If you’re not the biggest fan of anonymity when living in a city, then moving to West Virginia can be an advantageous situation. 5. Joining the Union in 1863 as a free state. West Virginia is also a leading energy-producing state with rich natural resources. The entire area sits in the Appalachian Mountains, which means about 75% of the area is covered in forests. 6. 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. 2020 Places with the Lowest Cost of Living in West Virginia About this List Explore the cheapest places to live in America relative to income. The large swaths of forest in the state turn a multitude of colors that make the mountains become part of your existence. 3. A cost of living index above 100 means West Virginia, West Virginia is … I’m sure we all have our reasons why we love living here. The wife and I are looking at various states to move to and WV keeps popping up on our radar. 1. 8. Therefore, you can enjoy kayaking, skiing, tubing, fishing, hiking and biking nearly year-round. If you love rain, then you are going to enjoy West Virginia. 2. hey!! If everything were equal, then your salary in West Virginia would go much further than it would in California. Recent job growth is Positive. Love West Virginia? Thank you! West Virginia is an interesting state that sits along the eastern seaboard of the United States. Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. 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. West Virginia was last state to get a Starbucks store. There are a lot of reasons West Virginia is a great place to live. 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. Every season is beautiful in its own way when you're living in West Virginia. Explore reviews and statistics on crime, real estate, and cost of living. If you’re picky about your music, then this advantage may take some getting used to before you love it. The population in West Virginia is 1,836,843. I’m sure we all have our reasons why we love living here. It depends. Entire communities were built up around the coal industry, so now dollar stores are starting to outnumber the churches. ... 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. The formation of West Virginia came about during the middle of the Civil War. West Virginia is a beautiful place, but it's hard to "fit in" if you're not from there. After the reconstruction period, the mineral resources of the state would drive its economic wellbeing for more than a century. 7. How's life in West Virginia? #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. You will be a long way away from a larger, modern city. These are a few of mine. 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. It is 14% cheaper to live here than average in the United States. Here are some things you’ll want to know. You’ll get to live where the bluegrass genre began. The unemployment rate in West Virginia is 4.6% (U.S. avg. You’ll want to stop to enjoy the view from the New River Gorge Bridge after moving here. It might be a small town, but it has the worst student-to-teacher ratio in the state. 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. The rolling hills of the state also create places where significant bridges are necessary to facilitate transportation. It doesn’t take long for you to be in the middle of nowhere, even if you live in downtown Charleston. Most homes are listed for sale below $150,000. The different regions of the state provide different delicacies and the climate is favorable to growing tasty produce. See what it's like to live in West Virginia. While we have a lot of natural beauty, the people here really are our best natural resource. West Virginia was a solid Democratic Party state from 1932 until 2000. Like Charleston and Huntington. 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. That means everything is cheaper, but it also creates a job market where wages are lower too. Some communities may not fully accept you after you move. When you look at a city like San Francisco, there is a high level of demand to be in that region. Thank you! You might also look at working in Pittsburgh if you can find a place in the northern panhandle of the state. As mountaineer let … My name is Ray and I'm 48 years old. 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. Although West Virginia has a negative reputation for its education, Jefferson County somehow manages to rise above the other counties in the state with its decent reputation. West Virginia small towns are full of adventure, fantastic food, great entertainment and friendly people. Once you get out of the early days of spring, it tends to rain a lot in the state. There really is something for the entire family. Like the Mountaineers football and the Thundering Herd basketball and Power baseball. Browse West Virginia Real Estate Average Age of Homes - The median age of West Virginia real estate is 43 years old The Rental Market in West Virginia - Renters make up 22.7% of the West Virginia population - 1.9% of houses and apartments in West Virginia, are available to rent DID YOU KNOW It is a fair comparison to put Seattle and West Virginia into the same conversation for the weather. Woodstock,in Shenandoah County, is a beautiful town near the West Virginia border. The unemployment rate is still quite high, but proactive planning can help you to solve this issue relatively easily. Living Blue in West Virginia. The most and least livable states in America (and if you're thinking of moving, Utah is the best place to be) There are a lot of reasons West Virginia is a great place to live. 2 0. Woodstock has a tight-knit community that is active and adventurous. TOP 10 LIST: LIVING IN WEST VIRGINIA ABSOLUTE, DEFINITIVE GUIDE ON HOW TO BE A REAL WEST VIRGINIAN! This issue can become very significant in the rural areas of the state. Maryland's taxes are through the roof and the cost of living is high. If you ask the average person what they think about people from West Virginia, the word “hillbilly” often comes out. In March 2019, West Virginia had a 5.1% unemployment rate for the state. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! If you are not from that one specific area, then you might not ever be fully apart of that community. The cost of living in West Virginia is very competitive. That is why it was given the nickname of the “Mountain State.”. Despite its name, there are actually portions of Virginia that lie further west than West Virginia. It can be 5-6 hours of driving to reach Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, Cincinnati, or Charlotte to have your needs met. 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. Bluegrass thrives in this state, culminating with the Music in the Mountains festival that Summersville holds each year in June. These cities have the lowest cost of living in all of West Virginia. 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 are 5.78 incidents per 1,000 people here compared to the U.S. rate of 4.49. The cost of living in West Virginia is very competitive. Berkeley Springs. (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. If small town life doesn't suit you, we have really cool cities, too. That doesn’t mean you will find hostile neighbors spying on you from over the fence or throwing bricks through your window. 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. 1. Poverty is a significant problem in the state. Although there is plenty of sunshine that will come down on your home, it’s tough to get beyond the 15% unemployment. You’ll fall in love with it just as those of us here at the Summit have. You will receive your first email soon. If you weren’t born in West Virginia, you may not know all of the intricacies of life in the Wild and Wonderful state. Grafton might not offer the best educational opportunities, but it ranks as the safest place to live according to information from Safewise. There are plenty of homes priced under $100,000 as well. 10. Its main highway is I-81, which gives you easy access to neighboring cities and Washington, D.C., itself. Depending on where you live you might be driving on some narrow roads or have a steep driveway. If you moved to Virginia, then the rate would be 2.9%. However, this only applies if you're moving to the rural areas. Growing up in West Virginia has allowed me to appreciate people more and realize that almost everyone knows everyone. West Virginia jobs have increased by 0.5%. 21 Pros and Cons of California Earthquake Insurance, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. More Economy. Cost of living in West Virginia (US) compared to United States. So when you plan your trip to the Summit, schedule a few extra days to enjoy the area. The median home value in the state is currently less than $100,000. Huntington is of comparable size, but there are only 14 communities that have more than 10,000 residents in total. Home Appreciation in West Virginia is up 4.4%. There are also areas outside the city that offer easy access to everything Charleston has to offer. And there's a ton of forestland to wander through. We provide several metrics to compare the cost of living including cost of groceries, transportation, and more. It is a stereotype that suggests that residents are socially backward, uneducated, agrarian workers who pick banjos and eat straw. There can even be changes that bring out this disadvantage if you cross a county line. 5. From hiking to hunting and fishing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy nature in West Virginia. 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. If you love to go hiking, hunting, or fishing, then the open lands and extra elbow room are going to feel like a paradise. Nothing much happens where I live. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to find in West Virginia. You’ll quickly discover that life without bluegrass feels quiet and empty when living here. 4. More Cost of Living or Compare West Virginia's Cost of Living. Crime rate in the mountains become part of your existence moving here are or. Essentially succeed from the New River Gorge Bridge after moving here free state point by! Food, great entertainment and friendly people ll pay about 50 % less than 100,000. Bluegrass feels quiet and empty when living here waiting for you if you ask the average person they! State on June 20, 1863 in Shenandoah county, which means price. 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