It is 14% cheaper to live here than average in the United States. That means everything is cheaper, but it also creates a job market where wages are lower too. If everything were equal, then your salary in West Virginia would go much further than it would in California. My name is Ray and I'm 48 years old. 13 Things You Quickly Learn When You Move To West Virginia. 1 decade ago. You’ll quickly discover that life without bluegrass feels quiet and empty when living here. It's pretty small geographically - easy to get from point A to point B by car. 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. Even the biggest cities in West Virginia are relatively small. And if you love the rain, then you’re going to enjoy what life in West Virginia has waiting for you. The formation of West Virginia came about during the middle of the Civil War. west virginia is quiet in the woods great place to hunt and best of all the most country citys ever it is super nice here. There is money coming into the state to transform its economy right now. The reality of this state is that there is a rich immigration history. The cost of living in West Virginia is very competitive. So when you plan your trip to the Summit, schedule a few extra days to enjoy the area. Being an affordable and accessible area of West Virginia meaning the resident population of 9,200 people are diverse both in terms of ethnic background and ecumenic standing too. ... All of this isn’t to say that these things are going to deeply affect you living here on a daily basis but you’ll see the effects. It’s illegal to marry your first cousin in this state, but it is legal to do so in New York and California. West Virginia ranked 49th in the 2014 State New Economy Index, and has ranked in the bottom three states since 1999. It might cost over $1,200 per month to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Charleston, but that’s the most expensive region you will find. People here love the outdoors, have a unique perspective on the arts, and have a culture that you will love to explore. 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. #9 Counties with the Lowest Cost of Living in West Virginia Current Resident : I have lived in Mason County for a very long time and would just like to point out how close everyone is around here. There are a lot of reasons West Virginia is a great place to live. The colors on the trees are so beautiful. COST OF LIVING Compared to the rest of the country, West Virginia's cost of living is 21.9% lower than the U.S. average. More Economy. You’ll fall in love with it just as those of us here at the Summit have. Virginia is a great place for eaters. It can be 5-6 hours of driving to reach Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, Cincinnati, or Charlotte to have your needs met. Besides coal mining, there are high-calcium seams of limestone and salt. More Cost of Living or Compare West Virginia's Cost of Living. These cities have the lowest cost of living in all of West Virginia. Don’t expect a lot of invitations to birthday parties or social engagements. TOP 10 LIST: LIVING IN WEST VIRGINIA ABSOLUTE, DEFINITIVE GUIDE ON HOW TO BE A REAL WEST VIRGINIAN! West Virginia ranked 48th in the CNBC "Top States for Business 2013" based on measures of competitiveness such as economy, workforce and cost of living—ranking among the bottom five states for the last six years running. West Virginia was last state to get a Starbucks store. Cousins don’t get married in West Virginia either. If you decide to live in Morgantown, Beckley, or Martinsburg, you’ll pay about 50% less than that. Crime can be a significant problem in West Virginia. It also has one of the worst commuting experiences in the state. You can enjoy some of these benefits if you are willing to do a little commuting to find a job from outside of the area. West Virginia is an interesting state that sits along the eastern seaboard of the United States. Listed above are the most affordable places to live in West Virginia with a population of more than 5,000 people. The rolling hills of the state also create places where significant bridges are necessary to facilitate transportation. Huntington is of comparable size, but there are only 14 communities that have more than 10,000 residents in total. See here, a map showing the outlines of two different places: belterz via Getty Images Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you -- those are two different states. But that's not a bad thing. Northern Virginia's taxes are a little better but the general cost of living isn't much of an improvement. 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. 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. Recent job growth is Positive. 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. 8. After the reconstruction period, the mineral resources of the state would drive its economic wellbeing for more than a century. My bottom line is this: It’s true that West Virginia is “Wild and Wonderful!” Come experience it for yourself. From hiking to hunting and fishing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy nature in West Virginia. 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. From Mountain Stage to the Vandalia Gathering to our local bands and musicians, there are always opportunities to hear great music in the Mountain State. The problem is that all things are not equal. West Virginia ranks 48th out of 50 states in survival of acute myocardial infarction. Although the state sits right up next to the East Coast, you’ll experience more of a mid-continental climate when you start living here. Living Blue in West Virginia. The unemployment rate is still quite high, but proactive planning can help you to solve this issue relatively easily. It has a higher cost of living because of those circumstances, which means the price of everything is higher. Here are some things you’ll want to know. I've been living here all my life so I don't know what it's like to live elsewhere. If you live in West Virginia look away now! Joining the Union in 1863 as a free state. Like this party we threw in 2013 for our 150th birthday. Woodstock has a tight-knit community that is active and adventurous. Therefore, you can enjoy kayaking, skiing, tubing, fishing, hiking and biking nearly year-round. You might also look at working in Pittsburgh if you can find a place in the northern panhandle of the state. Folks will give you a lot of grief because of not being from WV. 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 get the picture. West Virginia was a solid Democratic Party state from 1932 until 2000. If you ask the average person what they think about people from West Virginia, the word “hillbilly” often comes out. The median per capita property crime rate in the United States is 27.11 incidents per 1,000 people. While we have a lot of natural beauty, the people here really are our best natural resource. 5.2K likes. WEATHER & CLIMATE September, June and August are the most pleasant months in the state of West Virginia, while January and February are the least comfortable months. Grafton might not offer the best educational opportunities, but it ranks as the safest place to live according to information from Safewise. 1. Home Appreciation in West Virginia is up 4.4%. West Virginia is one of the best places to be on the planet when the autumn season arrives. Once you get out of the early days of spring, it tends to rain a lot in the state. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to find in West Virginia. Because the population centers are relatively small, the tax base for services is lower in West Virginia than in other parts of the country. Some communities may not fully accept you after you move. Living in west virginia with brown roots football shirt Published January 9, 2019 at 960 × 960 in Living in west virginia with brown roots football shirt Trackbacks are closed, but you can post a comment . Depending on where you live you might be driving on some narrow roads or have a steep driveway. West Virginia is also a leading energy-producing state with rich natural resources. (December, 2003) West Virginia ranks third in the nation in overall diabetes prevalence, fifth in asthma prevalence, and first in the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is the most populous place in the state, serving about 50,000 full-time residents. Every season is beautiful in its own way when you're living in West Virginia. The current unemployment rate in the state hovers about three full percentage points above the national average. Many of the communities allow you to rent for less than $700 per month with a two- or three-bedroom place. From white water rafting the New and Gauley rivers to rock climbing and zip lining, there's no shortage of adventure in the Mountain State. Violent crime is also higher in West Virginia than the average rate in the United States. Thank you! The wife and I are looking at various states to move to and WV keeps popping up on our radar. 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. With the lack of demand for this natural resource, the jobs that come with it have been disappearing rapidly. West Virginia gets to experience all of the seasons. 4. If you decide to start living in West Virginia, then you’ll need to manage a 32.11 rate instead. There are a lot of reasons West Virginia is a great place to live. The population in West Virginia is 1,836,843. Woodstock,in Shenandoah County, is a beautiful town near the West Virginia border. That doesn’t mean you will find hostile neighbors spying on you from over the fence or throwing bricks through your window. There are a lot of ugly stereotypes that people apply to West Virginians. 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. Here are some of the best areas to explore. Its main highway is I-81, which gives you easy access to neighboring cities and Washington, D.C., itself. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. It doesn’t matter if your family is from there, that you moved there 40 years ago, or if you are starting a business to improve the economy – this disadvantage applies. West Virginia is sometimes mocked by outsiders. What are the pros and cons of living in West Virginia (I'm a native Washingtonian from Seattle) For many reasons, I am looking to move sometime from Washington State. The mining industries in the state were its most significant source of revenue for several decades. The lower real estate costs can save you some money here too, but that also means there are fewer funds available for public services. 1. I don't know much about West Virginia and was wondering if any of you that live there could give me information, pointers, or just general things to note about you're beautiful state. Renting is relatively affordable as well. Growing up in West Virginia has allowed me to appreciate people more and realize that almost everyone knows everyone. Here are some reasons why they might not want to move here (but reasons that we love it). Charleston, West Virginia is a small city, with a population just under 50,000, which means that no matter where you’re living or staying while visiting, nothing is too far away. 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. It is a stereotype that suggests that residents are socially backward, uneducated, agrarian workers who pick banjos and eat straw. I’m sure we all have our reasons why we love living here. There are 76 people per square mile aka population density. These are a few of mine. You will always have the presence of the mountains in the background as well. The cost of living in West Virginia is very competitive. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! 15 Reasons Why You Should Never, Ever Move To West Virginia. And there's a ton of forestland to wander through. Grafton is another challenging community, especially if education is your priority. COST OF LIVING Compared to the rest of the country, West Virginia's cost of living is 21.9% lower than the U.S. average. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Like at Harpers Ferry, the scene of John Brown's Raid, one of the triggering events of the Civil War. 13 Reasons Living In West Virginia Is The Best – And Everyone Should Move Here. Bluegrass thrives in this state, culminating with the Music in the Mountains festival that Summersville holds each year in June. It is a fair comparison to put Seattle and West Virginia into the same conversation for the weather. At the time, I was in a bright orange suit that I had just purchased to wear to the 1960 National Science Fair, where I hoped my home-built rockets would win a medal. What do you think are the best things about living in West Virginia? 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