Is West Virginia a good place to live? Pros, Cons, and What to Expect

Is West Virginia a good place to live? A quick look at the pros and cons

Yes, depending on your preferences, West Virginia is a good place to live. 

It offers affordable living, beautiful scenery, and a strong sense of community. The cost of living is about 16% lower than the national average, and housing is some of the cheapest in the country, which is excellent for families, retirees, and first-time buyers.

However, challenges exist, like fewer job opportunities, limited healthcare in rural areas, and older infrastructure. Many residents appreciate these as part of West Virginia's charm and enjoy a simpler rural living. The state is also improving infrastructure and creating new job opportunities in energy, tourism, and small businesses.

In this article, we'll discuss why people choose to move to West Virginia, the pros and cons, and important things to consider if you're considering making it your new home.

Major cities in West Virginia

Here are the major cities in West Virginia ranked according to population.

Source: CUBIT - West Virginia Cities by Population (2025)

Pros of living in West Virginia

The following are the advantages of moving to West Virginia.

Affordable cost of living

West Virginia is a good place to live because of its affordability. According to the World Population Review, the cost of living in West Virginia is 84.1, 15.9% lower than the national average of 100%. Affordable housing is available in West Virginia, the ninth lowest in the country, and 43.5% of residents can afford a home. West Virginia offers affordability to its residents across subcategories of cost of living.

Here is a detailed low-cost-of-living index of different categories:

• Groceries: 96.5

• Health: 88.1

• Housing: 78.6

• Miscellaneous: 99.7

• Transportation: 92.2

• Utilities: 89.4

West Virginia’s cost of living vs. the U.S. average

Here's a comparison of the living expenses in West Virginia versus the U.S. average.

Source: World Population Review - Least Expensive States 2025

Rich cultural heritage and communities

West Virginia is nicknamed "Almost Heaven" because of the iconic song "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver. The song includes the line "Almost heaven, West Virginia" and has become an unofficial anthem for the state. It resonated with West Virginians, who embraced it as a symbol of their state's beauty and charm. 

West Virginia has maintained its Appalachian culture since the American Civil War. Most of the population has English and German ancestry, accounting for over 50% of residents. The state's food culture reflects its history and ties to the Appalachian region. It is influenced by subsistence farming, foraging, and hunting, leading to popular dishes like pepperoni rolls, apple pie, and country ham.

Must-visit communities in West Virginia and their cultural impact

Below are the communities you should visit in West Virginia:

• Fayetteville: The city by the New River Gorge has excellent local art, tasty food, and fun outdoor activities.

• Harpers Ferry: This site was the location of John Brown's raid. It features Civil War history and beautiful scenery.

• Lewisburg: A charming, artsy town with Carnegie Hall and a vibrant cultural scene.

• Shepherdstown: West Virginia’s oldest town is known for theater, music, and literary festivals.

• Wheeling:  A former state capital where you can find the Oglebay Park, the Capitol Theatre, and a historic riverfront.

Natural beauty and outdoor recreation

West Virginia offers many natural landscapes and year-round outdoor adventure activities. Engaging in these activities fosters a healthy balance of physical and mental well-being for residents. West Virginia has breathtaking natural beauty, including the awe-inspiring Appalachian Mountains, lush forests, and picturesque rivers. Events like the annual Bridge Day in Fayetteville draw adventure-seekers from all over and offer a unique chance to base jump from the New River Gorge Bridge.

Top 8 things to do in West Virginia

Below are the activities you must do when you visit West Virginia.

1. Explore the New River Gorge National Park for thrilling activities.

2. Visit Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis, WV, to see the stunning 62-foot Blackwater Falls.

3. Discover the historic town at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

4. Take in the views at Monongahela National Forest and Seneca Rocks.

5. Enjoy the beauty of Cacapon State Park near Berkeley Springs.

6. See the picturesque Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park.

7. Experience an adrenaline rush with whitewater rafting on the Gauley, New, and Shenandoah Rivers.

8. Don’t miss the scenic Skyline Drive near Shenandoah National Park.

Real estate market

West Virginia has a stable and affordable housing market. There are 3,504 homes for sale, with 752 new listings this month. The average list price is $220,167, while homes sell for about $208,717. This suggests that many homes are selling for less than their listing price. Houses in West Virginia are cheaper than the country’s average of $357,138.

Average prices of houses

Here’s a table of the average prices of properties in West Virginia.

Source: West Virginia Housing Market by Zillow

Home ownership and low property taxes

A home in West Virginia is quite affordable due to low property taxes. According to the Tax Foundation’s 2025 Property Tax Rankings, the average property tax rate is only 0.55%, among the country's lowest. Homeowners can save a lot on taxes compared to other states. Additionally, West Virginia doesn't have an estate or inheritance tax, which is excellent for long-time residents and retirees who want to keep their wealth.

Low population density

West Virginia's low population density attracts those seeking a quieter lifestyle with more open space and less congestion. A low population density significantly reduces traffic congestion, allowing smoother commutes and less time spent in transit. 

Additionally, small towns offer charm and tranquility, making West Virginia a good place for individuals seeking a more secluded and relaxed community atmosphere. These areas often foster close-knit relationships among residents, providing a sense of belonging and a slower-paced lifestyle that starkly contrasts the hustle and bustle of urban centers.

Pro Tip: Many people dream of moving to a rural area. If you are planning to transport your car to West Virginia, make sure that you contact a reliable company to handle your transportation needs.

Cons of living in West Virginia

We have already highlighted the advantages of living in West Virginia. Here are some of the cons that you must know.

Economic and job opportunities

Although West Virginia's cost of living is lower than the U.S. average, finding a job in the state can be challenging due to the limited diversity of available job options. The key industries in West Virginia include energy, particularly coal and natural gas. As a coal-producing state and a leading natural gas producer, the energy sector drives the state's economic activity.

However, West Virginia's focus on energy production limits the variety of job options available in the market. Consequently, many individuals are leaving the state to explore opportunities in other industries. A broader range of job opportunities, including business, academia, hospitality, and healthcare, is necessary to attract professionals and workers from various fields. This diversity creates more employment options and encourages many people to stay in the state.

Limited healthcare services in rural areas

If you're moving to West Virginia, remember that healthcare facilities can be limited in rural areas. Most major hospitals are in cities, like WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, and United Hospital Center in Bridgeport.

If you're considering moving to West Virginia, consider living in cities like Charleston or Morgantown, where it's easier to find healthcare services. If you prefer West Virginia’s rural areas, like the eastern panhandle or the New River Gorge, ensure you have good health insurance. Additionally, check out the nearest hospitals and clinics for their hours and services.

Subpar infrastructure

One major issue in West Virginia is the poor condition of infrastructure, particularly the roads. Many roads were built over 70 years ago and have fallen apart. The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) manages an extensive highway network, with most of the 38,000 miles being rural roads. In 2017, the death rate on rural roads in West Virginia was almost three times higher than on other streets in the state and nearly double the U.S. average.

The higher number of fatalities is due to car accidents on bad roads. West Virginia has some of the worst roads in the country, ranking third after Rhode Island and Connecticut. The challenging landscape, narrow lanes, and sharp turns make driving dangerous. However, new government-funded construction projects aim to improve the safety of the roads.

Owning a durable car in West Virginia is a must, especially when navigating the long, mountainous, rough roads. There are several car dealerships in West Virginia where you can buy cars suited for West Virginia’s terrain. But if your dream car is only available outside of the state, AmeriFreight Car Shipping can help deliver it.

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FAQs

What are the cons of living in West Virginia?
The cons of living in West Virginia include limited job diversity, rural healthcare access, and aging infrastructure, though many residents value the state's quiet lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Why are houses so cheap in West Virginia?
Houses are cheap in West Virginia due to the state’s low cost of living, affordable property taxes, and relatively low demand in rural areas.

What should I know before moving to West Virginia? 

Before moving to West Virginia, I knew it offered affordable living and natural beauty but had limited public services and fewer urban job options.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in West Virginia?
You need approximately $86,704 per year to live comfortably in West Virginia as a family of four.

What are the safest cities in West Virginia?

Grafton, Ranson, Oak Hill, Weirton, Buckhannon, and Bridgeport are the safest cities in West Virginia.

What is West Virginia known for?

West Virginia is known for its stunning Appalachian landscapes, rich coal mining history, outdoor recreation, and strong Appalachian cultural heritage.