And all delicious southern fare, for that matter. To the cons of living in West Virginia. This is why it's considered to be an "approach with caution" type of state. And a limited influx of new residents. fill:#E0E0E0; The Mountain State is for nature lovers. 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 . If enjoying all four seasons of weather are important to you. This racial divide has persisted even into the present day. And view the night sky. Its nothing like the great health care options in Virginia. First a few words about the capital of West Virginia Morgantown. Versus other areas of the country. In the first quarter of 2019, West Virginia actually led the nation in GDP growth. People engaged in the Manufacturing, Sales and Technical or Scientific Productions can earn an average salary of around $93,800. Where I have an assessment of the economy. appropriateness for any particular purpose. The 54-year-old cultural anthropologist and her husband bought a 110-year-old house in Hinton for $47,000. Consider a town in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. The median home value in the state is currently less than $100,000. 4. Even more in some cases. Answer (1 of 14): Well, I've lived here since I was two and I can't wait to get out. One day it might be sunny and warm, and the next day it might be cold and rainy. But not all of them are good for you. Small towns in VA are some of the most charming places in the whole country. Headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Im Joshua. Lets start with one of the best things about West Virginia. When determining where to live. The Mountain State.West Virginia is a great state. It is possible to get to work in DC if you live in the eastern panhandle of the state. Lets get moving. There are a lot of ugly stereotypes that people apply to West Virginians. Lack of diversity. information as accurate as possible. There are widely varying viewpoints. They include aerospace, healthcare, chemicals, and alternative energy. understand and agree that movingastute.com is not responsible or liable for Furthermore, the median age in the state. Some communities may not fully accept you after you move. As of 2019, West Virginia has a lower crime rate than 36 other states, but it's definitely something to think about when you are weighing reasons to choose a place to live. 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. And if you love the rain, then youre going to enjoy what life in West Virginia has waiting for you. With those highlights taken care of. You can locate some good schools. And home to one of the top 5 largest universities in the country: The Ohio State University. Theres also the Amtrak Cardinal which will not only connect you to around 3 cities within the state, but will also connect you to the state from 18 cities outside the state. As long as you secure adequate employment in advance. 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. Crime. The state has one of the most rural populations in the country. Certain areas are particularly hard-hit by heroin, methamphetamine, and opioids. This is true for both property crimes. The cost of living is around 7% lower than the U.S national average in West Virginia. Farmers markets are slowly taking over, and Virginians are to blame. By maintaining a high credit score. font-size: 18px; There can even be changes that bring out this disadvantage if you cross a county line. Where the median home value. 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. However, it is important to mention that West Virginia is not a place for everyone. Don't take what I am saying in this video as me casting hate . WASHINGTON (AP) The Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday that it expects the U.S. economy to stagnate this year with the unemployment rate jumping to 5.1% a bleak outlook that was . Last but not least. Rental apartments are available too. Depending on where you choose to live. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. The poverty rate also means the private establishments arent doing much better. As some decide to move to less populated, rural areas, West Virginia Executive is here to answer the question, "Why West Virginia?". At more than 15% of the population. has been sent to qualified, insured and licensed moving companies. Why everyone is moving to West Virginia? If youre picky about your music, then this advantage may take some getting used to before you love it. The poor economy in the state affects everything, including government funding. Of this, $12,000 is a cash payment. height: auto; 1. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Whether youre into hiking, fishing, or hunting, theres something for everyone to enjoy outdoors here. Bad traffic congestion. Bluegrass thrives in this state, culminating with the Music in the Mountains festival that Summersville holds each year in June. The state Senate passed the bill Monday and sent it to . And you will be within an hours drive. On the other hand, you can get a three bedroom apartment outside the center of the state for around $931.25 per month. January 4, 2021 7432 views. If you like the beach you'll love living in Virginia. And there is a fair amount of snow accumulation. Since the state has limited ethnic and cultural diversity. Proximity to larger cities. The views and opinions expressed within these documents do It doesnt mean you have to isolate yourself from larger cities. West Virginia is known to have a humid subtropical climate in which the summers are usually hot while the winters are really chilly. Oftentimes, older Americans are easy targets of crime, and this could really impact your quality of life if you end up in a place where crime is problematic. padding: 10px 15px; And even when they get patched, the work is not high-quality. } If you're convinced superstores are the best place for produce shopping, you won't be in good company. 1. Top 10 reasons NOT to move to West Virginia. And living here will not be for everyone. Sort of a hidden gem in the midwest, in my opinion. But the winter is when you have to worry about. For example, nearly one-fifth of the population lives in poverty, and the state has one of the highest rates of adult illiteracy in the country. According to U.S. News, West Virginia is ranked near the bottom. Many of the people who live here are at or just above the qualifying levels in the United States. There is widespread poverty from the coal mines being closed down, and a massive a. However, this is only half of the story. Below is a simple analysis of the state's housing market: The median home value in Pennsylvania is $198,377. If you decide to start living in West Virginia, then youll need to manage a 32.11 rate instead. State-wide, the typical home runs around $230,000. You will enjoy finding your place to live in West Virginia. The proposed legislation passed unanimously through the state's Senate and has . The balance is in various credits. Studies determined that more than 20% of the state's population is 65 or older. We may receive commission from our partners when you click a link, complete a form or call a phone number. svg#us-map { It's too hot in the summer. Your basic fare for an UberXL would cost you around $3.87. 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. But understand, in most of the state. Regardless of the several reasons not to move . color: #21669e; The states neighbor to the west. Your basic taxi fare in West Virginia will be around $4.75. Nicknamed the Mountain State for a reason, West Virginia sits in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and is one of the most densely forested states in the U.S. That means you hike, ski, sunbathe, hunt, fish, and observe nature at its finest. At least not in the cities. If youre thinking of moving to Morgantown, your grocery prices will be around 2% lower than the U.S national average. If you love to go hiking, hunting, or fishing, then the open lands and extra elbow room are going to feel like a paradise. And keeping a lid on the West Virginia cost of living. If you decide to live in Morgantown, Beckley, or Martinsburg, youll pay about 50% less than that. 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. Similarly, a one bedroom apartment outside the center of the state will cost you around $593.75 per month. Watch the road. 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. We appreciate your request for a moving Economists and local community . Finally, this state has immense natural beauty. Removed from the stress and hustle of big cities. }. Explore the best neighborhoods to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, real estate, housing, properties, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities in West . Pennsylvania home values have increased by 4.0% over the past year. Tourism is another leading industry that constitutes for around $2.7 billion of the states economy. For a better life elsewhere. Help Us Serve you Better! 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. Would not be complete. 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. -ms-transform: translateX(-50%); Located in the Monongalia County near the Monongahela River, Morgantown has a population of as many as 138,176 people. And you can drive in just minutes. You might have heard Country Roads by John Denver, where he mentions West Virginias most scenic landscapes like the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River. West Virginia is widely known for its low cost of living, historical coal mining, and beautiful scenery. text-align: center; While thats fair, some parts of the state are far more dangerous. There are safe places to live in West Virginia. So, you are sure to earn big bucks in the state especially if you are in the healthcare sector. West Virginia's boldest plan to reverse the slide is bribing white-collar workers to move from out of state. The state has. Lack of economic growth and jobs. Versus other inexpensive areas in the country. Every branch has at least one base which is operational right now. You might also look at working in Pittsburgh if you can find a place in the northern panhandle of the state. Not always worth it. Whether you are putting together your monthly budget. 34 related questions found. That makes it a lot easier to establish residency, especially if you know that a good-paying job is waiting for you. The state has one of the most rural populations in the country. Next, get the best deal on a mortgage for your home. That concludes the 5 benefits of moving to West Virginia. Find work, reinvent yourself! Today, the most promising job opportunities in West Virginia are in health care and education. And nearly 75% of the land is forested. not necessarily reflect those of movingastute.com. Most of the cities and some of the small towns have a severe problem when it comes to crimes. The educational system in West Virginia is below par, and so is the academic performance. 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. Its considered a big party school! The cheapest bus ticket available for you would be around $1.00, while the most expensive bus ticket will cost you around $143 as stated by Wanderu. Dont expect a lot of invitations to birthday parties or social engagements. Click on your state to get a customized quote from a Moving Company today that will account for your needs and budget. Resulting in sub-par academic performance. The median per capita property crime rate in the United States is 27.11 incidents per 1,000 people. Reasons . List of the Pros of Living in Virginia. Although most residents are open and will welcome you, not everyone is friendly. From the largest metropolitan areas in the state. So, thats one strategy for finding work. There is money coming into the state to transform its economy right now. And cover the facts. There are many reasons not to move to West Virginia. Okay. They have a beautiful state with great people. Raleigh: $1,362 average for a 1-bedroom, $1,558 average for a 2-bedroom. If you're not prepared for grey days, they can be quite depressing. Since lack of access to health care. In West Virginia, you never know what to expect! } Just a few more details, so we know who we're helping. West Virginia is one of the best places to be on the planet when the autumn season arrives. Where the Music in the Mountains festival is held each year. According to BestPlaces.net, all of the big-spending categories. There are plenty of homes priced under $100,000 as well. For a reasonable commute into the metropolitan areas of Maryland state. For retirees. The formation of West Virginia came about during the middle of the Civil War. But this love of history comes with the territory. stroke:#FFFFFF; And why many young people leave the state. Pros And Cons Of Living In West Virginia. So let me explain a little. Offering a relative bargain when it comes to in-state tuition. Moving to West Virginia, United States. Commissions do not affect our editors'analysis, evaluations or opinions. Your basic breakfast items like a gallon of milk will cost you around $1.98 while a carton of eggs will cost you around $1.85. This articles discusses the best places to live, Your email address will not be published. While higher-paid working professionals. This means that those without a college education are at a disadvantage when competing for jobs against those who do have a degree. So, I did. But regardless of where you choose to settle down. any claim, loss or damage arising from the use of the information offered in The roads dont receive a lot of attention throughout the state to make sure other departments have the funding they need. The median home value is $110,544 which is almost half the national median home value. But an article about the pros and cons of living in West Virginia. But know that costs will vary with location. Since some residents. Another problem is that those who dont have a college education tend to earn less money than those who do. And inspiring landscapes. This applies to both property crimes and violent crime rates. These roads may not have good signage, striping, or guardrails. border-right: 10px solid transparent; An abundance of outdoor options. Here's my top 10 list of moving to West Virginia pros and cons: Low cost of living. The summer climate is quite comfortable. When websites rank the worst places to live in West Virginia, Martinsburg tends to rank at or near the top in every list. You may fit in okay. If youre planning to live in West Virginia, you should be ready for the winter. Here's what you can expect if you're looking to rent in any of North Carolina's 3 biggest cities: Greensboro: $1,112 average for a 1-bedroom, $1,290 average for a 2-bedroom. How Much Does it Cost to Move Out of State, How Much Does it Cost to Move Across the Country, How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Motorcycle, Top Affordable Moving Companies in America. 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. It is considered by many to be somewhat of a hidden gem. Despite having a very low cost of living, the poverty rate is 15.8%. But less so than other states. 3. Get the best rates for your apartment lease. One issue is that those without a college education are more likely to be unemployed. 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. Thank you! Healthcare options here are also pretty poor. Making for a lush landscape. Has seen poverty rates over 25%. So, there wont be any big city traffic jams. 5. 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. Welcome to Dividends Diversify! It has a higher cost of living because of those circumstances, which means the price of everything is higher. To do so, use Lending Tree. AuthenticEccentric/flickr. Below are top ten reasons NOT to move to West Virginia. West Virginia is also known to experience frequent snowfall especially in the high mountainous regions. The state has a humid continental climate, making for wet and humid summers. The snowfall may exceed upto an annual range of around 4,600 mm in the Allegheny Highlands. Although the current unemployment rate is not far from the national average. The state has the fifth-highest rate of uninsured residents in the country. According to recent data from the DHHR, the number of births totaled . Since an underperforming economy. That arguably is second to none. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to West Virginia. In every state, there are particular areas where job opportunities are more limited than others. The top companies here are coal industries and arent what they used to be. Sometimes we're forced to stay home and snuggle up with hot chocolate. Thus, we can not be held liable for any losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this website. Because the employment opportunities are better. 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. While thats fair, some parts of the state are far more dangerous. After you have your retirement finances in place. 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. And are within the majority demographic. A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. Finally, potholes are a problem in this state. position: fixed; Tend to have above-average costs. Versus other states in the country. It is to make you consider your options before deciding on moving. Depending on where you live, youll have to drive to Washington DC, Pittsburg, or Cincinnati to have the entertainment scene you desire. Top-rated educational system. Let's face itVirginia is absolutely gorgeous! According to Consumer Affairs. West Virginia is considered a conservative state politically. Many people are moving there because they want to make a fresh start, whether by themselves or with their families. Best of all? 2. Overall, it ranks 31 of the states with the highest crime rate. Because the state ranks poorly in terms of health care services. And, in my opinion, they also stem from the lackluster economy. And now I love the state. line-height: 30px; It is another one of the cool things about West Virginia. And violent crimes. box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px #eee; She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. In addition, West Virginia ranks near the bottom in terms of educational attainment and health outcomes. Reasons NOT to move to West Virginia 1. 3. And access some of the best mortgage rates you can find online. Reasons not to move to West Virginia. 2. As I discussed earlier in the pros and cons of West Virginia. That means everything is cheaper, but it also creates a job market where wages are lower too. 1 out of every 4 families in that area is living below the poverty line. First of all, you can find areas where access to jobs is less of an issue. And add this next one. Also, the unemployment rate is high. 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. 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. So, if this could be an issue, you should do your best to avoid moving to West Virginia. 5 Ways to Connect Wireless Headphones to TV. Most homes are listed for sale below $150,000. The mining industry has been the biggest contribution to the state's growth. One of West Virginia's biggest contributor was the fact that the cost of . If you enjoy hiking, biking, mountain climbing and great tasty pepperoni rolls, moving to West Virginia isn't a bad idea. In these metropolitan areas. And its good to consider them. First of all, the median home value is one of the lowest in the country. The state ranks 48th in the country for doctor availability, and 43rd for nurse availability. Apart from that, theres the Greyhound that will not just connect you to 3 cities within the state but also from 128 locations outside the state. So, be careful when driving. The study looked at factors such as race, ethnicity, income, and education levels. We Welcome your Feedback about your Moving Experiences! The problem is that all things are not equal. It also has one of the worst commuting experiences in the state. transform: translateX(-50%); margin-left: -10px; State Taxes - definitely not something anyone looks forward to, but an important thing to think about and prepare for when you move nonetheless. And all they have to offer. Charleston, the state capital, is the largest city. To the larger cities in the state. So, if you have kids in their formative years or anyone prone to addiction, you should think twice about moving them here. When other states were tuning their guitars or playing their pianos, residents in West Virginia were breaking out the fiddles, dulcimers, and banjos. The crime rate for violent crimes in West Virginia is around 3.17 per 1000 people according to NeighborhoodScout. You will find that there can be significant cultural differences in West Virginia when you compare the northern part of the state from the southern half.