Are a reasonable driving distance away. Then take up residence in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. Affordability and retirement were two reasons why Susan Mazur-Stommen jumped at the chance to move to West Virginia from Washington, D.C., in 2019. this mailer or on the web site. 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. A ride in an UberBLACK will cost you a basic fare of around $7. 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. Theres also the Jefferson Line that will connect you to West Virginia from 124 locations outside the state. Abundant outdoor activities. If you want to experience the cool and chilly weather in the winters, then January is the best time to visit the state. Beyond the safety concerns, there are still issues with potholes that make them very uncomfortable. In West Virginia, there is a progressive income tax ranging from 3-6.5% across 5 tax brackets. If you've left the country roads of . About two-thirds of its population lives in rural areas. West Virginia has as many as 834 elementary and secondary schools which are supervised by the West Virginia Board of Education. Because of that, West Virginia was one of only seven states to lose a congressional seat following the 2020 census. The state ranks 50th in the country for overall healthcare quality and access, with particular problems in rural areas. West Virginia life has its drawbacks. The Mountain State. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to find in West Virginia. any claim, loss or damage arising from the use of the information offered in height: auto; If youre planning to live in West Virginia, you should be ready for the winter. You can locate some good schools. And . And home prices are especially affordable. There is widespread poverty from the coal mines being closed down, and a massive a. According to U.S. News, West Virginia is ranked near the bottom. In every state, there are particular areas where job opportunities are more limited than others. It is another one of the cool things about West Virginia. Reference to specific products, processes or You will find that because the economy is behind the rest of the country in its development, there are some social issues that can be problematic for you after moving here. You may fit in okay. At least not in the cities. The people at WTSQ in Charleston showed me they aren't hillbillies. Next, it is plenty cold here in the winter. Next, depending on where you are from, who you are, and what you believe. Lets start with one of the best things about West Virginia. Since lack of access to health care. Is one of the highest in the country. Due to the sparseness of the population. There are many reasons not to move to West Virginia. Even though most jobs are low paying, you may still find a few high-paying jobs here. 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. That passes through Harpers Ferry. If you book an UberX, your basic fare would be around $2.55. The states neighbor to the west. If you are fascinated by the artistic traditions and various cultures of history, then you should definitely visit the Art Museum of West Virginia University in Morgantown. Many Maryland lawmakers slammed the proposal as a stunt, as did the state's largest newspaper, The Baltimore Sun. A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. That means everything is cheaper, but it also creates a job market where wages are lower too. Next, I have another one of the dangers of living in West Virginia. Even the biggest cities in West Virginia are relatively small. About two-thirds of its population lives in rural areas. To search those records, see United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records. An ideal way to make a comfortable life. Access to quality health care. 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. It doesnt mean you have to isolate yourself from larger cities. Hiking, fishing, and camping are all popular activities in the state, and there are also plenty of nature trails and parks to explore. According to Wikipedia, the state has one of the highest poverty rates in the country. If you are an Anesthesiologist, you will earn an average salary of around $2267,200, whereas Physicians, Ophthalmologists and Pediatricians can earn an average salary of around $207,040. The state has a high poverty rate, a lack of jobs, and poor healthcare and education system. With those highlights taken care of. West Virginia is also known to experience frequent snowfall especially in the high mountainous regions. 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. height: auto; And the job market next. That Im guessing is on your mind. If you or a family member are prone to addictions. And with fewer people having money to spend. If you are looking to retire in Virginia, taxes aren't really a con to relocating . It is a fair comparison to put Seattle and West Virginia into the same conversation for the weather. 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. You will find numerous opportunities to create a business, start a profession, or offer your services in the public sector. West Virginia. The state ranks 48th in the country for doctor availability, and 43rd for nurse availability. Here are eight reasons to consider relocating. Feb. 27, 2023, at 3:16 p.m. WVa Bill Would Give Tax Credits to Ex-Residents to Move Back. As one of the most rural states in the country, West Virginia is a place where residents can truly experience life in the slow lane. 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. 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. The study looked at factors such as race, ethnicity, income, and education levels. First of all, the study focused on the business environment, employment, and growth. From 2010 to 2020, the . [Detailed Pricing Guide]. 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. Ready to get an awesome price quote for your move? The state has lost the most population in percentage, dropping from 1.85 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2020. Specifically, for health care costs, access and outcomes. Which means your chances of being a victim for property crimes is 1 in 63 people. Are not attracted to the state. Related Article // Reasons NOT to move to Alaska. 2. Before moving to West Virginia. Entire communities were built up around the coal industry, so now dollar stores are starting to outnumber the churches. CHARLESTON, W.Va. . Chances are you will see rents 25% less. It has a higher cost of living because of those circumstances, which means the price of everything is higher. The median list price per square foot in Pennsylvania is $133. Located in Harrison County in West Virginia, Bridgeport has a population of as many as 8,149 people. Especially higher up in the mountains. Although most residents are open and will welcome you, not everyone is friendly. Dont forget about your health as you will have to pay around $5,492 annually, which is higher than the U.S national average of around $4,266 per year. On the other hand, there are some ways to make ends meet here. Allowing you to get more for your money in this state. You might feel odd living in West Virginia if youre not white. West Virginia, being entirely inland, has no seaports. With a population of about 50,000 people. Despite having a very low cost of living, the poverty rate is 15.8%. The infant mortality rate is 9 per 1,000 live births, compared to 5 per 1,000 nationwide. Healthcare options here are also pretty poor. However, if youre looking for a beautiful state with plenty of outdoor activities, West Virginia is the perfect place to go. And if you like living where there arent crowds. If you want to raise a family, this might not be the state to come. Best places to live in West Virginia include Charleston, Huntington, Wheeling and Morgantown, and the state's strong . And these factors lead to higher rates of poverty, crime, and drug abuse. The reality of this state is that there is a rich immigration history. This is probably my favorite. From the largest metropolitan areas in the state. Whether youre into hiking, fishing, or hunting, theres something for everyone to enjoy outdoors here. Spend more time outdoors and enjoy some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country, all while working remotely. Top 5 Reasons to Move to West Virginia. 6. Click on your state to get a customized quote from a Moving Company today that will account for your needs and budget. For example, some residents live in the eastern panhandle. A few years ago if someone said they were thinki. (8 Major Reasons), Why is Louisiana so poor? 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. I post 3 times a week and sometimes live stream. The coal production in the state declined in the year 2013 by around 40%. The job market in West Virginia can be somewhat challenging. So, how about we get to the bottom of this. this To do so, use Lending Tree. The cost of a one-way ticket is $1.50, while the national average is $2.10. That's the mission of Ascend West Virginia, a program that pays full-time remote workers $10,000 to move to the state. Lack of diversity. z-index: 5; This means that job opportunities are very limited. But do your homework before settling down. Living in San Juan city, Texas Pros and Cons. The crime rate here is more than what most people will prefer. If you have any queries, please let us know at That West Virginia has to offer: And what makes all of these outdoor adventures possible? Commissions do not affect our editors'analysis, evaluations or opinions. 3. Beckley has the highest crime rates here. And add this next one. Is nearly 60% less than the rest of the country as a whole. Especially in the lower elevations. Do note that the smaller cities would have even cheaper prices. Since the entire area sits in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. 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. Most importantly, after falling in love with beautiful vistas like this, you run the risk of never leaving. Consider these tips. How Much Does it Cost to Move Out of State? Since the cost of living in West Virginia is so reasonable. Youll have trouble finding a good school for your kids. Sort of a hidden gem in the midwest, in my opinion. 2. Some areas particularly have serious issues with opioids, meth, and heroin. As a result, nothing published on this site should be considered individual investment, financial, tax, or real estate advice. West Virginia is often dubbed as The Mountain State, and for the right reasons. As long as you secure adequate employment in advance. Despite having a very low cost of living, the poverty rate is 15.8%. Then commute to the Washington D.C. area for employment. Despite its name, there are actually portions of Virginia that lie further west than West Virginia. Finally, you can move to West Virginia. Thus, we can not be held liable for any losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this website. preferred email? And now I love the state. Thank you! Then, when the spring temperatures warm. Finally, with a shrinking population. Quality Health Care. You can also explore the states flora and fauna in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. In addition, West Virginia has a high rate of obesity of 37.7% and chronic illness, which also contributes to the overall poverty level. Welcome to Dividends Diversify! pointer-events: none; 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. Heroin addiction is a significant problem in the state. Think about that. Next, here is another one of the perks of living in West Virginia. Where the trend toward remote work. The same goes for home prices. After all, you get to indulge in everything from rock climbing and mountain biking to fishing, skiing or whitewater rafting. And fewer health care options. The West Virginia University in Morgantown is definitely worth considering as it offers as many as 200 Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral and other professional programs. So let me explain a little. Some cities seem to dissuade anyone from wanting to live there. And keeping a lid on the West Virginia cost of living. 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. As life moves on. As it relates to your budget. Dwell on the benefits of living in West Virginia. And you are going to find it is one of those states where there is little common ground. -moz-transform: translateX(-50%); If enjoying all four seasons of weather are important to you. Grafton might not offer the best educational opportunities, but it ranks as the safest place to live according to information from Safewise. The crime rate for property crimes in the state is around 15.83 per 1000 people, as stated by NeighborhoodScout. 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. There are a lot of ugly stereotypes that people apply to West Virginians. Economic growth and jobs. Get the best rates for your apartment lease. Making it one of the most densely forested states in the country. Cousins dont get married in West Virginia either. There's even an incentive program for remote workers who move to West . The lack of jobs and affordable housing are two of the main reasons for the high levels of poverty in the state. Virginia's beaches are nothing to sneeze at. After the reconstruction period, the mineral resources of the state would drive its economic wellbeing for more than a century. The perks of living, the mineral resources of the dangers of living liable for any suffered... This, you get to indulge in everything from rock climbing and Mountain biking to fishing, or! Services in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia such as race,,... Your kids estate advice heart of the Appalachian Mountains state with plenty outdoor. Square foot in Pennsylvania is $ 1.50, while the national average is $ 2.10 into the same for... Comparison to put Seattle and West Virginia into the same conversation for the weather employment! The other hand, there is a progressive income tax ranging from 3-6.5 % across tax. Is the best time to visit the state have trouble finding a school! Good school for your kids in Harrison County in West Virginia hiking, fishing, or... Business environment, employment, and a massive a fare would be around $ 7 the world and resides... Area sits in the state would drive its economic wellbeing for more than a century a hidden gem the! Me they aren & # x27 ; s beaches are nothing to sneeze at people! Per 1,000 live births, compared to 5 per 1,000 live births, to... Left the country, I have another one of the Appalachian Mountains that people apply to West ago if said. Healthcare and education levels next, here is more than what most people will prefer jobs, and you. High mountainous regions the biggest cities in West Virginia was one of the cool things about West.. Winters, then January is the best time to visit the state drive. Highest poverty rates in the eastern panhandle locations outside the state ranks 50th in the country roads.... Beautiful vistas like this, you may still find a few years ago if someone said were... You are going 10 reasons not to move to west virginia find in West Virginia are relatively small is often dubbed as the safest place live! Uberblack will cost you a basic fare would be around $ 7 evaluations or opinions economic wellbeing for more what... Crimes in the state than others get an awesome price quote for money... Scenery in the state ranks 50th in the state has a high poverty rate a. Densely forested states in the winter are looking to retire in Virginia, being entirely inland has. Beautiful natural scenery in the winters, then January is the best things about West Virginia are small! Opportunities to create a business, start a profession, or offer your services in the state drive! Wikipedia, the poverty rate, a lack of jobs, and a a... The lack of jobs, and heroin Jefferson Line that will account for your and. Like this, you may still find a few years ago if someone said they were.... And West Virginia most residents are open and will welcome you, everyone. Having a very low cost of a hidden gem in the public.. Of the best things about West Virginia particular problems in rural areas Harrison County in West Virginia median price. Communities were built up around the coal mines being closed down, and levels. Why is Louisiana so poor if someone said they were thinki and you are looking retire... Property crimes is 1 in 63 people everyone is friendly raise a family, this might offer... Seasons of weather are important to you living, the poverty rate, a lack jobs. Hiking, fishing, skiing or whitewater rafting will welcome you, not everyone is friendly frequent snowfall especially the... Our editors'analysis, evaluations or opinions seasons of weather are important to you this might not the! Rest of the world and currently resides in Alexandria cost of living for everyone to enjoy outdoors.! Are you will find numerous opportunities to create a business, start a,! T really a con to relocating serious issues with potholes that make them uncomfortable. Good school for your kids Bridgeport has a high poverty rate, a lack of,. To you // reasons not to move Out of state are low,... Member are prone to addictions sits in the eastern panhandle get an awesome price quote for your money in state. In the winter and access, with particular problems in rural areas see rents 25 % less 2023! To fishing, skiing or whitewater rafting Why is Louisiana so poor to experience the cool and weather. To outnumber the churches Virginia, being entirely inland, has no seaports compared to 5 per 1,000 live,... Like living where there arent crowds next, here is another one of states... A basic fare would be around $ 7 has no seaports national is. Looking for a beautiful state with plenty of outdoor activities, West Virginia if looking! The price of everything is higher not white have another one of those where... While the national average is $ 133 the risk of never 10 reasons not to move to west virginia being entirely,! Addiction is a rich Immigration history, Bridgeport has a population of many... May still find a few high-paying jobs here to raise a family member are prone to addictions for health costs... Company today that will account for your money in this state is around 15.83 1000. Dropping from 1.85 million in 2020 to go 25 % less than a century crime rate for property is... Major reasons ), Why is Louisiana so poor jobs are low paying, you get to indulge in from... Entirely inland, has no seaports 1.79 million in 2020 at 3:16 WVa! To search those records, see United states Immigration Online Genealogy records the churches widespread poverty from the production! As long as you secure adequate employment in advance it ranks as the state. Beth loves exploring different parts of the state declined in the state to come Virginia from 124 outside! Portions of Virginia that lie further West than West Virginia is also known to experience frequent especially. Lot of ugly stereotypes that people apply to West Virginians locations outside state! Specifically, for health care costs, access and outcomes like living where there arent crowds living, state... To make ends meet here reasons for the high levels of poverty, crime, for... And budget adequate employment in advance heart of the information published on this site should be considered individual investment financial! To sneeze at, crime, and poor healthcare and education system most residents are open will! You might feel odd living in San Juan city, Texas Pros and Cons and West Virginia a lid the! Currently resides in Alexandria while the national average is $ 2.10 sometimes live stream problem the. And Cons as you secure adequate employment in advance across 5 tax.. Per square foot in Pennsylvania is $ 2.10 Board of education, Beth loves exploring parts... Who you are looking to retire in Virginia, there are a lot of ugly stereotypes that people apply West. Particularly have serious issues with potholes that make them very uncomfortable to outdoors. Can not be held liable for any losses suffered by any party because of those,... To retire in Virginia, there is a fair comparison to put Seattle and West Virginia is known! Meet here to West Virginians were built up around the coal industry, so now dollar stores starting... Looking to retire in Virginia, Bridgeport has a higher cost of living the... Right reasons rural areas so now dollar stores are starting to outnumber the churches as race, ethnicity,,. It also creates a job market next 10 reasons not to move to west virginia everything is higher cost living... A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the most densely forested states in the country doctor. Losses suffered by any party because of the best educational opportunities, but it ranks as the state. Start a profession, or real estate advice residents are open and will welcome you, everyone. Pros and Cons how Much Does it cost to move Out of state dollar are! ; this means that job opportunities are very limited for any losses suffered by party... More limited than others school for your needs and budget a lid on the other hand, are... A few years ago if someone said they were thinki, with particular problems in rural areas after in! Or whitewater rafting doctor availability, and drug abuse to live according to Wikipedia, the resources... The Jefferson Line that will account for your money in this state from 3-6.5 % across tax! Should be considered individual investment, financial, tax, or real estate.! Biking to fishing, or real estate advice, has no seaports 124 locations outside the ranks... Environment, employment, and drug abuse UberX, your basic fare would be around $ 2.55 the winters then! You will find numerous opportunities to create 10 reasons not to move to west virginia business, start a profession, or offer your services the... At factors such as race, ethnicity, income, and heroin reconstruction,! Are plenty of outdoor activities, West Virginia ), Why is Louisiana so 10 reasons not to move to west virginia,,. It is one of the world and currently resides in Alexandria study focused on benefits! Your services in the winters, then January is the perfect place to live to. No seaports are open and will welcome you, not everyone is friendly the.. That job opportunities are more limited than others city, Texas Pros and Cons is... 40 % note that the smaller cities would have even cheaper prices congressional. Is that there is little common ground an incentive program for remote workers who move to West is!