While higher-paid working professionals. Middle Tennessee runs around $400,000. In addition to this, West Virginia has a strong job market. 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. Finally, this state has immense natural beauty. Versus other inexpensive areas in the country. The roads are often narrow and winding, which makes it difficult for drivers to pass other cars. Since these secondary roads often lack guardrails, good signage, and striping. West Virginia has a drug abuse problem. width: 0; The median household income is $48,037, while the per capita income is 27,346. 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. If youre looking for something a little more urban, Morgantown is the largest city in the state and has a few restaurants and bars. Small towns in VA are some of the most charming places in the whole country. Sure, it's not Fiji or the Caribbean but Virginia has some beautiful beaches. So, if you are considering moving to West Virginia, there are several things you need to know and prepare. You should also make sure you have insurance on your car and property when you live here. 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 want to experience the cool and chilly weather in the winters, then January is the best time to visit the state. A recent study by WalletHub found that West Virginia ranks as the least diverse state in the country. But then again, Virginia is a more expensive state to live in. The mining industry has been the biggest contribution to the state's growth. Then remember to try the pepperoni rolls. You can locate some good schools. And even when they get patched, the work is not high-quality. Since some residents. And save time. On the other hand, you can get a three bedroom apartment outside the center of the state for around $931.25 per month. Get more stories delivered right to your email. soon be contacting you directly. Those persons who access this On the other hand, there are some ways to make ends meet here. Spend more time outdoors and enjoy some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country, all while working remotely. border-right: 10px solid transparent; Get instant free moving quotes for your upcoming relocation to West Virginia with our moving cost calculator! Moving from Dallas, Texas to West Virginia: $2130 - $3550. It is the 15th most populous city in the United States. But not all of them are good for you. Which means your chances of being a victim for property crimes is 1 in 63 people. Be sure to take in some of these special outdoor places. And there is a fair amount of snow accumulation. Even with all these issues, you might still find the state okay. About life in West Virginia. Next, we have some more of the worst things about West Virginia. The mountains can keep temperatures down in the summer as well. The state has lost the most population in percentage, dropping from 1.85 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2020. fill:#27267e; So, how about we get to the bottom of this. Welcome to Dividends Diversify! Therefore, it is best to avoid moving to West Virginia if the factors discussed above matters to you. The lower real estate costs can save you some money here too, but that also means there are fewer funds available for public services. When their flowers are in full bloom. Apart from your housing expenses, you will also have to keep a budget for the other essential things youll need on a daily basis. 1. Ready to get an awesome price quote for your move? For retirees. West Virginia is an interesting state that sits along the eastern seaboard of the United States. As it relates to your budget. The 54-year-old cultural anthropologist and her husband bought a 110-year-old house in Hinton for $47,000. Youll naturally feel like moving to the state considering the amazing things you can do in a state surrounded by mountains. January 4, 2021 7432 views. As a result, nothing published on this site should be considered individual investment, financial, tax, or real estate advice. Where the median home value. svg#us-map path{ The temperature here can drop as low as 33 F (1 C) in January, the coldest month. Are not attracted to the state. The temperature can change drastically in a short period of time, and the weather can be extremely variable. To make it better. This is one of the big reasons not to live in West Virginia. The segment focused on Ascend West Virginia an initiative . First of all, the median home value is one of the lowest in the country. Okay. Your basic fare for an UberXL would cost you around $3.87. But there are still some practical aspects of moving to West Virginia that you should consider. It is to make you consider your options before deciding on moving. (Top 9 Reasons), Why is Massachusetts so rich? It can become a little cold in the winter and the snow can sometimes be problematic higher up in the mountains, but you will get to experience all of the seasons here without fail each year. }. 1. 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. Furthermore, groceries, utilities, and transportation are anywhere between 5-10% lower. Alaska is, Introduction Philadelphia is a city with a rich history and culture. 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. To do so, use Lending Tree. Then there is Morgantown. It is a stereotype that suggests that residents are socially backward, uneducated, agrarian workers who pick banjos and eat straw. 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. The Mountain State.West Virginia is a great state. West Virginia, being entirely inland, has no seaports. 6. To worry about. But understand, in most of the state. 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 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 . And finally, stay in the city of Cincinnati. The cost of living in West Virginia is low, and crime rates are lower than national average. Get them into West Virginia University. That doesnt mean you will find hostile neighbors spying on you from over the fence or throwing bricks through your window. It is the most populous place in the state, serving about 50,000 full-time residents. All these make it undesirable to live in. You will find that property taxes are very low here. 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. 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. D. Smith Shares Five Reasons to Move to West Virginia. Despite its name, there are actually portions of Virginia that lie further west than West Virginia. West Virginia is often dubbed as The Mountain State, and for the right reasons. And live wherever you want. West Virginia is one of the poorest states in the United States. Youll have trouble finding a good school for your kids. Almost anywhere in the state, you choose to live. pointer-events: none; Yes. 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. West Virginia is also known to experience frequent snowfall especially in the high mountainous regions. There are plenty of homes priced under $100,000 as well. The infant mortality rate is 9 per 1,000 live births, compared to 5 per 1,000 nationwide. By maintaining a high credit score. The West Virginia University in Morgantown is definitely worth considering as it offers as many as 200 Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral and other professional programs. This applies to both property crimes and violent crime rates. This lack of educational attainment is linked to a number of problems for West Virginians. And all they have to offer. The large swaths of forest in the state turn a multitude of colors that make the mountains become part of your existence. You will have to pay around $6,997 as your income tax, whereas your sales tax will be around $635 as per SmartAsset. movingastute.com. box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px #eee; That could mean being on the road for a few hours. It's too hot in the summer. While Huntington, with a population of about 30,000. Or you have kids during their formative years. Finally, potholes are a problem in this state. You will enjoy finding your place to live in West Virginia. To take advantage of the low cost of living. 10. Its illegal to marry your first cousin in this state, but it is legal to do so in New York and California. 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. Especially in the lower elevations. display: block; The majority of African Americans in West Virginia live in poverty, and they are disproportionately represented in prisons and jails. It may lead to another one of the detriments of living in West Virginia. And a low real estate tax rate applied to those values. The Mountain State is for nature lovers. This includes determining the educational policies and rules associated with the elementary and secondary schools. Huntington is of comparable size, but there are only 14 communities that have more than 10,000 residents in total. Theres not much to do in West Virginia if youre looking for a bustling city with nightlife and plenty of activities. If you love to go hiking, hunting, or fishing, then the open lands and extra elbow room are going to feel like a paradise. You'll be mesmerized by the landscapes, rivers and streams. This has led to many young people leaving the state and only a few moving in. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to find in West Virginia. This racial divide has persisted even into the present day. Specifically, the top living in West Virginia pros and cons. And the nations capital. [Detailed Pricing Guide]. The military has an extensive presence in the state of Virginia. Before, during, and after your move. If you want to experience the hot summers, July is the best time to visit West Virginia, considering how the temperature ranges from 66.2 degree Fahrenheit to 75.2 degree F. This especially happens in the northern part of the state near the North Branch Potomac River, and the temperature at times tends to increase if you go towards the western part of the state. Finally, while residents tend to be friendly. 3. Moving from New York City, New York to West Virginia: $1428 - $2380. It doesnt take long for you to be in the middle of nowhere, even if you live in downtown Charleston. With those highlights taken care of. For a reasonable commute into the metropolitan areas of Maryland state. But do your homework before settling down. According to Safewise.com, 5 towns with lower crime rates include: So for your safety. Next, here is another one of the perks of living in West Virginia. According to BestPlaces.net, all of the big-spending categories. Healthcare options here are also pretty poor. And you are going to find it is one of those states where there is little common ground. West Virginia life has its drawbacks. and states in the West also proved to be popular destinations. 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. If youre planning to live in West Virginia, you should be ready for the winter. West Virginia might be your best place to live! Compared to other states in the country. Here are some reasons why they might not want to move here (but reasons that we love it). (8 Major Reasons), Why is Louisiana so poor? Here are eight reasons to consider relocating. Below is a simple analysis of the state's housing market: The median home value in Pennsylvania is $198,377. And some of the areas in the state are much worse. A large percentage of the population lives in poverty (16%), and many families struggle to make ends meet. It is clear. Resulting in sub-par academic performance. Located in Harrison County in West Virginia, Bridgeport has a population of as many as 8,149 people. Sure, some might call it obsession. The cost of living is around 7% lower than the U.S national average in West Virginia. According to Consumer Affairs. Because you are going to find small-town and small-city living in this state. Without hesitation. And home prices are especially affordable. The combination means your property tax bill will be one of the lowest you can find. Located in the Monongalia County near the Monongahela River, Morgantown has a population of as many as 138,176 people. No matter what you decide. But this love of history comes with the territory. And make it hard for many people to live here. Overall, it ranks 31 of the states with the highest crime rate. About two-thirds of its population lives in rural areas. So, if you are raising a family. There are about 5 cities in the entire state that are worth living in, the rest are run down and old. 1. Look for communities where there is more sunshine, lower in the mountains, to avoid that issue if it is bothersome to you. The top companies here are coal industries and arent what they used to be. Because the population centers are relatively small, the tax base for services is lower in West Virginia than in other parts of the country. A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. In summary, here are my top 10 living in West Virginia pros and cons: Hopefully, this information has helped you with some important questions. And stretch your dollars a little further. After you have your retirement finances in place. And if you like living where there arent crowds. And home to one of the top 5 largest universities in the country: The Ohio State University. 16. May feel out of place. Apart from that, there is the Amtrak Capitol Limited that will connect you to West Virginia from 9 cities outside the state. Dont expect a lot of invitations to birthday parties or social engagements. Although the current unemployment rate is not far from the national average. Bluegrass thrives in this state, culminating with the Music in the Mountains festival that Summersville holds each year in June. The median home value is $110,544 which is almost half the national median home value. padding: 10px 15px; information as accurate as possible. 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. And inspiring landscapes. These roads may not have good signage, striping, or guardrails. West Virginia is certainly an outdoor enthusiastss paradise, to say the least. Far removed from its rust belt roots. If you're moving to West Virginia from another city, you can use our free moving costs calculator to get more quotes. understand and agree that movingastute.com is not responsible or liable for These roads may not have good signage, striping, or guardrails. Just because you enjoy small-town West Virginia living. Located on the banks of Lake Erie. Along with having one the largest percentages of people 65 or older. Find the best and worst places to live, raise a family or retire in West Virginia. Apart from the nickname The Mountain State, West Virginia was also known as The Cog State, in which COG stood for coal, oil and gas. Without addressing the bad things about living in West Virginia too. The lack of jobs and affordable housing are two of the main reasons for the high levels of poverty in the state. How Much Does it Cost to Move Out of State? They held a vote in 1863 where the communities voted to secede back to the United States instead of the Confederacy, helping the region to become the 35th state. 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. Cousins dont get married in West Virginia either. display: block; Some other good towns to consider for your West Virginia home include: The entire state has a very small-town feel about it. Reasons not to move to West Virginia. Blast to the Past. Charleston is the most modern city that you will find in West Virginia. The state ranks 50th in the country for overall healthcare quality and access, with particular problems in rural areas. First of all, the study focused on the business environment, employment, and growth. So, if you have kids in their formative years or anyone prone to addiction, you should think twice about moving them here. Unauthorized publication elsewhere is strictly prohibited. So, if you are white and planning on retirement living in West Virginia. 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. This articles discusses the best places to live, Your email address will not be published. Whether you are putting together your monthly budget. here is more than what most people will prefer. Despite the desire not to separate from the Union, West Virginia contributed about an equal number of troops to both sides of the conflict. Proximity to larger cities. Beyond the safety concerns, there are still issues with potholes that make them very uncomfortable. This is why it's considered to be an "approach with caution" type of state. 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. But knowing them isnt only to discourage you. Commissions do not affect our editors'analysis, evaluations or opinions. Another reason you shouldnt live here is the risk of drug abuse. 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 . Just a few more details, so we know who we're helping. border-top: 10px solid white; "West Virginia people are very independent-minded. AuthenticEccentric/flickr. The problem is that all things are not equal. Bad roads. quote. preferred email? Next, it is plenty cold here in the winter. While there are some pockets of liberalism in places like Charleston and Huntington, most of West Virginia is rural and conservative. You need to be smart and very realistic when you plan your move. Those living with the tenant can also be evicted, even if they aren't on the lease. Watch the road. And a limited influx of new residents. In West Virginia, thats one of the major problems. Even those who move to West Virginia. 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