On the other hand, there are some ways to make ends meet here. So tune up your kayak or paddleboat. According to U.S. News, West Virginia is ranked near the bottom. As life moves on. 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. West Virginia is one of the poorest states in the US, with a median household income of only $48,850. Removed from the stress and hustle of big cities. So, thats one strategy for finding work. West Virginia has one of the lowest rates of adults with a bachelors degree or higher in the nation. Not everyone or every place. These are not signs of economic prosperity. A recent study by WalletHub found that West Virginia ranks as the least diverse state in the country. name? In the eyes of native West Virginians. information as accurate as possible. West Virginia is certainly an outdoor enthusiastss paradise, to say the least. Published by admin on January 11, 2023. 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. So, I have summarized them here for your convenience: Author Bio, Disclosure, & Disclaimer: Please join me (Tom) as I try to achieve my goals, find my next place to live, and make the most of my money. The study looked at factors such as race, ethnicity, income, and education levels. In West Virginia, the cost of preschool or kindergarten for one child is 242 dollars. Leading to a shrinking population. Also Read: Top Affordable Moving Companies in America. not necessarily reflect those of movingastute.com. Those persons who access this Before, during, and after your move. 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. To worry about. Its considered a big party school! They also lack proper maintenance after bad weather. Fewer people move to the state, and even those who move are mostly in the same demographics as those currently living there. and states in the West also proved to be popular destinations. But knowing them isnt only to discourage you. The cost of living in West Virginia is very competitive. First of all, more than 90% of the population is white. You will enjoy finding your place to live in West Virginia. You will always have the presence of the mountains in the background as well. But know that costs will vary with location. And a shrinking population. And know each other by name. All these make it undesirable to live in. Lots of Rain. 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. And when youre ready to take a break from all that fresh air, there are plenty of charming small towns with local businesses to explore. Ready to get an awesome price quote for your move? Youll have trouble finding a good school for your kids. If educating a family is important to you. Here, we discuss why you shouldnt move to West Virginia. After all, you get to indulge in everything from rock climbing and mountain biking to fishing, skiing or whitewater rafting. 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 Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III on 7 October 1763. You could get by locally at those rates just not outside of the state. According to recent data from the DHHR, the number of births totaled . West Virginia is among the states with the poorest healthcare, according to a report by the Metro News. .description.active { Consider these tips. If you've left the country roads of . And home to West Virginia University. Youll get to live where the bluegrass genre began. The roads are often narrow and winding, which makes it difficult for drivers to pass other cars. And when the mountains ignite into what seems like 1,000 vibrant colors in the Fall, you'll be swept away by WV's autumnal beauty. Lets start with one of the best things about West Virginia. And with fewer people having money to spend. Since some areas in and around Charleston, Morgantown, and Fairmont. Most homes are listed for sale below $150,000. Are a reasonable driving distance away. The temperature here can drop as low as 33 F (1 C) in January, the coldest month. 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. 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 . It is a fair comparison to put Seattle and West Virginia into the same conversation for the weather. The state is also lacking when it comes to large and modern cities. Paying tribute to Bluegrass music. According to Wikipedia, the state has one of the highest poverty rates in the country. There are many reasons not to move to West Virginia. And the state is great for hunting and fishing too. There are several reasons not to move to West Virginia, which are mostly valid. Then take up residence in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. Will sometimes say they have had a hard time being accepted into their community. West Virginia ranked 3 rd of the 10 best states to retire. First of all, you will always have the mountains nearby. 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. The people at WTSQ in Charleston showed me they aren't hillbillies. The first one is the what we think it will be like to live in Florida when we move there for the pros (the perception), usually based on many 1 week vacation visits. And nearly 75% of the land is forested. So youre thinking about making the move to the Old Dominion? May feel out of place. But, access to regional metropolitan areas. With a population of about 50,000 people. However, this is only half of the story. Come summer time, humidity is just part of everyday livin'. Marked clearly by the four seasons. -webkit-transform: translateX(-50%); In fact, the unemployment rate for West Virginians without a college degree is more than twice as high as the unemployment rate for those who have a college degree. The Amtrak will connect you to West Virginia from around 110 locations from outside the state. Middle Tennessee runs around $400,000. They have a beautiful state with great people. Located on the banks of Lake Erie. These tips and tools work anywhere you choose to live! There's too much snow in the winter. You should also make sure you have insurance on your car and property when you live here. Get instant free moving quotes for your upcoming relocation to West Virginia with our moving cost calculator! Below are top ten reasons NOT to move to West Virginia. Similarly, a Psychiatrist can earn an average salary of around $162,570, whereas Nurse Practitioners can earn an average salary of around $103,170. Proximity to larger cities. The median age in the city is high, and so is the percentage of people above 65. You may fit in okay. Another reason you shouldnt live here is the risk of drug abuse. This is about $15,000 below the national median and more than $20,000 below the wealthiest state. The community places in the bottom third for crime, overall income, and unemployment in the state consistently. But less so than other states. Finally, all written content is the property of Dividends Diversify LLC. A large percentage of the population lives in poverty (16%), and many families struggle to make ends meet. And make it hard for many people to live here. State Taxes - definitely not something anyone looks forward to, but an important thing to think about and prepare for when you move nonetheless. Might be as tough as finding a high-paying job. You can locate some good schools. Although the state sits right up next to the East Coast, youll experience more of a mid-continental climate when you start living here. Buying a house in West Virginia will seem affordable to you as your median house cost would be around $115,000, which is relatively cheaper than the U.S national average of around $204,900 as stated by 24/7 WallSt. } West Virginia is one of the most racially and ethnically homogeneous states in the nation. This is true for both property crimes. In the last few years, people have started to warm up to West Virginia, and today we are looking at the 10 reasons more people are moving to West Virginia than leaving. You'll be mesmerized by the landscapes, rivers and streams. The formation of West Virginia came about during the middle of the Civil War. If you are planning to reside in the city of Charleston, then be prepared to experience around 860 mm of rainfall especially in the winters. "West Virginia people are very independent-minded. Hiking, fishing, and camping are all popular activities in the state, and there are also plenty of nature trails and parks to explore. width: 0; . Consider a town in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. But when it comes to calling this beautiful state home, we wouldnt have it any other way and we think youll ultimately agree. Pennsylvania home values have increased by 4.0% over the past year. For example, Monongalia County, in the northeastern part of the state. We may receive commission from our partners when you click a link, complete a form or call a phone number. If you are not from that one specific area, then you might not ever be fully apart of that community. Every branch has at least one base which is operational right now. "Country roads take me home to the place I belongWest Virginia.". Watch the road. If you like having sandwiches or a toast for breakfast, a loaf of bread will cost you around $3.40. There are plenty of excellent trails and spaces. Huntington is of comparable size, but there are only 14 communities that have more than 10,000 residents in total. movingastute.com. The crime rate for violent crimes in West Virginia is around 3.17 per 1000 people according to NeighborhoodScout. You can check yours for FREE. Here's my top 10 list of moving to West Virginia pros and cons: Low cost of living. Feb. 27, 2023, at 3:16 p.m. WVa Bill Would Give Tax Credits to Ex-Residents to Move Back. But the snowfall in the eastern mountains can go as high as 64 inches (1,620 mm). One of West Virginia's biggest contributor was the fact that the cost of . Where the Music in the Mountains festival is held each year. Best of all? If you are a sports enthusiast, then you have to visit the Bridgeport Recreation Complex, where you get to enjoy baseball and basketball tournaments. 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. Without hesitation. The study looked at factors such as race, ethnicity, income, and education levels. Throughout the article, I suggested some tools. Welcome to Dividends Diversify! 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. So, how about we get to the bottom of this. The state roads and back roads are in bad condition. -moz-transform: translateX(-50%); No wonder the state is nicknamed, The Mountain State. Staff August 2, 2022. January 4, 2021 7432 views. There are widely varying viewpoints. Because you never know. In 2021, people moved to Virginia for many reasons: family (35.8 %), lifestyle (18.9%), retirement (18.9%), jobs (15.1%), and health (7.5%). As with most regions who struggle with employment and wages, West Virginia is trying to manage a problematic heroin addiction in the low-income families of the state. Here are some reasons why they might not want to move here (but reasons that we love it). pointer-events: none; And fewer health care options. The poor economy in the state affects everything, including government funding. After all, there are several other things like your housing expenses, phone bills, food prices and commuting expenses that you will have to meet once you move into a new state. And keeping a lid on the West Virginia cost of living. Allowing you to get more for your money in this state. } Is home to Marshall University. 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. Is an everyday occurrence. The road conditions here are also not that good. Just keep an eye on them. A good state school. If you or a family member are prone to addictions. By maintaining a high credit score. The crime rate here is more than what most people will prefer. Virginia had seceded from the Union, but there were several counties that did not support that action. The states neighbor to the west. While others can rattle off 10 disadvantages of living in West Virginia. Just a few more details, so we know who we're helping. You will have to pay around $6,997 as your income tax, whereas your sales tax will be around $635 as per SmartAsset. In addition, there are a lot of trucks on the road, which can slow down traffic even further. Then be sure to get out to Blackwater Falls State Park. The declining population here means that most places are sparsely populated. 3. Youll want to stop to enjoy the view from the New River Gorge Bridge after moving here. Let's see the reason to relocate to West Virginia in 2022. Quality Health Care. It is 14% cheaper to live here than average in the United States. In fact, the state's median home value is less $100,000, and about one-third of the homes listed in the state cost less than $225,000. With the lack of demand for this natural resource, the jobs that come with it have been disappearing rapidly. The state has a humid continental climate, making for wet and humid summers. Okay. For Ashley, 30, and Sean Noland, 34, finding a stable future was the biggest reason for leaving West Virginia. West Virginia is also known to experience frequent snowfall especially in the high mountainous regions. The people of West Virginia are known for being friendly and welcoming, and its easy to make friends here. Here are a few things and places to consider. just a few clicks away from comparing reputable movers. And you will be within an hours drive. For example, some residents live in the eastern panhandle. So let me explain a little. Located in Harrison County in West Virginia, Bridgeport has a population of as many as 8,149 people. Charleston is the closest thing youll find to a major city here, with a population of over 50,000. But the winter is when you have to worry about. fill:#27267e; With budget movers DMV you'll know all that you need for moving to this beautiful place! 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 are greater than most law-abiding citizens would prefer. On the other hand, if Washington D.C. or Baltimore are your go-to places. 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. Crime is higher than the national average in West Virginia for both property and violent crimes. So, do your homework before settling down. stroke:#FFFFFF; These days, the town has shrunk to 9,889 residents and the economic prospects have dimmed. Although there is plenty of sunshine that will come down on your home, its tough to get beyond the 15% unemployment. There can even be changes that bring out this disadvantage if you cross a county line. And now I love the state. There are a lot of ugly stereotypes that people apply to West Virginians. To the larger cities in the state. For a better life elsewhere. Get them into West Virginia University. Find work, reinvent yourself! Despite the desire not to separate from the Union, West Virginia contributed about an equal number of troops to both sides of the conflict. 1 out of every 4 families in that area is living below the poverty line. 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. Do your homework on health care service providers. You might feel odd living in West Virginia if youre not white. In West Virginia, a tenant is not required to provide notice for fixed end date leases, the lease expires on the last day of the lease (WV Code 37-6-5). West Virginia Economic Outlook. An ideal way to make a comfortable life. An educational website created to help you achieve success one step at a time. One-week written notice unless a different period of notice is . height: 0; any claim, loss or damage arising from the use of the information offered in The state has lost the most population in percentage, dropping from 1.85 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2020. West Virginia is the perfect place for anyone who wants to try something different. Best places to live in West Virginia include Charleston, Huntington, Wheeling and Morgantown, and the state's strong . Many people are seeking an escape from overcrowded cities to the simple country life, and West Virginia provides that in the most ideal way possible. Economic growth and jobs. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) West Virginia 's Senate passed a bill Monday that would give $25,000 in tax . West Virginia tenants have to provide written notice for the following lease term: Notice to Terminate a Week-to-Week Lease. And . West Virginia just has a few more problems than other states right now.Business email: World2Briggs@gmail.comThanks for stopping by The world according to Briggs, I make lists. If youre thinking of moving to Morgantown, your grocery prices will be around 2% lower than the U.S national average. This applies to both property crimes and violent crime rates. You can also catch live music in many of the bars where the sweet sound of a plucked string echoes along the walls. I have another one of the reasons to live in West Virginia. Besides coal mining, there are high-calcium seams of limestone and salt. Might be one of the reasons not to move to West Virginia. Virginia has a growing number of wineries which, if not exactly world famous, provide plenty of fodder for day trips if you live in Virginia. Specifically, for health care costs, access and outcomes. 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. That could mean being on the road for a few hours. } The average cost of living in West Virginia is very low. Next, another one of the good things about West Virginia. To support your West Virginia lifestyle. information assume full responsibility or the use of the information and The weather may differ in various parts of the state. 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. This includes determining the educational policies and rules associated with the elementary and secondary schools. Consider retiring in West Virginia. Specifically, it is a great state for outdoor types of people. 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