MAIN Home Life House & Home Moving West Virginia

Nicknamed "The Mountain State", West Virginia topography is most noted for being entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range and the state as whole historically known for its logging and coal production industries.

Despite being one of the country's most econonomically disadvantaged states, West Virginia is also highly regarded for its stunning natural beauty and a booming tourist industry, offering no less than eight national parks with countless opportunities for outdoor adventures including fishing, hiking, skiing, rock climbing and white water rafting.

• Demographics : (West Virginia Census Data)
  Major cities: Charleston (capital), Huntington, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Morgantown
  Population : 1,818,470
  White : 95.2%
  Black, African American : 3.2%
  Hispanic : 0.9%
  High school graduates : 80.4%
  Bachelor's degree or higher : 14.8%
  Average household income: $33,993
  
  
• Crime : see West Virginia Crime Rates 1960 - 2005
  
  
• Cost of Living: Sperling's Best Places - West Virginia - Compared to the rest of the country, West Virginia's cost of living is 21.56% lower than the U.S. average.
  
  
• Property Taxes : West Virginia Tax Climate - West Virginia's combined per capita collection amounts to $540, raking it 22nd highest nationally, among the nation's lowest.
  
  
• Housing & Real Estate Overview : see Zillow - West Virginia Real Estate
  Home ownership rate : 75.2%
  Average home price : $139,800
  Average travel time to work : 26.2 minutes
  
  
• Schools : see West Virginia Department of Education
  
  
• Weather : Generally hot and humid in the summer and mild in the winter, West Virginia climate is colder in the higher elevations of the Appalachians with moderate to heavy winter snowfalls.

More about relocating to West Virginia around the Web:

Moving to WV - The official state government guide to schools & colleges, healthcare resources, voter and vehicle registration, national parks & tourism, taxes & real estate.

Wheeling West Virginia - Helpful portal with links to information on city services, local realtors & businesses, schools & colleges, hospitals, churches, tourism.

City of Huntington, West Virginia - Official city Web site with FAQ's and how to's on obtaining building permits, informaiton on area businesses, tourist attractions, local events, and video presentations for those considering a move to the city.

City of Morgantown, WV official website - Guide to city services, area attractions and local events, walk/bike trails, downtown shopping, city history and photo gallery.

West Virginia Real Estate, Apartments & Job Classifieds:

• Charleston : Daily Mail | Gazette
• Huntington : Herald-Dispath
• Wheeling : News-Register
• Morgantown : Dominion Post

also see -> West Virginia Beaches | West Virginia Eviction Laws

West Virginia Fall Foliage | West Virginia Taxes | West Virginia Tourism

West Virginia Wine Tours | Christmas in West Virginia