West Virginia delivers a living experience shaped by history, rugged landscapes, and affordability. Cities like Charleston and Morgantown provide life at a slower pace, while Wheeling stands out with its historic architecture and lower housing costs. With abundant hiking trails and state parks, West Virginia is a good place to live for an active and adventurous lifestyle. Whether you’re contemplating a move to the state or simply seeking insights, this ApartmentGuide article will highlight the pros and cons of living in West Virginia, helping you make informed decisions about your future home.
Renting in West Virginia snapshot
1. Pro: Step into the past with the state’s historic landmarks
If you love history, West Virginia is full of fascinating sites that bring the past to life. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is one of the state’s most famous landmarks, offering a well-preserved glimpse into the Civil War era with restored buildings, museums, and living history reenactments. There’s also Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, which takes you back to the 18th century with its beautifully reconstructed mansion. Whether you’re interested in Civil War battlefields, the coal industry’s impact on America, or the stories of Appalachian settlers, there’s plenty to explore.
2. Con: Getting around isn’t easy without a car
One of the biggest challenges of living in West Virginia is the lack of reliable public transportation, particularly in rural areas. Outside of larger cities like Charleston and Morgantown, options for buses or trains are extremely limited, making a car almost essential. This can be a major hurdle for those who don’t drive, as getting to work, grocery stores, or medical appointments often requires long commutes. Additionally, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft aren’t always available in smaller towns.
3. Pro: Adrenaline and adventure await in the outdoors
The state is home to the iconic New River Gorge, a playground for rock climbers, whitewater rafters, and base jumpers. Every October, thrill-seekers gather for Bridge Day, an event where participants leap off the 876-foot-high New River Gorge Bridge with parachutes. If hiking is more your speed, the Appalachian Trail runs through the eastern part of the state, offering scenic vistas and challenging terrain. Additionally, the Gauley River provides world-class whitewater rafting, while Seneca Rocks attracts climbers from all over the country. Whether you enjoy mountain biking, fishing, skiing, or simply exploring the great outdoors, West Virginia has no shortage of adventures waiting for you.
4. Con: Slow internet speeds keep rural areas disconnected
While major cities in West Virginia have decent internet service, many rural areas still struggle with slow speeds and limited connectivity. In some parts of the state, high-speed internet is unreliable or unavailable, making remote work, online learning, and streaming services difficult. This digital divide can be frustrating for residents who rely on the internet for business, communication, and entertainment. Efforts are underway to expand broadband access, but for now, many West Virginians still deal with buffering videos, dropped Zoom calls, and long loading times.
5. Pro: Communities will know your name
In many small towns, neighbors look out for each other, and it’s not uncommon for locals to stop and chat at the grocery store or lend a hand when someone needs help. Festivals, fairs, and local events bring people together, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s a community potluck, a high school football game, or a church gathering, there’s always something that fosters connections. For those who value a supportive environment, West Virginia offers a sense of belonging that can be hard to find elsewhere.
6. Con: Floods and landslides pose risks for residents
Due to its mountainous terrain and frequent heavy rainfall, West Virginia is prone to natural disasters like floods, landslides, and severe storms. Flash floods are a major concern, especially in valleys and low-lying areas where water levels can rise quickly, threatening homes and infrastructure. Landslides are another hazard, with steep hillsides making certain areas vulnerable to rock and soil movement. These risks have led to costly damage in some regions, and residents often need to be prepared for emergency situations. If you’re considering moving to West Virginia, it’s important to research flood zones.
7. Pro: Live comfortably with affordable cost of living
One of West Virginia’s biggest draws is its affordability. Compared to many other states, housing costs, utilities, and overall cost of living expenses are significantly lower. Even in Charleston, the state’s largest city, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just $881—far below the national average. Homebuyers will also find great deals, with median home prices often lower than in neighboring states. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation are also budget-friendly, making it easier for residents to stretch their income. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a retiree on a fixed income, or someone looking to lower your cost of living, West Virginia offers an financially attractive option.
If you want to learn how much you can afford, using tools like a rent calculator, can point you in the right direction.
8. Con: Aging roads and bridges
West Virginia’s rugged landscape and harsh weather conditions have taken a toll on its infrastructure. Many of the state’s roads and bridges are in poor condition, with potholes, cracks, and structural concerns making travel difficult. In rural areas, some roads are unpaved or poorly maintained, leading to long detours and challenging driving conditions. If you’re planning to move here, expect some bumpy roads—both literally and figuratively.
9. Pro: Nature is always in your backyard
Few states offer the same level of access to nature as West Virginia. Whether you want to hike through the dense forests of Monongahela National Forest, explore the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains, or fish in the winding New River, outdoor adventures are just a short drive away. Camping, kayaking, and birdwatching are all popular pastimes, and with four distinct seasons, there’s something to do year-round. Fall brings stunning foliage, winter offers great skiing in the Allegheny Mountains, spring fills the forests with wildflowers, and summer is perfect for rafting and swimming in the state’s many rivers. If you crave an outdoor lifestyle, you’ll find it here.
10. Con: Mining has left an environmental mark
West Virginia has long been associated with coal mining, which has had a lasting impact on the state’s environment. While the industry has provided jobs and economic growth, it has also contributed to issues like deforestation, water contamination, and land degradation. Mountaintop removal mining has dramatically altered some landscapes, leading to biodiversity loss and habitat destruction.
11. Pro: Heritage that runs deep
West Virginia is rich in cultural traditions, with deep Appalachian roots that are celebrated through music, crafts, and storytelling. The state is home to iconic folk music festivals, such as the Appalachian String Band Music Festival, where musicians gather to perform and preserve traditional sounds. Handmade crafts like quilts, pottery, and wood carvings showcase the region’s artistic heritage, while historical reenactments and storytelling events keep old legends alive.
12. Pro: Rural living means fewer services and longer drives
West Virginia’s rural areas offer peace, quiet, and stunning scenery, but they also come with challenges. Many small towns are far from major cities, meaning residents may have to drive long distances for necessities like healthcare, grocery shopping, and job opportunities. Access to specialized medical care can be especially limited, requiring trips to larger cities like Charleston or Morgantown. For those who enjoy solitude and self-sufficiency, rural life in West Virginia can be rewarding—but it’s important to consider the trade-offs before settling in a remote area.
Methodology : The population data is from the United States Census Bureau, walkable cities are from Walk Score, and rental data is from ApartmentGuide.
