But the snowfall in the eastern mountains can go as high as 64 inches (1,620 mm). She is not alone. The coal production in the state declined in the year 2013 by around 40%. Its considered a big party school! 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. Not always worth it. There are safe places to live in West Virginia. and states in the West also proved to be popular destinations. The cost of living in West Virginia is low, and crime rates are lower than national average. It is the 15th most populous city in the United States. Joshua's proficiency lies in his expertise of relocation, moving, city guides and real estate - all disciplines which he has previously worked on as a freelancer. If you book an UberX, your basic fare would be around $2.55. By maintaining a high credit score. position: absolute; To the larger cities in the state. Find work, reinvent yourself! Most of the cities and some of the small towns have a severe problem when it comes to crimes. But do your homework before settling down. svg#us-map path{ So, be careful when driving. 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. Poverty is a significant problem in the state. But, if you find an apartment that fits your needs. If you want to raise a family, this might not be the state to come. transform: translateX(-50%); People from around the world love these popular words written and recorded by John Denver, but many of them have absolutely no idea what . Monongalia County has a poverty rate of 25%. You will be marvelled by the sights of beautiful gardens in the 82 acres of West Virginia Botanical Garden in the state where you can enjoy hiking or take a stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens. Making for a lush landscape. The state announced on Monday it . The cost of a one-way ticket is $1.50, while the national average is $2.10. 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. background: white; Weather marked by all 4 seasons. The median list price per square foot in Pennsylvania is $133. D. Smith Shares Five Reasons to Move to West Virginia. Then remember to try the pepperoni rolls. And nearly 75% of the land is forested. "West Virginia people are very independent-minded. This is another area where you will need to do your homework. The views and opinions expressed within these documents do West Virginia is one of the most racially and ethnically homogeneous states in the nation. 1. Feb. 27, 2023, at 3:16 p.m. WVa Bill Would Give Tax Credits to Ex-Residents to Move Back. Including the well-known Appalachian Trail. Is one of the highest in the country. Finally, with a shrinking population. But regardless of where you choose to settle down. Versus other areas of the country. The summer climate is quite comfortable. In terms of taxes, housing and utility prices, the state is quite affordable. Bluegrass thrives in this state, culminating with the Music in the Mountains festival that Summersville holds each year in June. You can do these tasks using the FREE online tool from Personal Capital. As I discussed earlier in the pros and cons of West Virginia. You will have to pay around $147.71 on a monthly basis for your energy, whereas your phone bill will cost you around $157.45 per month. 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. } Quality Health Care. Crime can be a significant problem in West Virginia. It limits private investment too. The lower real estate costs can save you some money here too, but that also means there are fewer funds available for public services. The top companies here are coal industries and arent what they used to be. West Virginia is certainly an outdoor enthusiastss paradise, to say the least. The median age in the city is high, and so is the percentage of people above 65. Do your homework on health care service providers. An educational website created to help you achieve success one step at a time. There are rather few professional opportunities and middle-class industries in the state, so youll want to secure a job before moving here. If you are not from that one specific area, then you might not ever be fully apart of that community. In every state, there are particular areas where job opportunities are more limited than others. "West Virginia people are very independent-minded. information assume full responsibility or the use of the information and 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. And fewer health care options. 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. You can also book an Uber to travel to different parts of the state. Top 5 Reasons to Move to West Virginia. In addition, West Virginia has a high rate of obesity of 37.7% and chronic illness, which also contributes to the overall poverty level. You may fit in okay. This is about $15,000 below the national median and more than $20,000 below the wealthiest state. So, why shouldnt you move to West Virginia? Moving from Nashville, Tennessee to West Virginia: $1236 - $2060. Furthermore, there is little routine maintenance performed following bad weather. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Why everyone is moving to West Virginia? A big part of West Virginias creative scene and culture. The economy is one of the things youll be considering when moving. For that reason, prices are a little higher than one might expect, but offerings abound as construction is ongoing. Studies determined that more than 20% of the state's population is 65 or older. Since the states top industries are just a glimmer of their past glory days. Regarding poverty rates, some parts of the state are worse than others. And a limited influx of new residents. Some areas particularly have serious issues with opioids, meth, and heroin. Or, a lot of people. This applies to both property crimes and violent crime rates. Thus, Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas. 4. To the cons of living in West Virginia. Depending on where you choose to live. During many of the holiday seasons. Where I have an assessment of the economy. However, the mining sector is unpredictable and has a tendency to . There can even be changes that bring out this disadvantage if you cross a county line. The second is how many of us will see living in Florida after actually moving to the Sunshine State, and living there long enough to learn the cons or downsides and the . Because of that, West Virginia was one of only seven states to lose a congressional seat following the 2020 census. 16. Specifically, it is a great state for outdoor types of people. Will sometimes say they have had a hard time being accepted into their community. You can learn a lot about a person from the license plate alone. Since the state has limited ethnic and cultural diversity. This is something you should definitely ask yourself before you get carried away by the beauty of West Virginia. That concludes the 5 benefits of moving to West Virginia. Is nearly 60% less than the rest of the country as a whole. The state has lost the most population in percentage, dropping from 1.85 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2020. Yes. With the ideas and energy to improve the situation. And get ready to hit the white water as you head downstream. These things add up. padding: 10px 15px; And find plenty of uncrowded spaces here. In addition, West Virginia ranks near the bottom in terms of educational attainment and health outcomes. That's the mission of Ascend West Virginia, a program that pays full-time remote workers $10,000 to move to the state. Of similar size as Charleston. Think again. And there is a fair amount of snow accumulation. If you're convinced superstores are the best place for produce shopping, you won't be in good company. The state is also lacking when it comes to large and modern cities. Reasons not to move to West Virginia. But then again, Virginia is a more expensive state to live in. Specifically, for health care costs, access and outcomes. Throughout the article, I suggested some tools. So, if you have kids in their formative years or anyone prone to addiction, you should think twice about moving them here. Crime. 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. This is probably my favorite. 4. Are a reasonable driving distance away. svg#us-map path:hover{ Poor quality government services. Crime is higher than the national average in West Virginia for both property and violent crimes. Reasons . Bad roads. West Virginia. Regardless, good luck with your decision. [Detailed Pricing Guide]. First of all, there are safety concerns. Since some areas in and around Charleston, Morgantown, and Fairmont. 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 Barons Bus Lines will provide you with the best bus services as they will connect you to around 9 cities within the state and also from 58 other locations to West Virginia. It doesnt take long for you to be in the middle of nowhere, even if you live in downtown Charleston. Spend more time outdoors and enjoy some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country, all while working remotely. West Virginia ranked 3 rd of the 10 best states to retire. Specifically, the top living in West Virginia pros and cons. Be sure to take in some of these special outdoor places. This conservatism is reflected in the states politics and its laws. The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III on 7 October 1763. In addition, the state is plagued by drug addiction and crime. Your state tax in West Virginia will be around $1,361 as stated by SmartAsset. Staff August 2, 2022. svg#us-map { 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. Look for communities where there is more sunshine, lower in the mountains, to avoid that issue if it is bothersome to you. The Mountain State.West Virginia is a great state. 21 Pros and Cons of California Earthquake Insurance, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. Unfortunately, since the economy is in decline. Removed from the stress and hustle of big cities. movingastute.com. Therefore, it is best to avoid moving to West Virginia if the factors discussed above matters to you. If you like the beach you'll love living in Virginia. 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. All these make it undesirable to live in. With the presence of mountains in the backdrop. An abundance of outdoor options. It's too hot in the summer. As the summer temperatures cool. 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. The West Virginia University in Morgantown is definitely worth considering as it offers as many as 200 Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral and other professional programs. border-left: 10px solid transparent; Without hesitation. For example, in California there is a greater demand for jobs in the technology industry, while in West Virginia the mining and logging industries are still strong. Grafton is another challenging community, especially if education is your priority. Relaxed small cities and towns. Homes are affordable in West Virginia, more affordable than the United States average. Even the biggest cities in West Virginia are relatively small. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) West Virginia 's Senate passed a bill Monday that would give $25,000 in tax . Leading to a shrinking population. If you are a sports enthusiast, then you have to visit the Bridgeport Recreation Complex, where you get to enjoy baseball and basketball tournaments. 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 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. Immigrants would have initially arrived at a port on the coast. This is true for both property crimes. 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. But knowing them isnt only to discourage you. This articles discusses the best places to live, Your email address will not be published. It is possible to get to work in DC if you live in the eastern panhandle of the state. As a West Virginian, the mountains become part of your blood. 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. information as accurate as possible. But, that is an industry in rapid decline. So youre thinking about making the move to the Old Dominion? Furthermore, the median age in the state. Despite its name, there are actually portions of Virginia that lie further west than West Virginia. In West Virginia, a tenant is not required to provide notice for fixed end date leases, the lease expires on the last day of the lease (WV Code 37-6-5). How Much Does it Cost to Move Across the Country? 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Because the state ranks poorly in terms of health care services. Then use any tips they offer. Although there is plenty of sunshine that will come down on your home, its tough to get beyond the 15% unemployment. Required fields are marked *. Almost anywhere in the state, you choose to live. If you ask the average person what they think about people from West Virginia, the word hillbilly often comes out. Beyond the safety concerns, there are still issues with potholes that make them very uncomfortable. West Virginia is known to have a humid subtropical climate in which the summers are usually hot while the winters are really chilly. And save time. Finally, you will find some of the best white water rapids in the country. There are a lot of ugly stereotypes that people apply to West Virginians. Finally, all written content is the property of Dividends Diversify LLC. But then again, not everyone can appreciate the unique, only-in-Virginia kind of lifestyle that we lead here. While in the mountains. Virginia has a growing number of wineries which, if not exactly world famous, provide plenty of fodder for day trips if you live in Virginia. You will have to pay around $6,997 as your income tax, whereas your sales tax will be around $635 as per SmartAsset. height: 0; 2) Is West Virginia a good place to live? Next up. A low cost of living is not always a great thing to have at home. Here are a few things and places to consider. The Mountain State is for nature lovers. According to recent data from the DHHR, the number of births totaled . Lack of economic growth and jobs. The cost of living in West Virginia is very competitive. But an article about the pros and cons of living in West Virginia. From the largest metropolitan areas in the state. 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. You'll feel compelled to go outdoors. This is in terms of healthcare access, outcomes, and costs. One of West Virginia's biggest contributor was the fact that the cost of . It is to make you consider your options before deciding on moving. The population is fleeing, jobs are disappearing and coal isn't coming back. 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. It is the home of West Virginia University. Virginia's beaches are nothing to sneeze at. To make for a white Christmas. Also, the unemployment rate is high. And the changing leaves put on a display. So, how about we get to the bottom of this. No wonder the state is nicknamed, The Mountain State. But this love of history comes with the territory. As long as you secure adequate employment in advance. Where you can visit Cleveland. That arguably is second to none. You will be a long way away from a larger, modern city. I enjoy setting and achieving goals, pursuing success, searching for my next place to live, and making the most of my money. On the other hand, you can get a three bedroom apartment outside the center of the state for around $931.25 per month. Pennsylvania's home value is predicted to fall by 1.7% in the next year. Please enter the verification code you received via Text message. Pennsylvania home values have increased by 4.0% over the past year. Versus other states in the country. The weather may differ in various parts of the state. Buying a house in West Virginia will seem affordable to you as your median house cost would be around $115,000, which is relatively cheaper than the U.S national average of around $204,900 as stated by 24/7 WallSt. The diversity here is very low, with only 1.6% of the residents being foreign-born. 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. For one of the poorest economies in the United States. Certain areas are particularly hard-hit by heroin, methamphetamine, and opioids. And living here will not be for everyone. We dig into some of the top . High cost of living. Its illegal to marry your first cousin in this state, but it is legal to do so in New York and California. Not everyone can appreciate the unique, only-in-Virginia kind of lifestyle that we lead here housing... 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