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

Also historically known for being one of the country's most economically disadvantaged states, Morgantown has nevertheless recently ranked among the best small cities in the nation to conduct business. It is the home of West Virginia University, and and two large health-care systems serving parts of West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

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.

West Virginia quality-of-life statistics

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

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.

Personal Income Taxes: West Virginia levies an income tax on residents at rates of 3 percent to 6.5 percent over five tax brackets, depending on income and filing status. Residents are required to file income taxes using Form IT 140 by April 15 each year.

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.

Crime : see West Virginia Crime Rates

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

West Virginia Fall Foliage | West Virginia Beaches | West Virginia Tourism

West Virginia Kids Party Locations

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, information 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