Newlyweds moving to WV (Charleston, Huntington: property taxes, tornado, insurance)

[TethMaw]

Greetings! I've been reading many posts and topics on people moving to West Virginia and the responses from the members. I decided to jump into the fray as well. Can anyone shed light on our situation?

My wife and I do not handle heat very well at all. We live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the summer of 2006, we had 100 days over 100 degrees. It was murder. We really don't care for Oklahoma's heat, flat land, among a multitude of other things.

My sister lives near DC and she suggested West Virginia for it's lower cost of living and beautiful scenery. We love mountains, and cool weather. She's from Alaska, and I'm from Germany. So Oklahoma doesn't really suit us.

My dilemma is that I've read alot about West Virginia, and I can't seem to get a clear picture, because one person says it's great for these reasons, and another...well, the opposite. My wife does ail from FMS, plus some other medical conditions, so decent healthcare would definitely be a plus.

Any questions about what we're looking for? We want to move as soon as possible, and we're taking a drive through WV from west to east on my way to see my sister in Virginia. We understand that you can't just go off numbers and what other people say, but I'm sure everyone here could lend some helpful information and be a great asset to our dream of leaving Oklahoma.

Any info would be appreciated.

God bless,

Teth

[tom chasler]

Teth,
I live near w va and the answer you want depends on what you are looking for. I have a house in w va in the ski area and its beautiful .,quiet and scenic. Very cold and isolated in the winter. If you are a newly wed I would assume you are under 35 and there is not much job opportunity in w va. .The schools are not very good and the education and health standards are some of the lowest inthe county. Be that as it may, if you want isolation and beauty then the mountains are a great find.
You may want to look closer to winchester , va which is a small town of 75,000 population area or martinburg w va which has a train to dc and is growing.
Good luck
t c

[WV gram]

As with any other state, there are good points and bad. Yes, we do have some areas of the state that are below the middle line as far as schools, weather, employment and employment opportunities, etc., but far and wide, WV is a good place to live. I live in the northern panhandle, right in between Pa. and Ohio. I have had cancer, (7 years cancer-free now) and I had the very best care one could possibly have. My daughter has rheumatoid arthritis and has the most fantastic doctor who is taking excellant care of her condition. We have very good doctors and facilities in WV and especially in the area in which we live. I have raised 2 children here (they are grown now) and my grandchildren are being raised here. The school system is very good. Teachers and principals are very devoted to the education of our children and it shows in the way our children are advancing. Sure, you do have children who are not where they should be educationally, but you cannot always blame the schools for that. You have to look at the parental teachings and situations, for that does have a bearing on such as this. We have, considering other parts of the country, very good weather. Not very often do we have extreme weather, snow, but not an abundant amount to where it stops us from getting around. Flooding, on occasion, can be extreme, but in certain areas. At times, heat and humidity are above normal, but even that does not last long. The mountains are beautiful, in the summer it is like Ireland, a million shades of green, and in winter, under a blanket of snow it is like a quiet haven and is so relaxing. There is so much to do here, skiing, water and snow. So many historic places to visit, shopping is plentiful, much to do for entertainment, churches are welcoming and activities are always on-going. I have my house on the market, right now, because I am now a widow, and with the children grown, I don't need that much room, but I do expect to stay in this area. In the neighborhood where my house is, the neighbors are there when you need them but are not nosey. Everyone is warm and friendly and helpful. So if this has given you any insight into the life in WV I hope you will consider moving to our state. Being where I am, right below Wheeling, you are but a short distance to Pittsburgh, Pa., Columbus, Ohio and many great places to visit. God bless and good luck.

[snorpus]

The coolest (or coldest, depending on your point of view) part of the state would be right in the Allegheny mountain range, say Tucker, Randolph, and Pocahontas counties. But, really, excepting the eastern Panhandle (Martinsburg area), most parts of the state don't get any days a year over 100, and only a few over 90.

Overall, the best medical care in the state is probably in Morgantown, because of WVU and its medical school. Huntington and Charleston are probably tied for second. Pittsburgh is only about an hour from the Northern Panhandle, and Winchester VA is convenient to the Eastern Panhandle.

Some cities/towns you might be interested in are Davis, Elkins, Marlinton, and Lewisburg. You can find them easily by going to maps.google.com.

Snorpus

[memiller]

If the exurban lifestyle suits you and you have family in D.C., you may want to consider areas like Charles Town and Martinsburg. They are close enough to D.C. that you have access to more higher paying jobs, get to see family on occassion and you're surrounded by world class medical care. Valley Hospital in Winchester is excellent and of course, anything you need medically is in D.C. and Baltimore. You're right up the Old Carolina Road where most of the US History happened and you'll have all the seasons other than the misery you suffer through in the dust bowl. Consult a realtor with knowledge of both WVa and VA because you may find what you're looking for on either side of the state line.

[GottaHerdOn]

Elkins in Randolph county is one of the cheapest places to live in WV, yet it is a very charming town. Plenty of culture, we have a 115 bed hospital called Davis Memorial, or DM for short and physician offices at least one specialist from every frield. The schools are not as bad "Tome Chasler said, you just need to do your homework. The Elkins school district is quite well actually, you have to realize many of these people who complain about the school systems think its ALL up to the teachers and boards of education. Well, it takes more just sending your child to school. It takes parental involvement as well, involve your children in the arts, sports, and instill in them the value of an education. Sorry just a rant, I'm an education major myself. But Elkins is a nice, you should check it out. As for jobs it really depends on what your career is in. Like if your an auto factory employee or something... it not the best. But healthcare is booming, most services are doing great, all retail places seem to be hiring, anything dealing with energy is doing well too, i.e. coal, natural gas, etc. Construction and wood products as well

[TethMaw]

Thank you so much for your help. Any information is most welcome. We actually have family friends in Martinsburg, and they sent us a information packet. Elkins, indeed, has been one of our favorites so far. I do hope I can take my vacation soon so we can drive through. I've a knot in my stomach. I want to move right now.

[RedCaboose]

Hi!

We have a second home about 30 minutes West of Elkins near Stonecoal Lake. We chose West Virginia because it is centrally located to NY, DC and VA and offers some of the best outdoor activities in the country. We have access to about a dozen lakes within a 60 minute drive, white water rafting, tubing, fishing, boating, scenic train rides, incredible waterfalls, hiking, etc. Elkins and Buckhannon are also very charming small towns. Elkins is the Headquarters for the Monongahela National Forest, which is just spectacular in its beauty.

I agree that jobs are not plentiful in WV, but so much of that depends on what you do for a living. There are many job opportunities ranging from the colleges to hospitals, but if you are unskilled at a trade, you may struggle to find qualified job opportunities.

Our weather is relatively mild. No 100 degree days, no earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, etc. Its a rural state, and in some ways, misunderstood. I wouldn't say that WV is known for its nightlife, culture, or diversity, but its low cost of living, friendly people and beautiful lakes, rivers and vistas make this one beautiful state to live in. Good luck.

[memiller]

With friends in Martinsburg and family in Northern Virginia (NoVa) that sounds like the place for you to be. You're close to Winchester, Leesburg isn't far, Charles Town is near by. The MARC Train goes from Martinsburg into D.C. The cost of housing pales in comparison to most of NoVa. Chat with a realtor and when you come to visit, have them show you around.

[Big_Al]

If good healthcare is important for your family- choose either Charleston or Huntington and Morgantown. All three have big university hospitals.
Climate could be as hot as one in OK. Could be very humid too. But it lasts no longer than 1.5 month. Proximity to major metro areas- within 3-5 h driving.
If you can get high income here WV would be one of the best places in the US for you. Low utilities, low property taxes and insurance- you'll appreciate it a lot. The most important asset is people- friendly nice mountaneers