Moving To State • West Virginia

Moving to West Virginia: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Planning a move to West Virginia? You’re in good company. The Mountain State attracts people from all walks of life—whether you crave the lively energy of Charleston or the peaceful vibe of its small towns, you’ll find your ideal place here.

West Virginia has a lot to offer, but before you jump into buying a home and moving, take some time to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to West Virginia so you can 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

Relocating to West Virginia has its advantages, but there are a few challenges you’ll want to consider as well.

Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Mountain State to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in West Virginia

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

Cons of living in West Virginia

✖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 for 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 check out these spots with your family, or use them as a great way to meet new people if you’re flying solo. With so many options, you’re bound to find something that fits your vibe and helps you feel right at home.

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

Every state has a unique vibe, shaped by its history, culture, and the people living there. Discovering local quirks and traditions gives you a true feel for what life’s really like in each place.

Discovering these fun facts about West Virginia gives you a glimpse into what makes the state special—and might just inspire you to move there, too.

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

Thinking about moving to West Virginia? Go beyond the numbers and discover what life in the Mountain State really feels like.

Opting for a state with a larger population usually means more job opportunities, entertainment choices, and stronger infrastructure. On the other hand, less populated states tend to offer a quieter lifestyle and a tighter sense of community.

Looking at average education levels can help you gauge job prospects in an area and how easy it is to access schools or colleges. On the other hand, a state’s political makeup often highlights its core values and priorities.

Getting to know who lives in West Virginia, what their day-to-day looks like, and what they value can help you decide if it’s a place where you’ll fit in and feel at home.

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

Weather affects daily life in a big way, so it’s wise to factor it in when deciding if West Virginia is the place for you. Checking out the average temperatures and rainfall for each season can help you plan your outdoor time, choose the right gear, and get ready for whatever the weather throws your way.

Blazing summer heat can drive up your energy bills and have you blasting the AC nonstop, while icy winters demand a well-stocked wardrobe and dependable heating. When the snow hits, you could see anything from a light dusting to a major storm that disrupts your plans and daily schedule.

Whether you crave sunshine, cooler weather, or want to steer clear of snowy winters, getting to know West Virginia’s climate will help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.

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

Income and cost of living in West Virginia

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and daily expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical—and budget-friendly—life in West Virginia really is.

Knowing the major industries in the area helps you gauge your job opportunities and long-term career stability. Plus, since housing costs play a major role in deciding whether to rent or buy, they’re a key factor to consider when planning your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers don’t just sit there—they give you a real sense of how your lifestyle compares to what West Virginia offers, so you can move with confidence and all the facts you need.

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 is a key factor in your decision to move, a state’s academic institutions can say a lot about its career paths 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

After looking at 2,756 moving companies—including 9 right here in West Virginia—we teamed up with real people to pinpoint the very best movers nationwide.

If you’re getting ready to move to the Mountain State, check out the top moving companies that can get your stuff safely to your new place—no matter where you’re moving from.

Cost of moving to West Virginia

Before you head to West Virginia, it’s a good idea to budget for your moving costs. On average, you’ll pay about $136 per hour for professional movers. The total price depends on how much stuff you’re moving and how far you’re going—long-distance moves will cost more than quick hops within the state.

How you choose to move plays a big role in how much you’ll spend.

If you’re looking to save money on your move, consider using one of the top moving container companies. You handle the packing and loading on your own schedule, while the company manages all the driving—giving you a perfect mix of flexibility and cost savings without going fully DIY or hiring a pricey full-service crew.

Want to save money? Getting a moving truck rental is your most affordable option. You’ll take care of everything yourself, from packing and loading to driving and unloading.

If you’d rather avoid the hassle of moving yourself, professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this kind of convenience can come at a higher price—so it’s a good idea to compare quotes from several companies to find the best option for your wallet and your 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 requires minimum insurance 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 with a valid out-of-state license, you can transfer it. If your out-of-state license is expired, you must take all tests and get a driving record dated within the last 30 days from the state where you were previously licensed.

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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