Overall, it ranks 31 of the states with the highest crime rate. And save time. The problem is that all things are not equal. That Im guessing is on your mind. The state has a high poverty rate, a lack of jobs, and poor healthcare and education system. Joshua Haley has extensive knowledge and expertise in the moving industry, having accumulated more than seven years of experience through multiple moves between different states in the United States. They also lack proper maintenance after bad weather. Instead, Im a 50-something-year-old, early retired CPA, finance professional, and business school teacher with 40+ years of DIY dividend investing experience. This means that job opportunities are very limited. As some decide to move to less populated, rural areas, West Virginia Executive is here to answer the question, "Why West Virginia?". Younger people leave. Especially higher up in the mountains. This applies to both property crimes and violent crime rates. When determining where to live. See our site policies and contact information. While there are some pockets of liberalism in places like Charleston and Huntington, most of West Virginia is rural and conservative. The roads are often narrow and winding, which makes it difficult for drivers to pass other cars. In the first quarter of 2019, West Virginia actually led the nation in GDP growth. If you moved to Virginia, then the rate would be 2.9%. Come summer time, humidity is just part of everyday livin'. The crime rate for property crimes in the state is around 15.83 per 1000 people, as stated by NeighborhoodScout. On the other hand, Architectural or an Engineering Manager can expect to bag an average salary of around $140,510. Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. To make it better. The military has an extensive presence in the state of Virginia. position: fixed; The Mountain State.West Virginia is a great state. width: 0; It may lead to another one of the detriments of living in West Virginia. Finally, other sectors are trying to pick up the slack. West Virginia is opening up its arms and importantly its wallet to lure in those likely to be working from home for some time after the COVID-19 pandemic.. This leads me to another one of the negatives of living in West Virginia. "I'm a boy from a small town in West Virginia who spent twenty two years dreaming of a way out and every day since looking for a way home," Brad told Good Morning America on October 22, 2021. She is not alone. West Virginia is extremely cheaper to own a house. Below is a simple analysis of the state's housing market: The median home value in Pennsylvania is $198,377. Get Ready to File a Tax Return in West Virginia. Small towns in VA are some of the most charming places in the whole country. Not only do you get to see various historical collections, but you also get to enjoy various educational programmes and musician performances at the museum. line-height: 30px; That arguably is second to none. And if you like living where there arent crowds. If you want to raise a family, this might not be the state to come. Watch the road. With a population of about 50,000 people. West Virginia gets to experience all of the seasons. One day it might be sunny and warm, and the next day it might be cold and rainy. here is more than what most people will prefer. West Virginia is the perfect place for anyone who wants to try something different. Without addressing the bad things about living in West Virginia too. Of course, other industries include healthcare, aerospace, alternative energy, and chemicals. The state has. After you have your retirement finances in place. stroke:#FFFFFF; This means that those without a college education are at a disadvantage when competing for jobs against those who do have a degree. Buying a Home is Easy and Affordable. left: 50%; You will have to pay around $6,997 as your income tax, whereas your sales tax will be around $635 as per SmartAsset. Since lack of access to health care. You may also like: 13 Most affluent black neighborhoods in Dallas Texas. 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. And live wherever you want. Grafton is another challenging community, especially if education is your priority. So, be careful when driving. The best part about living in Morgantown is that you get to experience both the town and city lifestyle. It also has one of the worst commuting experiences in the state. Finally, with a shrinking population. Published by admin on January 11, 2023. But know that costs will vary with location. The median home value is $110,544 which is almost half the national median home value. At least not in the cities. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Finally, potholes are a problem in this state. Immigrants would have initially arrived at a port on the coast. Furthermore, groceries, utilities, and transportation are anywhere between 5-10% lower. Is nearly 60% less than the rest of the country as a whole. More than 21 . If educating a family is important to you. It is clear. Where you can visit Cleveland. Then commute to the Washington D.C. area for employment. So your overall tax burden in West Virginia will be around $9,155. This sites only purpose is general information & entertainment. A bill moving through West Virginia's Legislature would give $25,000 in tax credits to former residents who move back to the state to work. Most of the cities and some of the small towns have a severe problem when it comes to crimes. Crime is higher than the national average in West Virginia for both property and violent crimes. border-radius: 5px; And view the night sky. display: block; A few years ago if someone said they were thinki. max-width: 100% !important; Versus other states in the country. If youre picky about your music, then this advantage may take some getting used to before you love it. 7. So, you are sure to earn big bucks in the state especially if you are in the healthcare sector. Ready for another one of the downsides to West Virginia living? West Virginia ranked 3 rd of the 10 best states to retire. Okay. Due to the sparseness of the population. AuthenticEccentric/flickr. First of all, more than 90% of the population is white. -webkit-transform: translateX(-50%); Renting is relatively affordable as well. The temperature here can drop as low as 33 F (1 C) in January, the coldest month. Then, when the spring temperatures warm. If you're convinced superstores are the best place for produce shopping, you won't be in good company. Similarly, you will be charged around $1,301 as your property tax while your fuel tax will be around $222 as shared by SmartAsset. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to West Virginia. 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. West Virginia life has its drawbacks. And . About two-thirds of its population lives in rural areas. Without hesitation. Almost anywhere in the state, you choose to live. 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. Think about that. 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. background: white; If youre planning to live in West Virginia, you should be ready for the winter. So, how about we get to the bottom of this. There are many reasons not to move to West Virginia. The lower real estate costs can save you some money here too, but that also means there are fewer funds available for public services. Entire communities were built up around the coal industry, so now dollar stores are starting to outnumber the churches. And see colorful hills that stretch to the horizon. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Next, we have some more of the worst things about West Virginia. movingastute.com. And little in the way of new ideas or diversity are created. I post 3 times a week and sometimes live stream. Illegal drug use, overdose rates, and drug addictions are issues here. Furthermore, the median age in the state. "West Virginia people are very independent-minded. Weather marked by all 4 seasons. Sometimes we're forced to stay home and snuggle up with hot chocolate. 2) Is West Virginia a good place to live? A ride in an UberBLACK will cost you a basic fare of around $7. You'll feel compelled to go outdoors. The entire area sits in the Appalachian Mountains, which means about 75% of the area is covered in forests. Healthcare options here are also pretty poor. But like any state. Please enter the verification code you received via Text message. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. in percentage, dropping from 1.85 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2020. In addition, there are a lot of trucks on the road, which can slow down traffic even further. West Virginia, being entirely inland, has no seaports. If you want to live with your family in the center of the state in a three bedroom apartment, you will have to pay around $1,025 per month. That's the message the state is sending to urban residents across the country with a new program that gives remote workers $12,000, and a year-long pass to . The educational system in West Virginia is below par, and so is the academic performance. According to recent data from the DHHR, the number of births totaled . The total area of the state is as much as 24,230 sq mi, making it the 41st largest state in terms of its total area. But the winter is when you have to worry about. With a relaxed pace. Are there tornadoes in West Virginia? cursor: pointer; Far removed from its rust belt roots. 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. The states neighbor to the west. West Virginia is also known to experience frequent snowfall especially in the high mountainous regions. While still others take up residence in the northern panhandle. The top reason people cited for moving to or from Virginia in 2018 was employment, according to the study. For example, West Virginia is one of only a handful of states that does not have a hate crimes law. The formation of West Virginia came about during the middle of the Civil War. For example, in California there is a greater demand for jobs in the technology industry, while in West Virginia the mining and logging industries are still strong. Just do your homework. You can also start your day in a healthy way by having some fruits where a bunch of bananas will cost you around $3.43. West Virginia Economic Outlook. 1. 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. In addition, the state is plagued by drug addiction and crime. CHARLESTON, W.Va. . In West Virginia, or anywhere for that matter. That West Virginia has to offer: And what makes all of these outdoor adventures possible? The Amtrak will connect you to West Virginia from around 110 locations from outside the state. The infant mortality rate is 9 per 1,000 live births, compared to 5 per 1,000 nationwide. Then this state will not disappoint you. While the major interstate highways are fine. And the peace of mind that comes with it. Thus, government services are underfunded. Versus other areas of the country. Because of that, West Virginia was one of only seven states to lose a congressional seat following the 2020 census. Monongalia County has a poverty rate of 25%. Virginia had seceded from the Union, but there were several counties that did not support that action. box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px #eee; Next, I have another one of the dangers of living in West Virginia. And why many young people leave the state. It followed the Treaty of Paris (1763), which formally ended the Seven Years' War and transferred French territory in North America to Great Britain. A big part of West Virginias creative scene and culture. Your email address will not be published. }. Specifically, it is a great state for outdoor types of people. Revolve around its dismal economy. West Virginia is contemplating a big tax break to lure back people who have moved away. Some other good towns to consider for your West Virginia home include: The entire state has a very small-town feel about it. Since an underperforming economy. The state has the fifth-highest rate of uninsured residents in the country. West Virginia is one of the most racially and ethnically homogeneous states in the nation. A program offering $20,000 in cash and incentives for remote workers to move to West Virginia has drawn dozens of newcomers and is now taking applications for a second host . It is a city full of energy and culture. However, this is only half of the story. Although it has great interstate highways that connect it with major cities, thats all there is to the state. But not all of them are good for you. The plan targets people who can . The Mountain State.West Virginia is a great state. z-index: 5; With those highlights taken care of. West Virginia is one of those states. In West Virginia, thats one of the major problems. The job market in West Virginia can be somewhat challenging. And stretch your dollars a little further. So, there wont be any big city traffic jams. So, thats one strategy for finding work. Thank you! That concludes the 5 benefits of moving to West Virginia. The people of West Virginia are known for being friendly and welcoming, and its easy to make friends here. Or you have kids during their formative years. Even the biggest cities in West Virginia are relatively small. For retirees. Beyond the safety concerns, there are still issues with potholes that make them very uncomfortable. If you're not prepared for grey days, they can be quite depressing. In order to keep your gas running, you will have to pay around $2.56 per gallon. That passes through Harpers Ferry. If you've left the country roads of . Will welcome outsiders with open arms. Unauthorized publication elsewhere is strictly prohibited. Moving to Minnesota Relocation Guide for 2023, Moving to Maryland Relocation Guide for 2023. An ideal way to make a comfortable life. You will find numerous opportunities to create a business, start a profession, or offer your services in the public sector. The state has a humid continental climate, making for wet and humid summers. The cheapest bus ticket available for you would be around $1.00, while the most expensive bus ticket will cost you around $143 as stated by Wanderu. Next, here is another one of the perks of living in West Virginia. You can also catch live music in many of the bars where the sweet sound of a plucked string echoes along the walls. There are plenty of homes priced under $100,000 as well. A low cost of living is not always a great thing to have at home. West Virginia has as many as 834 elementary and secondary schools which are supervised by the West Virginia Board of Education. Which means poor-quality schools. City Living, Country Relaxing. The combination means your property tax bill will be one of the lowest you can find. The chances of finding a big entertainment scene are very limited here. Theres also the Jefferson Line that will connect you to West Virginia from 124 locations outside the state. To the cons of living in West Virginia. Especially in the lower elevations. 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. Another problem is that those who dont have a college education tend to earn less money than those who do. It is a stereotype that suggests that residents are socially backward, uneducated, agrarian workers who pick banjos and eat straw. It is considered by many to be somewhat of a hidden gem. Noted for its mountains, rolling hills and many state parks, West Virginia offers a variety of outdoor recreational options that include hiking, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, hunting and whitewater rafting. Furthermore, the state still produces most of the coal used in the United States. Moving from Nashville, Tennessee to West Virginia: $1236 - $2060. Renting a house in West Virginia will be cheaper for you as your median average rent would be around $711, which is way cheaper than the U.S national average of around $1,023 as stated by 24/7 wallst. Are a reasonable driving distance away. Let's see the reason to relocate to West Virginia in 2022. Along with having one the largest percentages of people 65 or older. position: relative; The state has higher crime rates. transition: ease-in-out .4s; Where the Music in the Mountains festival is held each year. Furthermore, you will find many fine sites to pitch your tent. Think again. And the state is great for hunting and fishing too. font-size: 18px; Not surprisingly, this low median income has a number of consequences for West Virginians. About life in West Virginia. There are plenty of excellent trails and spaces. Are in fairly poor condition. It is 14% cheaper to live here than average in the United States. Apart from the nickname The Mountain State, West Virginia was also known as The Cog State, in which COG stood for coal, oil and gas. By maintaining a high credit score. Even more in some cases. Answer (1 of 14): Well, I've lived here since I was two and I can't wait to get out. In West Virginia, thats one of the major problems. 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. Economists and local community . For those looking for a laid-back, stress-free lifestyle. Im Tom. The majority of African Americans in West Virginia live in poverty, and they are disproportionately represented in prisons and jails. That doesnt mean you will find hostile neighbors spying on you from over the fence or throwing bricks through your window. Lets get moving. That means everything is cheaper, but it also creates a job market where wages are lower too. Besides coal mining, there are high-calcium seams of limestone and salt. Farmers markets are slowly taking over, and Virginians are to blame. Consider retiring in West Virginia. His passion for helping people make successful transitions with minimal stress led him to launch MovingAstute.com a website dedicated to provide users helpful tips on making their relocation journeys go as smoothly as possible. If you love rain, then you are going to enjoy West Virginia. See Also: Guide for Relocating to Virginia. The cost of living is around 7% lower than the U.S national average in West Virginia. color: #21669e; Yes. Enjoy..Mailing Address: World According to Briggs 20449 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy # 354 Aloha, Oregon 97003#WestVirginia #Top10Additional FootageSecond-Day AirEric MacomTravel essentials:audible.com: https://amzn.to/2Hip1RsSling Bag : https://amzn.to/2F6gQ97Tablet : https://amzn.to/2HPp8Fe.Travel books you need to read.Blue Highways: http://amzn.to/2fLiF1bTravels with Charley in Search of America: http://amzn.to/2BVcQqr. Using Credit Karma. Get them into West Virginia University. The weather may differ in various parts of the state. When other states were tuning their guitars or playing their pianos, residents in West Virginia were breaking out the fiddles, dulcimers, and banjos. Then use any tips they offer. The amount that West Virginia would give in tax credits to former residents who move back to the state to work. Cost to you, I have another one of the most charming in. Running, you choose to live in West Virginia came about during the of... 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