Planning on moving to West Virginia? You’re not alone! More than 43,000 people moved to the Mountain State in 2022. It is also ranked among the top 5 states in the nation for equality and affordability. With this growth, WV’s population has hit 1.7 million in 2024.
The Mountain State has a robust job market, with high-profile offices like West Virginia University and American Public Education. Additionally, the average living cost in the state is $2,220, 58.9% lower than the national average, which appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to West Virginia
West Virginia is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to WV:
| # | Reasons to Move to WV | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in West Virginia is 20.6% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Natural Environment | West Virginia is filled with dense forests, rolling mountains, and crystal-clear waterways. |
| 3. | Safety Index | West Virginia ranks #9 across the country in terms of public safety. |
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in West Virginia is 20.6% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to other midwest states like Illinois and Michigan, where living costs are comparatively higher i.e. 6.3% and 8.5% below the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in West Virginia’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Charleston | $154,120 | $912 | $49.1 | $141.71 | $475 |
| Huntington | $162,500 | $850 | $37.6 | $372.5 | $503 |
| Morgantown | $232,500 | $1,290 | $45.4 | $234.38 | $530 |
| Parkersburg | $153,000 | $937 | $46.2 | $220.0 | $498 |
2. Natural Environment
West Virginia is filled with dense forests, rolling mountains, and crystal-clear waterways. There are over 1,500 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Endless Wall Trail in New River Gorge National Park. In winter, spots like Blackwater Falls State Park are perfect for cross-country skiing and sledding.
The state also has natural wonders like the Lost World Caverns. Its vast limestone formations, and Ice Mountain, are home to rare plants and year-round ice flows. West Virginia’s clear night skies, especially in the Monongahela National Forest, are perfect for stargazing.
3. Safety Index
West Virginia ranks #9 across the country in terms of public safety. Its violent crime rate is 3.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, 22% lower than the national average. Similarly, the property crime rate is 13.4 incidents per 1,000 people, which is also 36% lower than the national average.
Grafton, Weirton, and Buckhannon are among the safest cities to live in West Virginia. Each has maintained a crime rate below 0.9 in the past 3 years.
Cost of Moving to West Virginia 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to WV:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $679 to $4,581
Moving to West Virginia involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- West Virginia moving companies typically cost $133 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to West Virginia.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to West Virginia.
- When relocating to West Virginia, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average cost of utilities in WV is around $486/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in West Virginia. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle is $51.50. A standard title fee costs $15.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Mountain State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown, the average rent ranges between $800 and $1,500.
- However, if you plan to buy, make sure you find cheap houses for sale in West Virginia in your budget. Popular regions like Jefferson County have a median home price of $410K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Clarksburg is $155K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to West Virginia ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to WV, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that West Virginia neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
