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Things to know before moving from Massachusetts to Charleston, WV
Cost of living: Massachusetts vs Charleston, WV
| Massachusetts | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,588 | $875 |
| Average home value | $623,131 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $96,505 | $59,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 4% | 6% |
| State income tax | 9% | 7% |
Charleston sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 45% less expensive in Charleston than in Massachusetts.
- Home prices are about 75% lower in Charleston than in Massachusetts.
- The average income is about 38% lower in Charleston than in Massachusetts.
- Charleston has a higher unemployment rate than Massachusetts by about 59%.
- Income taxes are 28% lower in Charleston than in Massachusetts.
How life is different in Charleston from Massachusetts
| Charleston | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 7,001,399 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 24ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 28" | 47" |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 13.92 |
Charleston sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Charleston is approximately 99% lower than the population of Massachusetts.
- In the last presidential election, Charleston voted Republican and Massachusetts voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Charleston is 86ºF and in Massachusetts, it’s 82ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Charleston reaches the temperature of 24ºF and Massachusetts gets down to 16ºF.
- You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Charleston vs 49 inches of rainfall in Massachusetts.
- In Charleston, it snows about 28 inches annually vs 47 inches of snow in Massachusetts.
- Charleston has a higher crime rate than Massachusetts with a crime index of 53.94 vs 13.92.
Things to do in Charleston
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Charleston.
Museums in Charleston
Parks in Charleston
Sports Teams in Charleston
Universities in Charleston
Other considerations when moving to Charleston, WV
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State licensing: In the Mountaineer State, the state’s Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commission’s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that they’re reputable businesses in good standing. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: West Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to West Virginia. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. When relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers' insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
FAQ
How long does a move from Massachusetts to Charleston take?
The time frame for a move from Massachusetts to Charleston, WV, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Massachusetts, the longer the drive time to Charleston will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Charleston from Massachusetts can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Massachusetts to Charleston?
Because of the 732-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Massachusetts to Charleston as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Charleston, WV?
With the summer highs of 86ºF and the winter lows of 24ºF, most people move to Charleston from Massachusetts during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Charleston during summer or winter.
