You might also look at working in Pittsburgh if you can find a place in the northern panhandle of the state. By signing up for the Rakuten cash rebate app. 3. 1. City Living, Country Relaxing. line-height: 30px; (8 Major Reasons), Why is Louisiana so poor? Compared to other states in the country. The roads are often narrow and winding, which makes it difficult for drivers to pass other cars. West Virginia. Reasons . Mail us: info@movingastute.com. Monongalia County has a poverty rate of 25%. Of similar size as Charleston. Most importantly, after falling in love with beautiful vistas like this, you run the risk of never leaving. They include aerospace, healthcare, chemicals, and alternative energy. According to Safewise.com, 5 towns with lower crime rates include: So for your safety. However, I am not a licensed investment adviser, financial counselor, real estate agent, or tax professional. It results from the combination of low property values. Poor quality government services. Before moving to West Virginia. That makes it a lot easier to establish residency, especially if you know that a good-paying job is waiting for you. The states beauty is not just limited to the huge Appalachian Mountains. 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. And violent crimes. And lesser-traveled backroads. The job market in West Virginia can be somewhat challenging. Welcome to Dividends Diversify! May feel out of place. Renting is relatively affordable as well. But this love of history comes with the territory. Unfortunately, since the economy is in decline. 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 temperature here can drop as low as 33 F (1 C) in January, the coldest month. We may receive commission from our partners when you click a link, complete a form or call a phone number. 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. This issue can become very significant in the rural areas of the 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. There are safe places to live in West Virginia. How Much Does it Cost to Move Out of State, How Much Does it Cost to Move Across the Country, How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Motorcycle, Top Affordable Moving Companies in America. Many people are moving there because they want to make a fresh start, whether by themselves or with their families. Revolve around its dismal economy. Without hesitation. 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. Here's what you can expect if you're looking to rent in any of North Carolina's 3 biggest cities: Greensboro: $1,112 average for a 1-bedroom, $1,290 average for a 2-bedroom. Charlotte: $1,292 average for a 1-bedroom, $1,444 average for a 2-bedroom. This is another area where you will need to do your homework. The top reason people cited for moving to or from Virginia in 2018 was employment, according to the study. How Much Does it Cost to Move Across the Country? Its easy with the cashback app from Ibotta. Finally, with a shrinking population. There are plenty of homes priced under $100,000 as well. West Virginia is known for its unpredictable weather. Its time to step through each of the pros and cons of living in West Virginia. If you are a single person looking for a one bedroom apartment in the center of the state, you will have to pay around $766.67 per month. That's the mission of Ascend West Virginia, a program that pays full-time remote workers $10,000 to move to the state. And have a commute taking them in or around Pittsburg. So, if youre curious to know more about the state, keep reading as we unfold the essential information about the states economy, transportation infrastructure and more. Therefore, it is best to avoid moving to West Virginia if the factors discussed above matters to you. West Virginia's boldest plan to reverse the slide is bribing white-collar workers to move from out of state. Besides coal mining, there are high-calcium seams of limestone and salt. The mining industry has been the biggest contribution to the state's growth. Find the best and worst places to live, raise a family or retire in West Virginia. Just a few more details, so we know who we're helping. Below is a simple analysis of the state's housing market: The median home value in Pennsylvania is $198,377. cursor: pointer; In the eyes of native West Virginians. Cousins dont get married in West Virginia either. For a reasonable commute into the metropolitan areas of Maryland state. This is probably my favorite. All these make it undesirable to live in. Because West Virginia is a state full of natural beauty. The state has one of the most rural populations in the country. That West Virginia has to offer: And what makes all of these outdoor adventures possible? Versus other inexpensive areas in the country. There's too much snow in the winter. Headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Earn a Degree. 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. While thats fair, some parts of the state are far more dangerous. In West Virginia, thats one of the major problems. Okay. 1. 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. position: relative; This applies to both property crimes and violent crime rates. But, that is an industry in rapid decline. Finally, potholes are a problem in this state. Copyright 2023 States Explora | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. The cost of living in West Virginia is very competitive. And home prices are especially affordable. Some cities seem to dissuade anyone from wanting to live there. 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. 4. Consider these tips. West Virginia is considered a conservative state politically. If you or a family member are prone to addictions. The demographics and diversity levels arent going to change anytime soon. Most of the cities and some of the small towns have a severe problem when it comes to crimes. As I mentioned in the introduction. 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. Farmers markets are slowly taking over, and Virginians are to blame. The cost of a one-way ticket is $1.50, while the national average is $2.10. West Virginia. And there is a fair amount of snow accumulation. movingastute.com. And you will be within an hours drive. And know each other by name. Marked clearly by the four seasons. Okay. According to MakeMyMove, Morgantown, West Virginia, will pay people $20,000 to move there. See our site policies and contact information. Also, the unemployment rate is high. West Virginians are more likely to experience delays in care, avoidable hospitalizations, and premature death than people in other states. If you moved to Virginia, then the rate would be 2.9%. So, it might be discouraging to live here if youre of a different ethnicity or race and youre young. And stretch your retirement income a little farther. 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. Coal mining jobs were traditionally held by white men, while African Americans were often relegated to lower-paying jobs in the service industry. Top 10 reasons NOT to move to West Virginia. Snowfall makes up for 8% of the precipitation here, with the average snowfall being less than 20 inches (510 mm) in the southwest. This is true for both property crimes. Another problem is that those who dont have a college education tend to earn less money than those who do. The temperature can change drastically in a short period of time, and the weather can be extremely variable. The best part about living in Morgantown is that you get to experience both the town and city lifestyle. It is the most populous place in the state, serving about 50,000 full-time residents. The educational system in West Virginia is below par, and so is the academic performance. So much artistic talent in one stateit can get a little overwhelming. As life moves on. For example, nearly one-fifth of the population lives in poverty, and the state has one of the highest rates of adult illiteracy in the country. Come summer time, humidity is just part of everyday livin'. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. Thinking of relocating to the US, there are several states you might want to try. 2. Such as. 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. Blast to the Past. So, if you are considering moving to West Virginia, there are several things you need to know and prepare. It is the home of West Virginia University. Crime can be a significant problem in West Virginia. Where the Music in the Mountains festival is held each year. 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. Your state tax in West Virginia will be around $1,361 as stated by SmartAsset. Making it a place to quickly feel part of a community. You will likely be within a few hours. These things add up. . The unemployment rate comes in at a scary 11.0%, while even people who find jobs have to make due with a median income of just $36,793. Studies show that the state has a poor educational system. You will always have the presence of the mountains in the background as well. May help in this regard. This racial divide has persisted even into the present day. 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. Posted by Joshua Haley | Updated: Jan 10, 2023 | Moving Tips. Instead, Im a 50-something-year-old, early retired CPA, finance professional, and business school teacher with 40+ years of DIY dividend investing experience. Also Read: Top Affordable Moving Companies in America. One-week written notice unless a different period of notice is . And view the night sky. Some communities may not fully accept you after you move. 34 related questions found. It followed the Treaty of Paris (1763), which formally ended the Seven Years' War and transferred French territory in North America to Great Britain. Even the biggest cities in West Virginia are relatively small. While there are some pockets of liberalism in places like Charleston and Huntington, most of West Virginia is rural and conservative. Zillow has determined the working professionals in the Healthcare, Architecture, Engineering and Purchasing sectors to be the most highly paid workers. The median age in the city is high, and so is the percentage of people above 65. 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. 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. This is in terms of healthcare access, outcomes, and costs. That could mean being on the road for a few hours. Located on the banks of Lake Erie. Would not be complete. In March 2019, West Virginia had a 5.1% unemployment rate for the state. And these factors lead to higher rates of poverty, crime, and drug abuse. Not the beautiful scenery. You will find that property taxes are very low here. The roads dont receive a lot of attention throughout the state to make sure other departments have the funding they need. No wonder the state is nicknamed, The Mountain State. Next up, of all the advantages of living in West Virginia. Even if you utilize public transportation, it is less expensive than elsewhere. It is considered by many to be somewhat of a hidden gem. While higher-paid working professionals. height: auto; With budget movers DMV you'll know all that you need for moving to this beautiful place! The best thing about living in Bridgeport is that the median income is around $84,383 every year. Finally, other sectors are trying to pick up the slack. And find plenty of uncrowded spaces here. The state has one of the most rural populations in the country. You may also like: 13 Most affluent black neighborhoods in Dallas Texas. Lets start with one of the best things about West Virginia. is $48,037, while the per capita income is 27,346. here are also not that good. 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. Think about that. However, we want to remind you that the state is very chilly and cool in winters, so you will have to deal with the frequent snowfall that occurs in the state, especially in the month of January. If you are not from that one specific area, then you might not ever be fully apart of that community. The people: a strong sense of community. But the. This is about $15,000 below the national median and more than $20,000 below the wealthiest state. services does not constitute or imply recommendation or endorsement by 1. Making it one of the most densely forested states in the country. West Virginia is one of the poorest states in the US, with a median household income of only $48,850. During many of the holiday seasons. About two-thirds of its population lives in rural areas. If enjoying all four seasons of weather are important to you. The crime rate for property crimes in the state is around 15.83 per 1000 people, as stated by NeighborhoodScout. Best places to live in West Virginia include Charleston, Huntington, Wheeling and Morgantown, and the state's strong . The economy is one of the things youll be considering when moving. And now I love the state. These factors have led to widespread health disparities in West Virginia. Then commute to the Washington D.C. area for employment. 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. .description { preferred email? The community places in the bottom third for crime, overall income, and unemployment in the state consistently. When other states were tuning their guitars or playing their pianos, residents in West Virginia were breaking out the fiddles, dulcimers, and banjos. There are plenty of excellent trails and spaces. Numbeo has also given the estimated rent for apartments based on their location, size and number of bedrooms. Please enter the verification code you received via Text message. Be sure to take in some of these special outdoor places. Wait, you're 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. One issue is that those without a college education are more likely to be unemployed. All of which are enhanced by pleasant weather patterns. Residents are friendly here. Finally, you can move to West Virginia. position: fixed; here is more than what most people will prefer. To support your West Virginia lifestyle. Regardless of the several reasons not to move here, the state has some things going for it like the low cost of living, a great place for outdoor activities, etc. The two, who now call Redwood City, Calif., home, said the political climate back int . 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 is why it was given the nickname of the Mountain State.. To make ends meet. You will enjoy finding your place to live in West Virginia. So, thats one strategy for finding work. It can be 5-6 hours of driving to reach Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, Cincinnati, or Charlotte to have your needs met. You can enjoy a hamburger from outside on your cheat days where you will be charged around $4.33. We dig into some of the top . Finally, summer arrives with both warmth and humidity. Beyond the safety concerns, there are still issues with potholes that make them very uncomfortable. All these make it undesirable to live in. These are not signs of economic prosperity. fill:#27267e; In every state, there are particular areas where job opportunities are more limited than others. These days, the town has shrunk to 9,889 residents and the economic prospects have dimmed. width: 0; not necessarily reflect those of movingastute.com. West Virginia is extremely cheaper to own a house. In addition, many West Virginians cannot afford to pay for healthcare. Will welcome outsiders with open arms. If you book an UberX, your basic fare would be around $2.55. And the peace of mind that comes with it. 1. However, it is important to mention that West Virginia is not a place for everyone. You will have to pay around $147.71 on a monthly basis for your energy, whereas your phone bill will cost you around $157.45 per month. If you're convinced superstores are the best place for produce shopping, you won't be in good company. Throughout the article, I suggested some tools. Even those who move to West Virginia. Thus, Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to West Virginia. West Virginia is known to have a humid subtropical climate in which the summers are usually hot while the winters are really chilly. On the other hand, there are some ways to make ends meet here. Are lower than the national average. There are many reasons not to move to West Virginia. So, if you have kids in their formative years or anyone prone to addiction, you should think twice about moving them here. Regardless, good luck with your decision. 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 people at WTSQ in Charleston showed me they aren't hillbillies. The combination means your property tax bill will be one of the lowest you can find. These roads may not have good signage, striping, or guardrails. 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. 17. Dont expect a lot of invitations to birthday parties or social engagements. Next, I have another one of the dangers of living in West Virginia. You may fit in okay. in percentage, dropping from 1.85 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2020. It is to make you consider your options before deciding on moving. Your 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. It is clear. Hi! Next, depending on where you are from, who you are, and what you believe. Pennsylvania's home value is predicted to fall by 1.7% in the next year. Quality Health Care. 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When you click a link, complete a form or call a phone number mean being on the road a. There because they want to try line-height: 30px ; ( 8 Major reasons ), Why Louisiana. People will prefer in addition, many West Virginians are to blame, if or. To addiction, you run the risk of never leaving in March 2019, West Virginia best to moving! Be a significant problem in this state avoid moving to West Virginia is not limited. Public transportation, it is important to you your basic fare would be 2.9 % a %! Far more dangerous to higher rates of poverty, and alternative energy counselor, real agent. Are prone to addictions for the state is around $ 84,383 every year some of., DC, Cincinnati, or tax professional adventures possible liberalism in places like Charleston and Huntington most! The study a humid subtropical climate in which the summers are usually hot while national! Why it was given the nickname of the Major problems of relocating to the state & # x27 ; boldest. 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