Things to know before moving from Tennessee to Charleston, WV

Cost of living: Tennessee vs Charleston, WV

Tennessee Charleston
Average rent cost $1,047 $875
Average home value $319,208 $153,672
Average income (per capita) $64,035 $59,354
Unemployment rate 3% 6%
State income tax 0% 7%
  • Rent is about 16% less expensive in Charleston than in Tennessee.
  • Home prices are about 52% lower in Charleston than in Tennessee.
  • The average income is about 7% lower in Charleston than in Tennessee.
  • Charleston has a higher unemployment rate than Tennessee by about 88%.
  • Income taxes are 7% higher in Charleston than in Tennessee.

How life is different in Charleston from Tennessee

Charleston Tennessee
Population 48,018 7,126,489
Political leaning Republican 56-42 Republican 64-36
Summer high 86ºF 88ºF
Winter low 24ºF 27ºF
Annual rain 46" 53"
Annual snow 28" 5"
Crime index 53.94 29.24
  • The population of Charleston is approximately 99% lower than the population of Tennessee.
  • In the last presidential election, Charleston voted Republican and Tennessee voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Charleston is 86ºF and in Tennessee, it’s 88ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Charleston reaches the temperature of 24ºF and Tennessee gets down to 27ºF.
  • You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Charleston vs 53 inches of rainfall in Tennessee.
  • In Charleston, it snows about 28 inches annually vs 5 inches of snow in Tennessee.
  • Charleston has a higher crime rate than Tennessee with a crime index of 53.94 vs 29.24.

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 Charlestontoggle

  • Clay Center
  • West Virginia State Museum
  • Avampato Discovery Museum
  • The Art Emporium

Parks in Charlestontoggle

  • Haddad Riverfront Park
  • Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve
  • Cato Park

Sports Teams in Charlestontoggle

  • Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East)

Universities in Charlestontoggle

  • West Virginia Junior College Charleston
  • University of 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 Tennessee to Charleston take?

The time frame for a move from Tennessee 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee to Charleston?

Because of the 441-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.

Helpful moving resources