Thinking of moving to West Virginia? The state has an $83.65 billion economy, with growing jobs in the healthcare, manufacturing, and construction sectors. Thanks to its affordable housing and low crime rates, it’s one of the most desirable states to move to in 2025.
But the move comes with trade-offs. West Virginia faces a high risk of natural disasters like floods and severe storms. Still, many are choosing cities like Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown for their lower living costs and better quality of life.
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AT A GLANCE:
- West Virginia has an $83.65 billion economy, with growing jobs in the healthcare, manufacturing, and construction sectors.
- With a median home price 53% lower than the national average, the state ranks 2nd in the US for housing affordability.
- The cost of living in West Virginia is 10% lower than the national average.
- The state has a progressive income tax ranging from 2.2% to 4.82%, depending on your annual income.
- Expect to pay between $2,200 and $6,400 for your move, depending on how far you’re moving and the size of your belongings.
- West Virginia has a subtropical climate. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold, with significant snowfall in the mountain regions.
4 Reasons to Move to West Virginia
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in West Virginia, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Affordable Housing in West Virginia
West Virginia ranks as the 2nd-most affordable state for housing. The median home price in the Mountain State is $170,114, which is 53% lower than the national average. Moreover, rent in West Virginia also costs 44% less than the US median.
Recent trends of the housing market in West Virginia show that 19.8% of listed homes have seen a price drop. On average, homes now take 7 more days to sell, compared to last year. These factors give buyers more negotiating power to secure a better deal.
2. Jobs in West Virginia
With over 48,000 openings in 2025, West Virginia’s robust economy offers employment opportunities across several industries. Here’s a quick look at the growing job sectors in the Mountain State:
- Healthcare: The healthcare sector in West Virginia contributes around $17 billion to the state’s economy, and supports nearly 54,000 jobs across the state. Roles like nurse anesthetists, physician assistants, and physical therapists are in high demand.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector supports over 48,500 jobs across the state. On average, a manufacturing worker in West Virginia makes $40,171 a year. Production operators, machine operators, and production supervisors are in high demand.
- Construction: The construction sector contributes around $2.7 billion to the state’s GDP, and supports over 34,100 jobs across the state. High-demand roles include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and operating engineers.
3. Low Crime Rates
With a violent crime rate of just 2.65 incidents per 1,000 residents, West Virginia ranks #6 in the country for public safety. The state’s property crime rate is 11.95 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 19.17 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Grafton, Keyser, and Ranson are among the safest places to live in West Virginia. Each city has maintained a crime rate below 1.7 violent crimes per 1,000 residents for the past 3 years.
4. Natural Environment
West Virginia is home to 1,500 miles of trails through dense forests, mountains, and crystal-clear waterways. From hiking the Endless Wall Trail in New River Gorge to skiing and sledding at Blackwater Falls in winter, nature is a part of everyday life in the Mountain State.
The state also has natural wonders like the Lost World Caverns, a vast limestone formation, and Ice Mountain, home to rare plants and year-round ice formations. Plus, West Virginia’s clear night skies, especially in the Monongahela National Forest, are perfect for stargazing.
Pros and Cons of Living in West Virginia
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of moving to West Virginia:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. You have access to growing jobs in the healthcare, manufacturing, and construction sectors. | 1. West Virginia ranks among the bottom states in the country for its education and healthcare. |
| 2. The cost of living in West Virginia is 9% lower than the national average. Housing also costs significantly less. | 2. The state is prone to floods and severe storms, and recent trends show an increasing risk of tornadoes due to climate change. |
| 3. With a rate of just 0.58%, the state has the 7th-lowest property taxes in the country. | 3. Despite its growing economy, job opportunities outside of major cities are limited. |
Things to Know Before Moving to West Virginia 📌
Here are some things to keep in mind before relocating to West Virginia:
1. Cost of Living in West Virginia
The cost of living in West Virginia is 10% lower than the national average. So, you’ll save on expenses like utilities, food, healthcare, and transportation. Housing and rent in West Virginia is also significantly less expensive.
The Mountain State is an appealing option compared to more popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% above the national average.
2. Infrastructure and Transportation
West Virginia faces several challenges with its aging and overburdened infrastructure. 26% of the roads are in poor or fair condition, and over 1,300 bridges are structurally deficient. Additionally, there are 423 high-hazard dams located across the state.
Despite these challenges, West Virginia is actively investing in projects to improve its infrastructure. The state is set to receive $5.5 billion for its infrastructure. Out of this, nearly $2.2 billion, the largest slice of the funding, is dedicated to improving roads and bridges.
3. Climate in West Virginia
West Virginia has a subtropical climate with four different seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 76°F to 89°F. On the other hand, winters are cold, with temperatures between 17°F and 43°F.
The state is prone to natural disasters like floods and severe storms. Plus, due to climate change, recent studies have indicated an increasing risk of tornadoes. Check the FEMA-designated high-risk zones in your area before moving to West Virginia.
4. Laws and Regulations
- Vehicle and Driver’s License Registration: New residents are required to register their vehicle and obtain a West Virginia driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need proof of residency, insurance, and title documents for registration.
- Moving to West Virginia with a Gun: No permit is required for open carry of a firearm for those aged 18 years or older. However, the minimum age to carry a concealed firearm is 21 years. Though not necessary, permits are useful when traveling to another state.
- Recreational Marijuana: Use of marijuana for recreational purposes in West Virginia is not legal. Possession of any amount can result in up to $1,000 in fines, and 6 months in prison.
- Pet Vaccination Laws: All dogs and cats over 6 months of age must be vaccinated for rabies before entering the state. The vaccination must be done by any licensed veterinarian or their assistant practicing in the county.
5. Tax Burden in West Virginia
West Virginia is known to have a moderate tax burden for individuals. Here’s a breakdown:
- Income Tax in West Virginia: West Virginia has a progressive state income tax ranging from 2.2% to 4.82%, depending on your annual income. Cities often levy a local income tax, which brings the effective income tax rate in West Virginia up to 9.8%.
- Sales Tax in West Virginia: With a 6% state sales tax, West Virginia has a moderate sales tax burden. However, cities often levy an additional local sales tax, which can bring the effective sales tax rate in West Virginia up to 7%.
- Property Tax in West Virginia: With a 0.58% property tax, West Virginia has the 7th-lowest property taxes in the country. Cities often levy a local property tax, which increases the overall property tax burden on homeowners.
How to Move to West Virginia?
Before buying a house in West Virginia, follow this step-by-step guide:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you want to skip all the heavy lifting, consider hiring a professional mover. You can expect to pay around $133 per hour. However, this amount can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- If you want to DIY, renting a truck is a better option. The average cost to rent a mid-sized truck with a load capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 lbs ranges between $40 and $80 per day. Be sure to factor in additional charges for mileage, fuel, and insurance.
2. How to Set Up Utilities?
Getting your utilities set up is a straightforward process in West Virginia:
- Electricity and Gas: Appalachian Power and FirstEnergy are the primary electricity service providers, while Dominion Energy is the largest natural gas provider in the state. You can visit their website to check availability in your area and start service.
- Water and Sewer: These services are provided by the city utility departments in West Virginia, along with a few private companies like West Virginia American Water. Visit your city website to find out the appropriate service provider for your area.
- Internet and Cable: Optimum, Xfinity, Spectrum, and Frontier are among the largest internet and cable service providers in West Virginia. Costs typically range from $35 to $80.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in Schools in West Virginia?
Most schools in West Virginia offer online registration:
- For Kindergarten: Your child must be 5 years old for kindergarten and 6 years old for the first grade before August 31. You will need the child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of residency, and a photo ID.
- For Older Kids: You’ll need all the above-mentioned documents, in addition to transcripts and a withdrawal form from their previous school. If your kids are high school athletes, check their athletic eligibility with the new school before enrolling.
- Transfers and Special Cases: These are typically managed by the local school district. You can visit their website or directly reach out to the school district office for assistance in the enrolment process.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- Work From Home: 17% of employees in West Virginia work from home. If you work remotely, just ask your employer about any state-specific tax and employment laws.
- Find a New Job: WorkForce WV is a state-funded agency that acts as a one-stop center for both job seekers and employers. You can also visit job portals like Indeed and LinkedIn to search and apply for jobs in your city.
5. How to Find the Perfect House?
The West Virginia housing market leans in favor of buyers at present. 19.8% of listed homes have experienced price drops, and inventory has increased by 8.6%. This gives buyers more negotiating power to secure better deals.
- In popular cities like Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown, the average rent is around $1,175. It depends on the neighborhood you’re moving to and the available amenities.
- If you plan to buy a home in a popular city, homes for sale in Charleston cost around $160K. Meanwhile, cities like Bluefield and Clarksburg offer even more affordable options, with median home prices of $112K and $119K respectively.
Should I Move to West Virginia?
Yes, you should definitely move to West Virginia. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to West Virginia isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, West Virginia’s best home-buying website, buying a house in the Mountain State is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to West Virginia, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent, Median home price
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to West Virginia, long before the moving boxes are packed.
