This means that job opportunities are very limited. We Welcome your Feedback about your Moving Experiences! In addition, West Virginia ranks near the bottom in terms of educational attainment and health outcomes. And home to one of the top 5 largest universities in the country: The Ohio State University. In addition, the state is plagued by drug addiction and crime. State Taxes - definitely not something anyone looks forward to, but an important thing to think about and prepare for when you move nonetheless. Or you have kids during their formative years. stroke:#FFFFFF; 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. It might cost over $1,200 per month to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Charleston, but thats the most expensive region you will find. Specifically, for health care costs, access and outcomes. She is not alone. Economists and local community . 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. It is the most populous place in the state, serving about 50,000 full-time residents. Know that the state has high rates of illegal drug use, drug addiction, and overdose rates. All of which are enhanced by pleasant weather patterns. Youll want to stop to enjoy the view from the New River Gorge Bridge after moving here. On the other hand, you can get a three bedroom apartment outside the center of the state for around $931.25 per month. As you explore the many wonders that Appalachia offers. 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. Theres not much to do in West Virginia if youre looking for a bustling city with nightlife and plenty of activities. The mining industries in the state were its most significant source of revenue for several decades. padding: 10px 15px; In order to keep your gas running, you will have to pay around $2.56 per gallon. This issue can become very significant in the rural areas of the state. West Virginia would love to have you. Of this, $12,000 is a cash payment. And the state is great for hunting and fishing too. Today we are going to talk about the pros and cons of living in West Virginia. But first, I want to address a very important question. The 54-year-old cultural anthropologist and her husband bought a 110-year-old house in Hinton for $47,000. We appreciate your request for a moving And inspiring landscapes. svg#us-map path{ But, if you find an apartment that fits your needs. 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. These things add up. And finally, stay in the city of Cincinnati. 34 related questions found. The military has an extensive presence in the state of Virginia. Healthcare options here are also pretty poor. Okay. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $500 to $700 in many areas. Many Maryland lawmakers slammed the proposal as a stunt, as did the state's largest newspaper, The Baltimore Sun. The state has higher crime rates. The state ranks 50th in the country for overall healthcare quality and access, with particular problems in rural areas. These roads may not have good signage, striping, or guardrails. 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. Compared to other states in the country. According to MakeMyMove, Morgantown, West Virginia, will pay people $20,000 to move there. Homes are affordable in West Virginia, more affordable than the United States average. In March 2019, West Virginia had a 5.1% unemployment rate for the state. } From the largest metropolitan areas in the state. Making it one of the most densely forested states in the country. Similarly, a one bedroom apartment outside the center of the state will cost you around $593.75 per month. Your 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. So, why shouldnt you move to West Virginia? Since some areas in and around Charleston, Morgantown, and Fairmont. Its one of the states with the poorest health care services. The temperature can change drastically in a short period of time, and the weather can be extremely variable. This is true for both property crimes. Because you are going to find small-town and small-city living in this state. On the other hand, there are some ways to make ends meet here. 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. And the nations capital. This is something you should definitely ask yourself before you get carried away by the beauty of West Virginia. Rental apartments are available too. For a reasonable commute into the metropolitan areas of Maryland state. Before, during, and after your move. Some other good towns to consider for your West Virginia home include: The entire state has a very small-town feel about it. This is another area where you will need to do your homework. Another problem is that those who dont have a college education tend to earn less money than those who do. The segment focused on Ascend West Virginia an initiative . Get a low cost loan or mortgage from Lending Tree, Check your credit for free with Credit Karma, Get cash back on your online purchases with Rakuten, Save at the grocery store with the Ibotta app, Manage all your money with Personal Capital. Although the current unemployment rate is not far from the national average. }. The people: a strong sense of community. To make for a white Christmas. Grafton might not offer the best educational opportunities, but it ranks as the safest place to live according to information from Safewise. So, thats one strategy for finding work. But like any state. Do note that the smaller cities would have even cheaper prices. West Virginia is extremely cheaper to own a house. Think again. You'll be mesmerized by the landscapes, rivers and streams. The educational system in West Virginia is below par, and so is the academic performance. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. West Virginia Economic Outlook. Which means poor-quality schools. In West Virginia, the cost of preschool or kindergarten for one child is 242 dollars. Surface Studio vs iMac - Which Should You Pick? The entire area sits in the Appalachian Mountains, which means about 75% of the area is covered in forests. After the state of Wyoming, West Virginia has been known as one of the leading coal producing states in America. Thinking of relocating to the US, there are several states you might want to try. The cost of living in West Virginia is very competitive. Are in fairly poor condition. Next, it is plenty cold here in the winter. If you or a family member are prone to addictions. 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 are most interested in tasting different cuisines, exploring the art, fashion and sports, then you will be thrilled by the city lifestyle in West Virginia, especially in the metropolitan city of Charleston. 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. You are going to be well-protected if you live in Virginia. Why everyone is moving to West Virginia? The West Virginia University in Morgantown is definitely worth considering as it offers as many as 200 Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral and other professional programs. The state has one of the most rural populations in the country. Huntington is of comparable size, but there are only 14 communities that have more than 10,000 residents in total. List of the Pros of Living in Virginia. Access to quality health care. Virginia's beaches are nothing to sneeze at. The cost of living in West Virginia is low, and crime rates are lower than national average. No wonder the state is nicknamed, The Mountain State. What is your Thus, we can not be held liable for any losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this website. 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. 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. A few years ago if someone said they were thinki. In the eyes of native West Virginians. Therefore, it is best to avoid moving to West Virginia if the factors discussed above matters to you. In 2018, West Virginia's GDP was $77.48 billion and ranked 39th in the country. 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. But regardless of where you choose to settle down. West Virginia is one of the most racially and ethnically homogeneous states in the nation. The unemployment rate is still quite high, but proactive planning can help you to solve this issue relatively easily. Are there tornadoes in West Virginia? They also lack proper maintenance after bad weather. The economy is one of the things youll be considering when moving. First of all, the median home value is one of the lowest in the country. It doesnt take long for you to be in the middle of nowhere, even if you live in downtown Charleston. 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 . And nearly 75% of the land is forested. If you like the beach you'll love living in Virginia. West Virginia is one of the poorest states in the United States. That is a good question. And thats all I have for today. It limits private investment too. .description { Beckley has the highest crime rates here. 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 crime rate here is more than what most people will prefer. The rolling hills of the state also create places where significant bridges are necessary to facilitate transportation. If you have any queries, please let us know at The summer climate is quite comfortable. 3. While higher-paid working professionals. And, in my opinion, they also stem from the lackluster economy. West Virginia is known to have a humid subtropical climate in which the summers are usually hot while the winters are really chilly. 2. The state was also the 8th most popular place people moved to for health reasons. 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. But then again, Virginia is a more expensive state to live in. In the first quarter of 2019, West Virginia actually led the nation in GDP growth. In conclusion, there are many reasons not to move to West Virginia. Just do your homework. Furthermore, there is little routine maintenance performed following bad weather. 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. Are lower than the national average. It is the home of West Virginia University. But do your homework before settling down. The poor economy in the state affects everything, including government funding. While thats fair, some parts of the state are far more dangerous. display: none; So, if this could be an issue, you should do your best to avoid moving to West Virginia. text-align: center; For instance, if you go towards the southern part which has highland areas and mountains, you will experience summers a little cooler, while winters may seem a little moderate. Violent crime is also higher in West Virginia than the average rate in the United States. Some cities seem to dissuade anyone from wanting to live there. But the. Unauthorized publication elsewhere is strictly prohibited.