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Moving to West Virginia in 2024? Complete Moving Guide
This is a complete guide for Moving to West Virginia.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to West Virginia.
Are you thinking of moving to West Virginia?
West Virginia is a beautiful state with a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community. The state has stunning landscapes, forests, and rivers that offer numerous outdoor activities. There are four distinct seasons in West Virginia where winters are snowy. The cost of living in West Virginia is relatively low and has lower housing and property taxes. The state offers several opportunities for outdoor recreation like camping, hiking, hunting, and more. There are numerous job opportunities in West Virginia but in some regions, the opportunities might be limited. Before moving to West Virginia, you must know some more details, which you can find in this moving guide.
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West Virginia Demographics
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Quick Facts of West Virginia
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Top reasons to move to West Virginia
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Pros & Cons of Living in West Virginia
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Best Places to Live in West Virginia
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Best Neighborhoods in the West Virginia
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Cost of living in West Virginia
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Major industries in West Virginia
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Top Career Options in West Virginia
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Best things to do in West Virginia
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Education System in West Virginia
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Type of insurance required in West Virginia
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Taxes in West Virginia
What are the demographics of West Virginia?
West Virginia is a state in the US with a population of approximately 1.79 million. The majority of the residents are white with a median age of 39.3 years. Most of the population of West Virginia have high school degrees and live in rural areas. Here, we have provided the statistics for the demographics of West Virginia-
Male vs Female Population of West Virginia
| Gender | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 889,576 | 49.2% |
| Female | 905,580 | 50.8% |
Population distribution by Ethnicity in West Virginia
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.2% |
| Black or African American | 3.5% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.3% |
| Pacific Islander | 0.02% |
| Other Race | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 2.3% |
What are some quick facts about West Virginia?
When you decide to move to West Virginia you will be interested in learning some interesting facts about the state-
- West Virginia is referred to as “The Mountain State”.
- The state is home to legendary country singer Dolly Parton.
- West Virginia was once known as the “Moonshine Capital of the World”, because of its illegal liquor production
- West Virginia Day is celebrated on June 20th
- Charleston which is the capital of West Virginia is the smallest state capital in the US by land area
- The West Virginia State Fair is the smallest in the US
- West Virginia ranks as the second-largest coal producer in the US
- The world’s largest salt dome is in the Salt Lick State Park
- The world’s largest wooden roller coaster is in the Silver Streak, Kennywood Park, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
- The Christmas Tree in Buckhannon West Virginia is the largest in the US
What are the top reasons to move to West Virginia?
Relocation is important and it is better to have some strong reasons to move to a new state. In this section of our guide, we have listed the top reasons to move to West Virginia-
- Cost of living- The state offers an affordable cost of living with lower housing costs and property taxes compared to other states.
- Education- The majority of the schools in West Virginia offer high-quality education providing a strong foundation for children.
- Job Market- The job market is stable with several growing industries like healthcare, tourism, and more. There are various government jobs in education, public safety, and healthcare.
- Outdoor recreation- The state boasts breathtaking mountains, stunning landscapes, and several outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping.
- Sense of community- The residents of West Virginia are friendly and have a sense of belonging. The communities host various events and festivals throughout the year.
- Quality of life- The state offers a good quality of life with a safe environment as West Virginia has a lower crime rate.
What are the Pros and Cons of living in West Virginia?
Plan your move to West Virginia after learning about all the pros and cons of the state. If you know about the cons of living in a new state, you will be more prepared.
| Pros of living in West Virginia | Cons of living in West Virginia |
|---|---|
| West Virginia has a relatively low cost of living, and housing and property taxes are low | There are job opportunities in some sectors specially for specialized professions |
| The state is known for stunning landscape, and ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts | The infrastructure can be older or less developed |
| There are ample opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing and more | There has been a population decline in recent years that affects services |
| The residents are friendly and welcoming and have strong sense of community | Winters can be harsh with snow and cold temperature |
| The state experience all four seasons | The state faces challenges with drug addiction that affects some communities |
What are the best places to live in West Virginia?
When you move to West Virginia, you need a safe and growing environment to find your new home. So, for your reference we have prepared a list of the best places across West Virginia along with their population, median home value and unemployment rate.
| City | Population | Median Home Value | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 48,540 | $129,800 | 4.1% |
| Morgantown | 30,963 | $202,500 | 3.8% |
| Huntington | 46,305 | $115,500 | 4.6% |
| Parkersburg | 49,848 | $120,000 | 4.5% |
| Wheeling | 30,517 | $115,000 | 4.3% |
| Beckley | 30,963 | $105,000 | 4.8% |
| Fairmont | 18,506 | $100,000 | 4.7% |
| Clarksburg | 16,268 | $110,000 | 4.4% |
| Martinsburg | 17,368 | $220,000 | 3.9% |
| Bridgeport | 12,414 | $150,000 | 4.2% |
Tip: When you've got a home to move in West Virginia, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.
What are the best neighborhoods in West Virginia?
If you move to West Virginia, you will have several options for neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is unique and has certain features that make it perfect. Here, we have listed some of the top neighborhoods in West Virginia-
- East End- This neighborhood is located in Charleston and is known for its beautiful architecture and proximity to the Kanawha River.
- Suncrest- This is a popular neighborhood of Morgantown which has a mix of residential and commercial properties.
- Marshall University Campus- This Huntington neighborhood is a vibrant locality. The neighborhood has students, faculty, and staff as its residents.
- South Hills- This is a residential neighborhood, and tree-lined streets are the feature of this neighborhood. If you are looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, pick this one.
- South Parkersburg- This is a street-lined neighborhood with residential places. You can consider this neighborhood for finding a family-friendly home.
- Elm Grove- This residential neighborhood of Wheeling has a mix of historic and modern homes.
What is the cost of living in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, the cost of living is lower as compared to the other states in the US. The cost of living is one factor that everyone must consider before moving to West Virginia.
If you move here, you will get lower costs on housing, utilities, and property taxes. Before moving to West Virginia, you can study the cost of living and its related factors through the stats available in the table-
Cost of Living by Categories in West Virginia vs USA
| Category | West Virginia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $125,000 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | $150 | $200 |
| Groceries | $250 | $400 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $500 |
| Childcare | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Entertainment | $200 | $300 |
Median House Price in West Virginia vs USA
| State | Median Home Price |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | $125,000 |
| United States | $338,100 |
Median Rent Price in West Virginia vs USA
| State | Median Rent Price |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | $700 |
| United States | $1,780 |
Housing Market in West Virginia
The housing market in West Virginia is generally affordable. Several factors can result in lower housing costs like lower demand for housing, slower pace of life, and lower property value. The state offers a variety of housing options including single-family homes to luxury properties. The housing market may vary depending on the local market trends, economic conditions, and region.
Average Rental Cost in West Virginia
In West Virginia, the average rental cost is generally lower than the national average. The factors that contribute to lower rental costs are lower demand for rental housing, slower economic growth, and lower property values. The rental cost can vary depending on several factors including location, property size, and amenities.
Median Home Value in West Virginia
The median home value in West Virginia is generally lower than the national average but it can vary depending on several factors. Such factors are the location of the property, size of the property, and proximity to the amenities.
How is the job market in West Virginia?
West Virginia's job market has been experiencing some challenges in recent years. But, there are numerous opportunities available because of the strong economy. The economy of the state is diverse and does not depend on traditional industries like coal mining and manufacturing. Job growth is slower than the other states but opportunities are available in healthcare, education, and government. Here, we have provided some more details about the job market in West Virginia-
Median Income in West Virginia vs USA
| Locations | Median Income |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | $49,000 |
| United States | $70,789 |
Unemployment Rate in West Virginia vs USA
| Location | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | 4.5% |
| United States | 3.5% |
Major Industries in West Virginia
The economy of West Virginia relies on several industries including-
- Coal Mining
- Manufacturing
- Government
- Healthcare
- Education
- Tourism
- Technology
- Agriculture
Top Career Options in West Virginia
West Virginia has several industries that are offering good career opportunities. Despite being a slow job market, it does offer many opportunities for its residents.
In this section, you can check the statistics associated with career options in West Virginia.
| Career | Average Salary (Annual) | Entry-Level Salary (Annual) | Number of Employees (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare (Registered Nurses, Physicians, etc.) | $65,000 - $120,000 | $45,000 - $70,000 | 60,000+ |
| Education (Teachers, Professors, etc.) | $45,000 - $70,000 | $35,000 - $45,000 | 40,000+ |
| Technology (Software Engineers, IT Specialists, etc.) | $60,000 - $100,000 | $40,000 - $60,000 | 15,000+ |
| Manufacturing (Production Workers, Engineers, etc.) | $40,000 - $60,000 | $30,000 - $40,000 | 50,000+ |
| Government (Public Servants, Law Enforcement, etc.) | $40,000 - $70,000 | $30,000 - $45,000 | 35,000+ |
| Construction (Carpenters, Electricians, etc.) | $45,000 - $70,000 | $30,000 - $45,000 | 25,000+ |
| Retail (Sales Associates, Managers, etc.) | $25,000 - $40,000 | $20,000 - $30,000 | 50,000+ |
| Hospitality (Hotel Staff, Restaurant Workers, etc.) | $25,000 - $40,000 | $20,000 - $30,000 | 30,000+ |
Biggest Companies in West Virginia by city and number of employees
West Virginia is home to several companies who has a huge number of employees. For your reference and easy research, we have compiled a list of top companies offering employment in West Virginia-
| City | Company | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Morgantown | West Virginia University | 16,000+ |
| Charleston | CAMC Health System | 10,000+ |
| Huntington | Marshall University | 8,000+ |
| Parkersburg | WVU Medicine | 7,000+ |
| Wheeling | Wheeling Hospital | 5,000+ |
| Beckley | Raleigh General Hospital | 4,000+ |
| Fairmont | Fairmont State University | 3,000+ |
| Clarksburg | Mylan Pharmaceuticals | 3,000+ |
| Martinsburg | Berkeley Medical Center | 2,500+ |
| Bridgeport | United Bank | 2,000+ |
What are the best things to do in West Virginia?
When you move to a new state, you feel lonely in new surroundings. The best way to learn about the new place and feel homely is to explore it and connect with the people.
Here are a few things you can do after moving to West Virginia-
- Explore the mountains of West Virginia, go hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
- Experience thrilling water sports like whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers.
- Visit historic sites like Harpers Ferry, Fort Necessity, and Blennerhassett Island.
- Visit some of the charming towns like Lewisburg, Thomas, and Shepherdstown.
- The state is home to West Virginia’s beautiful state parks such as Watoga State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park.
- Enjoy hot springs and rejuvenate at Berkeley Springs and Hot Springs State Park.
- Explore local cuisine including Appalachian dishes and local breweries.
What are the best schools in West Virginia?
While moving, the education of your children should not suffer, and to ensure that they do not suffer you need to do advanced research about the schools, colleges, and universities.
We have compiled a list of top schools, colleges, and universities in West Virginia-
| Elementary Schools in West Virginia |
|---|
| North Elementary School, Morgantown |
| Ritchie Elementary School, Ritchie County |
| Cheat Lake Elementary School, Monongalia County |
| Suncrest Elementary School, Monongalia County |
| West Teays Elementary School, Putnam County |
| Middle Schools in West Virginia |
|---|
| Suncrest Middle School, Monongalia County |
| Mountaineer Middle School, Monongalia County |
| Winfield Middle School, Putnam County |
| Triadelphia Middle School, Ohio County |
| John Adams Middle Schools, Kanawha County |
| High Schools in West Virginia |
|---|
| Morgantown High School, Monongalia County |
| University High School, Monongalia County |
| Bridgeport High School, Harrison County |
| Winfield High School, Putnam County |
| George Washington High School, Kanawha County |
| Colleges and Universities in West Virginia |
|---|
| West Virginia University, Morgantown |
| Marshall University, Huntington |
| University of Charleston, Charleston |
| Shepherd University, Shepherdstown |
| West Liberty University, West Liberty |
Which insurance is required in West Virginia?
When you move to West Virginia, you are required to have different types of insurance-
Auto Insurance- In West Virginia, all the registered vehicles are mandated by law to have liability insurance. Here is the breakdown of the minimum coverage requirements-
$25,000 for bodily injury per person
$50,000 for bodily injury per accident
$25,000 for property damage per accident
Health Insurance- This is not mandatory for everyone, but having health insurance is highly recommended to cover medical expenses.
Life Insurance- This insurance will provide financial support to your family in the event of your death.
Workers’ Compensation- All employers in West Virginia must have workers’ compensation insurance to cover the medical expenses and lost wages for the employees injured on the job.
Homeowners Insurance- If you are a homeowner, buy this insurance as it will protect your property and belongings against loss or damage from several events including fire, theft, and more.
Renters insurance- This insurance policy covers the personal belongings and liability in case of damage and loss.
Disability Insurance- This insurance will cover income loss due to a disability that prevents an individual from working.
What different taxes are applicable in West Virginia?
If you move to West Virginia, then a resident of the state you will be subject to several taxes. Here are the details of the taxes applied-
Income Tax- West Virginia has a progressive income tax system with tax rates ranging between 2% and 6.5%. Corporations are subject to corporate income tax with a flat rate.
Sales Tax- Most retail sales in West Virginia are subject to a sales tax.
Use Tax- The Use Tax is applied to tangible property purchased outside the state but used within West Virginia.
Inheritance Tax- The state imposes an inheritance tax on the transfer of property upon the death of an individual.
Property Tax- Property owners in West Virginia are subject to property taxes which are assessed annually.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.
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