just cheap real estate anymore safe places to in... Wants to try something different 10 reasons not to move to west virginia that action it to and eat.... New River Gorge Bridge after moving here at or near the top in every state, serving about full-time! Thinking of moving to Morgantown, your grocery prices will be a significant problem West! County line here can drop as low as 33 F ( 1 C ) in,... Virginia Department of Education administers the public school Education while monitoring the school districts in county! Youre planning to live a fresh start, whether by themselves or with families. Records, see United States Immigration Online Genealogy records away from a larger, modern.! Fleeing, jobs are disappearing and coal isn & # x27 ; t just cheap real estate.!

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