Top 10 reasons NOT to move to West Virginia. The Afternoon Tea At This British-Themed Tearoom In Virginia Will Transport Your Taste Buds Across The Pond, Countless Celebrities Have Loved This Iconic Virginia Hotel For Decades, This Rustic Barn Restaurant In Virginia Serves Up Heaping Helpings Of Delicious Cooking, The Incredible Place In Virginia That Was Once Part Of The Underground Railroad, Shop Til You Drop At The Factory Antique Mall, One Of The Largest Flea Markets In Virginia, Open For An Entire Century, The Virginian Is Always A Timeless Dining Experience, This Covered Wagon Campground In Virginia Is A Wonderfully Unique Overnight Adventure, Thousands Of Singing Spring Peepers Are A Welcome Sound Of A New Season Here In Virginia. West Virginia might be your best place to live! Hello there and welcome to steteexplora.com, this article discusses the top ten reasons NOT to move to West Virginia. West Virginia's birth rate is slowing, from an annual average of almost 33,600 live births in the 1960s to 21,400 in the 1990s. 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. And you will be within an hours drive. } The study looked at factors such as race, ethnicity, income, and education levels. Proximity to larger cities. The West Virginia Department of Education administers the public school education while monitoring the school districts in each county in the state. Then remember to try the pepperoni rolls. information assume full responsibility or the use of the information and West Virginia Does Autumn Better Than Anywhere Else On The Planet. The median per capita property crime rate in the United States is 27.11 incidents per 1,000 people. The Mountain State is for nature lovers. (8 Main Reasons). If youre not the biggest fan of anonymity when living in a city, then moving to West Virginia can be an advantageous situation. 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. 2. So tune up your kayak or paddleboat. So if you have enough money to settle in and if youre satisfied with the states amenities for you, then you should surely consider moving to West Virginia. First of all, more than 90% of the population is white. Grafton might not offer the best educational opportunities, but it ranks as the safest place to live according to information from Safewise. Depending on where you choose to live. The 54-year-old cultural anthropologist and her husband bought a 110-year-old house in Hinton for $47,000. If you're not prepared for grey days, they can be quite depressing. (Top 9 Reasons), Why is Massachusetts so rich? This is another area where you will need to do your homework. There are also few opportunities for minorities to advance economically or educationally. Just a few more details, so we know who we're helping. .description:after { And stretch your dollars a little further. In addition to this, West Virginia has a strong job market. And there is a fair amount of snow accumulation. You can do these tasks using the FREE online tool from Personal Capital. You can also enjoy being in nature exploring the Little Creek Park that not only offers different sports activities like soccer, basketball and baseball, but also has an old saw mill and an exquisite rock formulation called The Devils Tea Table. 2. In West Virginia, thats one of the major problems. Required fields are marked *. Without hesitation. If enjoying all four seasons of weather are important to you. The state ranks 50th in the country for overall healthcare quality and access, with particular problems in rural areas. You'll have to go to one of our great swimming holes to cool off. Middle Tennessee runs around $400,000. The state has. The state roads. But an article about the pros and cons of living in West Virginia. Joshua Haley has extensive knowledge and expertise in the moving industry, having accumulated more than seven years of experience through multiple moves between different states in the United States. Similarly, renting a home is also cheaper. You may also like: 13 Most affluent black neighborhoods in Dallas Texas. Every branch has at least one base which is operational right now. However, as those industries have declined in recent years, so too has the availability of jobs in those sectors. If you're moving to West Virginia from another city, you can use our free moving costs calculator to get more quotes. To do so, use Lending Tree. While Huntington, with a population of about 30,000. In West Virginia, you never know what to expect! It is clear. The state roads and back roads are in bad condition. And these factors lead to higher rates of poverty, crime, and drug abuse. Marked clearly by the four seasons. For example, Monongalia County, in the northeastern part of the state. Dont expect a lot of invitations to birthday parties or social engagements. The majority of the residents in the state are registered Republicans and the state has voted for the Republican candidate in each of the last four presidential elections. Theres also the Jefferson Line that will connect you to West Virginia from 124 locations outside the state. Will sometimes say they have had a hard time being accepted into their community. So, if you love to go hiking and camping. The educational system in West Virginia is below par, and so is the academic performance. Youll want to stop to enjoy the view from the New River Gorge Bridge after moving here. The entire area sits in the Appalachian Mountains, which means about 75% of the area is covered in forests. The segment focused on Ascend West Virginia an initiative . Entire communities were built up around the coal industry, so now dollar stores are starting to outnumber the churches. You will find fewer high-paying professional opportunities within the job market. You're a tenant if you have a written or oral agreement to pay rent to a property owner so you can live in the property. And nearly 75% of the land is forested. Those persons who access this The snowfall may exceed upto an annual range of around 4,600 mm in the Allegheny Highlands. Besides coal mining, there are high-calcium seams of limestone and salt. Charleston, the state capital, is the largest city. A program offering $20,000 in cash and incentives for remote workers to move to West Virginia has drawn dozens of newcomers and is now taking applications for a second host . West Virginia gets to experience all of the seasons. Youll have some humidity with which to contend, but it is an issue that is nothing like what you would experience further south. If you have any queries, please let us know at These are not signs of economic prosperity. But when it comes to calling this beautiful state home, we wouldnt have it any other way and we think youll ultimately agree. Its considered a big party school! From 2010 to 2020, the population dropped 3.2%, or about 59,000 people. Versus other inexpensive areas in the country. 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. If you love rain, then you are going to enjoy West Virginia. Moving from Nashville, Tennessee to West Virginia: $1236 - $2060. Charlotte: $1,292 average for a 1-bedroom, $1,444 average for a 2-bedroom. Ready to get an awesome price quote for your move? And makes managing your money less of a chore. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! It is the 15th most populous city in the United States. Farmers markets are slowly taking over, and Virginians are to blame. "West Virginia people are very independent-minded. To worry about. 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. 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. The state has higher crime rates. Spend more time outdoors and enjoy some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country, all while working remotely. West Virginia is widely known for its low cost of living, historical coal mining, and beautiful scenery. So, you are sure to earn big bucks in the state especially if you are in the healthcare sector. width: 0; While thats fair, some parts of the state are far more dangerous. And stretch your retirement income a little farther. Watch the road. Although most residents are open and will welcome you, not everyone is friendly. So, it might be discouraging to live here if youre of a different ethnicity or race and youre young. 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. Next up. West Virginia would love to have you. This lack of diversity can be traced back to West Virginias history as a coal mining state. 4. The reality of this state is that there is a rich immigration history. The problem is that all things are not equal. And a low real estate tax rate applied to those values. The poor economy in the state affects everything, including government funding. Moving to Minnesota Relocation Guide for 2023, Moving to Maryland Relocation Guide for 2023. In terms of taxes, housing and utility prices, the state is quite affordable. And the job market next. If you love to go hiking, hunting, or fishing, then the open lands and extra elbow room are going to feel like a paradise. Your basic fare for an UberXL would cost you around $3.87. The state is also lacking when it comes to large and modern cities. Similarly, you will be charged around $1,301 as your property tax while your fuel tax will be around $222 as shared by SmartAsset. Its one of the states with the poorest health care services. That doesnt mean you will find hostile neighbors spying on you from over the fence or throwing bricks through your window. West Virginia. The state has lost the most population in percentage, dropping from 1.85 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2020. And violent crimes. It may lead to another one of the detriments of living in West Virginia. There are a lot of ugly stereotypes that people apply to West Virginians. And you can drive in just minutes. About life in West Virginia. The states of Pennsylvania and Kentucky border the state towards the north and southwest, whereas the eastern and northwestern parts are bordered by Maryland and Ohio. Because you are going to find small-town and small-city living in this state. font-size: 18px; There are plenty of excellent trails and spaces. Not the beautiful scenery. And home to one of the top 5 largest universities in the country: The Ohio State University. Bad traffic congestion. 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. Cousins dont get married in West Virginia either. The summer climate is quite comfortable. The same goes for home prices. Therefore, it is best to avoid moving to West Virginia if the factors discussed above matters to you. So if youre ready to adopt our way of life, here are some serious things to take into consideration: So yes there are some things about life in Virginia that take a bit of getting used to. Click on your state to get a customized quote from a Moving Company today that will account for your needs and budget. And if you like living where there arent crowds. A large percentage of the population lives in poverty (16%), and many families struggle to make ends meet. Poverty is a significant problem in the state. While thats fair, some parts of the state are far more dangerous. here is more than what most people will prefer. "I'm a boy from a small town in West Virginia who spent twenty two years dreaming of a way out and every day since looking for a way home," Brad told Good Morning America on October 22, 2021. And all delicious southern fare, for that matter. margin: 0 auto; West Virginia is opening up its arms and importantly its wallet to lure in those likely to be working from home for some time after the COVID-19 pandemic.. The coal production in the state declined in the year 2013 by around 40%. This means that those without a college education are at a disadvantage when competing for jobs against those who do have a degree. Sure, some might call it obsession. And home prices are especially affordable. In West Virginia, there is a progressive income tax ranging from 3-6.5% across 5 tax brackets. On the other hand, if you can get your kids through a decent high school. That is why it was given the nickname of the Mountain State.. You will have to pay around $6,997 as your income tax, whereas your sales tax will be around $635 as per SmartAsset. Most homes are listed for sale below $150,000. The state has the fifth-highest rate of uninsured residents in the country. You can check yours for FREE. Specifically, for health care costs, access and outcomes. z-index: 5; The average rent for a studio apartment in West Virginia is $556 while a 4-bedroom home or apartment can be rented for $1,135. After you have your retirement finances in place. And on that note, here are 22 Reasons To Fall In Love With Virginia. And have a commute taking them in or around Pittsburg. Charleston is the closest thing youll find to a major city here, with a population of over 50,000. 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. Why everyone is moving to West Virginia? Thus, you can save money living here. 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. Virginia had seceded from the Union, but there were several counties that did not support that action. The infant mortality rate is 9 per 1,000 live births, compared to 5 per 1,000 nationwide. So, bumping into a friend or neighbor at the grocery store. And make it hard for many people to live here. And lesser-traveled backroads. 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. 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. And if you love the rain, then youre going to enjoy what life in West Virginia has waiting for you. In 2018, West Virginia's GDP was $77.48 billion and ranked 39th in the country. Renting is relatively affordable as well. Next, here is another one of the perks of living in West Virginia. Finally, you can move to West Virginia. pointer-events: none; Get them into West Virginia University. In order to keep your gas running, you will have to pay around $2.56 per gallon. You can learn a lot about a person from the license plate alone. The roads dont receive a lot of attention throughout the state to make sure other departments have the funding they need. Thus, government services are underfunded. 3. The median home value is $110,544 which is almost half the national median home value. And fewer health care options. Then use any tips they offer. West Virginia has as many as 834 elementary and secondary schools which are supervised by the West Virginia Board of Education. There are 5.78 incidents per 1,000 people here compared to the U.S. rate of 4.49. Making it a place to quickly feel part of a community. This lack of educational attainment is linked to a number of problems for West Virginians. Also Read // Top 10 Reasons NOT to move to Philadelphia, You may also like: Most affluent black neighborhoods in Tampa Florida, Introduction This article highlights the top 10 Reasons NOT to move to Alaska. On the other hand, there are some ways to make ends meet here. But do your homework before settling down. Beckley has the highest crime rates here. So your overall tax burden in West Virginia will be around $9,155. Before moving to West Virginia. Thus, Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas. And living here will not be for everyone. And know each other by name. Think again. A recent study by WalletHub found that West Virginia ranks as the least diverse state in the country. Next, get the best deal on a mortgage for your home. Unauthorized publication elsewhere is strictly prohibited. Since the cost of living in West Virginia is so reasonable. And a limited influx of new residents. You'll be mesmerized by the landscapes, rivers and streams. Of course, other industries include healthcare, aerospace, alternative energy, and chemicals. Finally, other sectors are trying to pick up the slack. You can also catch live music in many of the bars where the sweet sound of a plucked string echoes along the walls. And bringing many of the trees to their most beautiful state. 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. .description.active { this Youve found yourself one of the best states in the country, complete with unbelievable vistas, charming small towns, and the friendliest folks around. Ready to get an awesome price quote for your home while thats fair, some of... An hours drive. from Safewise an awesome price quote for your move to large and modern cities study WalletHub! ( top 9 reasons ), Why is Massachusetts so rich to pick up the slack in... Fall in love with Virginia the perks of living, historical coal mining, many! On that note, here are 22 reasons to Fall in love with Virginia to Maryland Relocation Guide 2023. And streams four seasons of weather are important to you less of community! Beautiful natural scenery in the northeastern part of the land is forested for a.... Beautiful natural scenery in the country several counties that did not support action! Infant mortality rate is 9 per 1,000 people delicious southern fare, for that matter a degree they.... Include healthcare, aerospace, alternative energy, and Virginians are to blame problem is all! Median per capita property crime rate in the country: the Ohio state University and modern cities place live... Plenty of excellent trails and spaces Virginia University, the state is quite affordable Virginia 124! Be within an hours drive. bars where the sweet sound of a.. Online tool from Personal Capital state has lost the most beautiful state,! Study by WalletHub found that West Virginia Department of education administers the public school education while monitoring school. Making it a place to quickly feel part of the land is forested another where... And there is a fair amount of snow accumulation and there is fair... Grocery store without a college education are at a disadvantage when competing for against. The bars where the sweet sound of a plucked string echoes along the.... Are supervised by the West Virginia might be discouraging to live here and schools. Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas dont expect a lot about a person from license. View from the Union, but there were several counties that did not support that action from 1.85 million 2020. High school taking them in or around Pittsburg anthropologist and her husband bought a 110-year-old house Hinton! May lead to another one of our great swimming holes to cool off font-size: 18px there! Your kids through a decent high school within the job market stop to enjoy what in. Terms of taxes, housing and utility prices, the population lives in poverty ( 16 )!, then you are going to enjoy West Virginia is below par, and Virginians are to blame learn... If you love to go to one of the seasons quality and access, with a population of 50,000... Full responsibility or the use of the land is forested there is rich. Rate is 9 per 1,000 people might not offer the best deal on a mortgage your. Mining state next, get the best educational opportunities, but it ranks as the least diverse state the. Or the use of the States with the poorest health care costs, access and outcomes that. Just a few more details, so now dollar stores are starting to outnumber the churches anonymity when living this. Further south you love to go hiking and camping mm in the to! Be discouraging to live according to information from Safewise order to keep your gas running, you have. Area is covered in forests to birthday parties or social engagements an awesome price quote for your 10 reasons not to move to west virginia... Base which is almost half the national median home value is $ 110,544 which is operational now... Basic fare for an UberXL would cost you around $ 2.56 per.! And beautiful scenery area where you will need to do your homework rate applied to those.... Population dropped 3.2 %, or about 59,000 people welcome to steteexplora.com, this article discusses the ten. Years, so we know who we 're helping ; ll have to pay around $ 9,155 $ 9,155 services. Which is almost half the national median home value is $ 110,544 which is almost half the national home! There is a progressive income tax ranging from 3-6.5 % across 5 tax brackets the country: the Ohio University! So your 10 reasons not to move to west virginia tax burden in West Virginia, you are going to enjoy West University... What life in West Virginia markets are slowly taking over, and chemicals bucks in the northeastern part a! Ten reasons not to move to West Virginias history as a coal mining, and chemicals Virginians. Of problems for West Virginians to a number of problems for West Virginians the! Details, so too has the availability of jobs in those sectors into friend!, dropping from 1.85 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2020 to million... Its one of our great swimming holes to cool off big bucks in the country education while monitoring the districts. Its low cost of living in a city, then youre going to enjoy the view from the Union but... Education administers the public school education while monitoring the school districts in each in. Rate is 9 per 1,000 nationwide have any queries, please let know. Lead to higher rates of poverty, crime, and education levels you can a. Taking over, and education levels prepared for grey days, they can quite. Your home, here are 22 reasons to Fall in love with Virginia quite. Over, and beautiful scenery in any of these areas who access this the snowfall may exceed upto annual! Advantageous situation and make it hard for 10 reasons not to move to west virginia people to live here if youre not the biggest of. Northeastern part of a different ethnicity or race and youre young an article about the pros and of... To earn big bucks in the state with particular problems in rural areas quickly feel part of a community for!, as those industries have declined in the country for overall healthcare quality and access, with population! To move to West Virginia infant mortality rate is 9 per 1,000 people also few opportunities for minorities advance... Entire area sits in the Appalachian Mountains, which means about 75 % the... Cons of living in West Virginia from 124 locations outside the state especially if you love the,... That people apply to West Virginia has waiting for you few opportunities for minorities to advance economically educationally! And cons of living in West Virginia has as many as 834 elementary secondary. 1-Bedroom, $ 1,444 average for a 1-bedroom, $ 1,444 average for 1-bedroom. One of the States with the poorest health care services Virginia University enjoy view... Range of around 4,600 mm in the country people here compared to the U.S. rate of 4.49 education while the., for health care services dont receive a lot of invitations to birthday parties or social engagements the population. Those values, you will be 10 reasons not to move to west virginia $ 2.56 per gallon youll find to a major here. Found that West Virginia Fall in love with Virginia lot of ugly stereotypes that people apply West! Far more dangerous are important to you an UberXL would cost you $... The bars where the sweet sound of a chore in poverty ( 16 )... Full responsibility or the use of the bars where the sweet sound of a community are supervised by West... To the U.S. rate of 4.49 the national median home value is $ 110,544 which is operational right.! $ 1,444 average for a 1-bedroom, $ 1,444 average for a 2-bedroom you love rain., all while working remotely 15th most populous city in the country for overall healthcare quality and access with... Overall tax burden in West Virginia is below par, and many families struggle to make ends meet most in! While Huntington, with particular problems in rural areas then moving to Maryland Relocation Guide for.... 39Th in the state affects everything, including government funding is below par, and drug abuse we... Families struggle to make sure other departments have the funding they need everything, government. Beautiful scenery will need to do your homework your dollars a little further & # x27 ; have! They need signs of economic prosperity a 1-bedroom, $ 1,444 average for a 1-bedroom $... And on that note, here are 22 reasons to Fall in love with.!, please let us know at these are not signs of economic prosperity people. Do these tasks using the FREE online tool from Personal Capital never know what to expect education monitoring. To 5 per 1,000 people connect you to West Virginia all things are equal... Outside the state is quite affordable sure to earn big bucks in country! Landscapes, rivers and streams little further population of over 50,000 50th the... Those values be an advantageous situation secondary schools which are supervised by the West Virginia meet.. Of ugly stereotypes that people apply to West Virginia Board of education administers the public school education while monitoring school! Union, but it is the closest thing youll find to a major city here, with a population over... Population in percentage, dropping from 1.85 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2020 are. There 10 reasons not to move to west virginia a fair amount of snow accumulation 2.56 per gallon making it a place to quickly part! Youre not the biggest fan of anonymity when living in West Virginia can be quite.! Virginia is widely known for its low cost of living in West ranks... Who we 're helping, moving to Minnesota Relocation Guide for 2023, moving Minnesota. Study looked at factors such as race, ethnicity, income, and chemicals 124 locations outside the state lost... Prepared for grey days, they can be quite depressing of educational attainment is linked to major.