Welcome West Virginia New Residents!
The Mountain State
Welcome to a state that’s ambitious; it created itself to obtaining territory from another state…only without their permission! With one of the lowest crime rates in the country, a few counties without traffic lights and a law stating that swearing in public is cause for fine (though not acted upon), this is a state known for being a great place to raise a family. With the beautiful Appalachian Mountains as a backdrop and land that is three-fourths forest-covered, there is plenty of nature you’ll want to explore. So get ready to get your hiking boots on!
Relocating to West Virginia: Becoming a New Resident
You’re deciding on where (or if…) to move to West Virginia. The cities you’re likely look at are the largest, which are Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington, Martinsburg, Wheeling, Beckley, Parkersburg, Harpers Ferry, Clarksburg, Fairmont, Bluefield, Lewisburg, Bath, Elkins, Shepherdstown, Princeton, Charles Town, Point Pleasant, Hurricane, White Sulphur Springs, Bridgeport, Ravenswood, Buckhannon, Weirton, Fayetteville and Moundsville.
You’ve narrowed down the town you want to move to…now, let’s make this transition as easy for you as possible! The West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has some important rules to follow, and we’ve outlined the most important steps they require below.
- If you have a license issued from another state in the US, you can convert it to a West Virginia license. Make sure to do so at the DMV within 30 days of taking up residence, potentially having to pass a vision and/or written test.
- It is a requirement to have your vehicle insured in this state. Prices may be different here compared to your old state, so meet with a West Virginia agent to get the best priced quotes!
- Make sure to register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. You can do this registration at your local West Virginia DMV.
- Before your car can be registered, it will need to go through an emissions & safety inspection. This helps keep the air clean and yourself (as well as other folks on the road!) at prime safety.
Neighborhood Information for West Virginia Moving Companies and Moving Quotes
Weather:-The climate here in West Virginia is classified as humid subtropical in the lowest elevations and, as the elevation increases, the climate changes to humid continental. This means higher elevations experience warm to hot summers that are humid. Winters range between cool and cold, simply depending on the level of elevation.
These weather patterns apply to the lower elevated humid subtropical areas as well, only they have weather warm enough to grow plants considered subtropical. These include the American Sweetgum and Southern magnolia.
Population & Cost of Living:-Relocate to West Virginia and join the approximately 1.854 million people residing here.
How much does it cost these residents to live here? It costs about 13.9% less to live here than the average city in America. One of these reasons is low home costs. The median home price here is $110,400.
West Virginia Employment Rate & Economy
The unemployment rate of West Virginia was 6.6% as of Fall 2014, slightly higher than the national average.
Industry wise, West Virginia is a hub of education, healthcare, metals, steels, chemicals, media & telecommunications, manufacturing, hospitality, biometrics, forestry & tourism.
Good news is that business costs are 13% lower than the national average. So money-wise, this state can be a great place for starting your business!
WEST VIRGINIA ATTRACTIONS YOU'D HATE TO MISS
- The New River Gorge Bridge - This spot in Fayetteville celebrates Bridge Day every year in October. People bungee jump off the bridge, parachute off...do just about anything crazy off! Come watch (or be) one of the 100,000 people this event attracts.
- The Secret Sandwich Society - Perhaps you just attended Bridge Day and find yourself hungry. In the mood for a meal that’s unique and incredibly crafted? Come here for something new, like the Truman Sandwich, which consists of turkey, peach jam, blue cheese spread and crispy onions. Order up!
- The Coal House - This spot in White Sulphur Springs is built entirely out of coal. To make sure this is the only place you see coal this year (instead of in your stocking from Santa…) check it out!
FUN FACTS ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA
- There was a community here named Mole Hill. Residents decided they’d take the famous saying to heart change its name to...Mountain. That’s right folks, a Mountain out of a Mole Hill!
- In 2010 a law was repealed that said: A person can be jailed for up to six months for what? Making fun of someone who refuses to accept a challenge! (The question is...why did the repeal take so long?!)
- The very first billboard was put up in West Virginia. So if you are anti this platform of advertising? Blame the Block Brothers Tobacco Company and their campaign in 1908!