Moving To State • West Virginia

Moving to West Virginia: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2025
9 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to West Virginia, you’re not alone. The Mountain State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Charleston and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about West Virginia, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to West Virginia to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the West Virginia information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to WV
Top car shippers to WV
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in West Virginia

Like any big move, relocating to West Virginia comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Mountain State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in WV

✓Low cost of living
✓Abundant outdoor activities
✓4 distinct seasons of weather
✓Immense natural beauty
✓Relaxed small cities and towns

Cons of living in WV

✖Dismal economy
✖High rates of crime
✖High rates of drug abuse
✖Shrinking population
✖Lack of diversity

Things to do in West Virginia

Whether you’re moving to West Virginia work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, West Virginia has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.

Popular Attractions in West Virginia

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Snowshoe Mountain
West Virginia State Penitentiary
Seneca Caverns
New River Gorge Bridge
West Virginia State Capitol
Summersville Lake
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Stonewall Jackson Lake Resort
Blackwater Falls State Park

Museums in West Virginia

West Virginia State Museum
The Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum
Heritage Farm Museum and Village
Clay Center
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum
Oglebay Institute Glass Museum
Oglebay Institute Mansion Museum
Huntington Museum of Art
Mothman Museum
Princeton Railroad Museum

Parks in West Virginia

Oglebay Park
Ritter Park
Wheeling Park
Haddad Riverfront Park
Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park
Fort Boreman Park
Spruce Knob
Harris Riverfront Park
Watoga State Park
Heritage Port Park & Sculpture Garden

Fun facts about West Virginia

Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.

These fun facts about West Virginia, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

Chuck Yeager, born in 1923, from West Virginia became the first person in the world to break the sound barrier. He made history in October 1947 when while he flew the Bell X-1 rocket at 700 mph in level flight and crossed the speed of sound. Charleston’s Yeager airport is named after the iconic hero.
When it comes to picking the right capital city for the state, West Virginia found it difficult to make a final decision. Its capital was Wheeling before a decision was made to transfer the capital to Charleston, then Wheeling again before West Virginians finally settled on Charleston.
The state is home to a nuclear bunker designed to accommodate congressmen and women, including support staff if there is a nuclear attack. The bunker’s existence should be a secret but West Virginians have long spilled the beans on the feature hidden underneath the Greenbrier resort. The bunker opened in 1961 and remained on constant alert as a nuclear fallout shelter. However, the bunker is now open for public tours.
Locals know how to provide a special sendoff for falling trees in West Virginia. In 1938, residents hosted a falling ceremony for the largest and oldest white oak tree in the country after it was declared dead.
The state is home to coal houses that provide a unique living experience. It is most likely that West Virginia is the only or one of a few places on earth where you will find livable coal houses.
In 1960, Danny Heater, a local student was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records after scoring 135 points during a high school basketball game.
In 1796, soldiers operating in Greenbrier County discovered animal bones that appeared to belong to a large lion. However, the real identity of the animal was unmasked by an amateur paleontologist who correctly identified it as a giant sloth.
West Virginia hosts one of the world’s oldest rivers, which meanders through the state heading towards Virginia before reaching North Carolina. The New River takes the number two spot after the world-famous River Nile.

West Virginia population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to West Virginia, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Mountain State.

A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in West Virginia, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	West Virginia
Population	1,782,959
Female	50.5%
Male	49.5%
College graduation rate	21.0%
Political leaning	Republican 69-30
Crime index	17.47

West Virginia weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether West Virginia is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if West Virginia aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric	West Virginia
Summer high	83ºF
Winter low	21ºF
Annual rain	45″
Annual snow	33″

Income and cost of living in West Virginia

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in West Virginia.

Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in West Virginia and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($8.6 billion)
Manufacturing ($8.1 billion)
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction ($7.9 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($7.7 billion)
Professional and business services ($6.4 billion)
Retail trade ($5.1 billion)
Construction ($4.5 billion)
Wholesale trade ($3.5 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($2.9 billion)
Finance and insurance ($2.7 billion)

Metric	West Virginia
Average rent cost	$899
Average home cost	$168,172
Average income (per capita)	$55,217
Cost of living index*	90
Unemployment rate	4.2%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	6.5%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in West Virginia

If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what West Virginia has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in West Virginia:

West Virginia University
Marshall University
Shepherd University
West Virginia State University
Fairmont State University
Concord University
University of Charleston
Wheeling University
Bethany College
West Liberty University
Alderson Broaddus University
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Bluefield State College
Davis and Elkins College

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to West Virginia

We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Mountain State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to West Virginia

Before you take the leap to West Virginia, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to West Virginia

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to West Virginia.

West Virginia car insurance requirements

West Virginia’s minimum insurance requirements include liability coverage of $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.

West Virginia drivers license requirements

If you are moving to West Virginia and have a valid out-of-state license, you can transfer it. If your out-of-state license has expired, you must take all the tests and get a certified driving record from the previous state, dated within 30 days of your application.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to West Virginia?

Moving to West Virginia is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if West Virginia is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to West Virginia?

On the cost of living index, West Virginia has a score of 90. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in West Virginia?

The average income in WV is $55,217, and the an unemployment rate is 4.2. Home prices are $168,172, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $899.

What is the downside of living in West Virginia?

Like any place, West Virginia has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Mountain State include:

Dismal economy
High rates of crime
High rates of drug abuse
Shrinking population
Lack of diversity

West Virginia Moving Resources

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