If you decide to live in Morgantown, Beckley, or Martinsburg, youll pay about 50% less than that. 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. But understand, in most of the state. So tune up your kayak or paddleboat. Marked clearly by the four seasons. Brad. Not the beautiful scenery. Because of that, West Virginia was one of only seven states to lose a congressional seat following the 2020 census. Then there is Morgantown. Beyond the safety concerns, there are still issues with potholes that make them very uncomfortable. If you are looking to retire in Virginia, taxes aren't really a con to relocating . The Proclamation forbade all settlements west of a line drawn along the Appalachian Mountains, which was delineated as an Indian Reserve. Thus, government services are underfunded. It is possible to get to work in DC if you live in the eastern panhandle of the state. Most homes are listed for sale below $150,000. From 2010 to 2020, the population dropped 3.2%, or about 59,000 people. Im Tom. Living in San Juan city, Texas Pros and Cons. Apart from that, there is the Amtrak Capitol Limited that will connect you to West Virginia from 9 cities outside the state. This sites only purpose is general information & entertainment. How Much Does it Cost to Move Out of State? These are not signs of economic prosperity. And access some of the best mortgage rates you can find online. There are plenty of homes priced under $100,000 as well. If you are a sports enthusiast, then you have to visit the Bridgeport Recreation Complex, where you get to enjoy baseball and basketball tournaments. Some areas particularly have serious issues with opioids, meth, and heroin. is $48,037, while the per capita income is 27,346. here are also not that good. But, all in all. font-size: 18px; in percentage, dropping from 1.85 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2020. Lack of diversity. West Virginia is extremely cheaper to own a house. And why many young people leave the state. Healthcare options here are also pretty poor. Affordability and retirement were two reasons why Susan Mazur-Stommen jumped at the chance to move to West Virginia from Washington, D.C., in 2019. See Also: Guide for Relocating to Virginia. One of the best things about living in West Virginia is the abundance of outdoor activities available. According to Safewise.com, 5 towns with lower crime rates include: So for your safety. To take advantage of the low cost of living. Because you never know. Thus, neither I nor Dividends Diversify can be held liable for losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this website. Required fields are marked *. There are 5.78 incidents per 1,000 people here compared to the U.S. rate of 4.49. 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. That's the mission of Ascend West Virginia, a program that pays full-time remote workers $10,000 to move to the state. Consider a town in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. City Living, Country Relaxing. But the. 2. Grafton is another challenging community, especially if education is your priority. Furthermore, groceries, utilities, and transportation are anywhere between 5-10% lower. Once you get out of the early days of spring, it tends to rain a lot in the state. You can do these tasks using the FREE online tool from Personal Capital. 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. The community places in the bottom third for crime, overall income, and unemployment in the state consistently. May help in this regard. If you're convinced superstores are the best place for produce shopping, you won't be in good company. } Sure, some might call it obsession. Which means poor-quality schools. Your email address will not be published. They will also get $2,500 worth of outdoor recreation experiences and . While the major interstate highways are fine. There's too much snow in the winter. That makes it one of the two smallest state capitals in the country (the other is Carson City, NV). So, there wont be any big city traffic jams. Economists and local community . Would not be complete. List of the Pros of Living in Virginia. West Virginia has become a magnet for remote workers who are interested in trading the daily grind of urban living for an appealing small-town lifestyle. 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. Although most residents are open and will welcome you, not everyone is friendly. 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. Located in Kanawha County in West Virginia, South Charleston has a population of as many as 12,475 people. This is why it's considered to be an "approach with caution" type of state. This is true for both property crimes. The mountains can keep temperatures down in the summer as well. Located on the banks of Lake Erie. You should also make sure you have insurance on your car and property when you live here. However, the mining sector is unpredictable and has a tendency to . From the largest metropolitan areas in the state. Many of the communities allow you to rent for less than $700 per month with a two- or three-bedroom place. 8. The road conditions here are also not that good. WASHINGTON (AP) The Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday that it expects the U.S. economy to stagnate this year with the unemployment rate jumping to 5.1% a bleak outlook that was . In March 2019, West Virginia had a 5.1% unemployment rate for the state. There are safe places to live in West Virginia. 34 related questions found. 5 Ways to Connect Wireless Headphones to TV. Monongalia County has a poverty rate of 25%. Residents are friendly here. Depending on where you choose to live. Oftentimes, older Americans are easy targets of crime, and this could really impact your quality of life if you end up in a place where crime is problematic. The rolling hills of the state also create places where significant bridges are necessary to facilitate transportation. So youre thinking about making the move to the Old Dominion? "Country roads take me home to the place I belongWest Virginia.". 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. So, if you are raising a family. And know each other by name. Get Ready to File a Tax Return in West Virginia. Specifically, for health care costs, access and outcomes. 4. Just because you enjoy small-town West Virginia living. First of all, the median home value is one of the lowest in the country. Youve found yourself one of the best states in the country, complete with unbelievable vistas, charming small towns, and the friendliest folks around. West Virginia has as many as 834 elementary and secondary schools which are supervised by the West Virginia Board of Education. Since some areas in and around Charleston, Morgantown, and Fairmont. First of all, the study focused on the business environment, employment, and growth. And little in the way of new ideas or diversity are created. West Virginia is among the states with the poorest healthcare, according to a report by the Metro News. Since the entire area sits in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. But know that costs will vary with location. There are currently 27 military bases operating within its borders. Do your homework on health care service providers. 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). It is a fair comparison to put Seattle and West Virginia into the same conversation for the weather. People from around the world love these popular words written and recorded by John Denver, but many of them have absolutely no idea what . West Virginia Economic Outlook. Please enter the verification code you received via Text message. Whether youre into hiking, fishing, or hunting, theres something for everyone to enjoy outdoors here. Just keep an eye on them. And these factors lead to higher rates of poverty, crime, and drug abuse. Youll quickly discover that life without bluegrass feels quiet and empty when living here. A top-tier public institution of higher education. services does not constitute or imply recommendation or endorsement by Specifically, the top living in West Virginia pros and cons. Because the employment opportunities are better. So, it might be discouraging to live here if youre of a different ethnicity or race and youre young. As one of the most rural states in the country, West Virginia is a place where residents can truly experience life in the slow lane. Is nearly 60% less than the rest of the country as a whole. Lets get moving. But not all of them are good for you. The top companies here are coal industries and arent what they used to be. At more than 15% of the population. Weather marked by all 4 seasons. And the changing leaves put on a display. This is another area where you will need to do your homework. 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. Some other good towns to consider for your West Virginia home include: The entire state has a very small-town feel about it. If youre picky about your music, then this advantage may take some getting used to before you love it. Crime. And all delicious southern fare, for that matter. The state is one of the poorest in the country. From 2010 to 2020, the population dropped . The Mountain State is for nature lovers. Reasons NOT to move to West Virginia 1. Those persons who access this Every branch has at least one base which is operational right now. Next, get the best deal on a mortgage for your home. And finally, many of the roads in West Virginia are in poor condition, which means that they often become congested during peak hours. It doesnt take long for you to be in the middle of nowhere, even if you live in downtown Charleston. Or you have kids during their formative years. West Virginia is often dubbed as The Mountain State, and for the right reasons. This issue can become very significant in the rural areas of the state. To make it better. As it relates to your budget. Regarding poverty rates, some parts of the state are worse than others. Coal mining jobs were traditionally held by white men, while African Americans were often relegated to lower-paying jobs in the service industry. Help Us Serve you Better! It isn't just cheap real estate anymore. Here, we discuss why you shouldnt move to West Virginia. Answer (1 of 14): Well, I've lived here since I was two and I can't wait to get out. Buying a Home is Easy and Affordable. When you look at a city like San Francisco, there is a high level of demand to be in that region. In every state, there are particular areas where job opportunities are more limited than others. According to recent data from the DHHR, the number of births totaled . information as accurate as possible. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was an important port of entry to West Virginia, but the major port between 1870 and 1915 was New York, where thousands of European immigrants boarded labor trains . West Virginia is also known to experience frequent snowfall especially in the high mountainous regions. There is money coming into the state to transform its economy right now. Love Virginia? } This is in terms of healthcare access, outcomes, and costs. 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. According to U.S. News, West Virginia is ranked near the bottom. Immigrants would have initially arrived at a port on the coast. It may lead to another one of the detriments of living in West Virginia. border-radius: 5px; Since the cost of living in West Virginia is so reasonable. To worry about. West Virginia has long been known as a state with a thriving mining and logging industry. color: #21669e; If you are fascinated by the artistic traditions and various cultures of history, then you should definitely visit the Art Museum of West Virginia University in Morgantown. About two-thirds of its population lives in rural areas. info@movingastute.com, Disclaimer : We have taken every effort to make And thats all I have for today. 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. West Virginia already has one of the oldest populations and is growing older as young people, especially those who are educated, move away- largely because they are unable to find jobs. On the other hand, if Washington D.C. or Baltimore are your go-to places. 1 out of every 4 families in that area is living below the poverty line. Welcome to Dividends Diversify! On the other hand, people of color or international backgrounds. Younger people leave. West Virginia's residential landlord-tenant laws are set out in . Hi! So, if you have kids in their formative years or anyone prone to addiction, you should think twice about moving them here. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. 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