Moving to north-central WV with kids--suggestions? advice? (Huntington, Fairmont: crime, appliances)

[LEWISCOSR]

Weston is worth checking out. We are home to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, formerly called Weston State Hospital. Their website is as follows:
HISTORY AND HERITAGE TRAVEL IN WEST VIRGINIA | TRANS-ALLEGHENY LUNATIC ASYLUM

You can also find out more information about Weston and Lewis County by visiting:

Lewis County Chamber of Commerce Welcomes You

Retire in West Virginia

[snorpus]

Lily,

I don't know how long you've been reading this forum, but the "business opportunity" thing is a recurring theme. Occasionally, there will be a very negative poster, saying that everyone in WV is living in poverty, there's no opportunities, no jobs, why would anyone want to move there.

So some of the "regulars" have taken to pointing out that opportunity abounds in West Virginia, you just need a good idea and the desire to work hard to turn it into reality. As DK often says, "West Virginia is not for everyone... West Virginians are survivors."

We oughta be $500/hr consultants...

[LilyLaLa]

Lewis, Thanks for those links and the Weston vote--it's on my house-search list and a lot of the homes that come up seem wonderfully (or worryingly?) inexpensive for their size and appeal. I've read about the Lunatic Asylum, as one of the USA's most haunted places...ooo!! Is that true? (any stories??)

Snorpus, I do often read the business and economic threads, just to see, and I couldn't help but notice that they often veer off the original topic into political commentary and expressions of either hopelessness or optimism. I think if I had to depend on finding a job on arrival, I wouldn't make the move...or would do so with some worry involved.

Fortunately (or unfortunately), I'm not a 'job' type of person.


Thanks, guys! This has all been tremendous help! I've added a few places to my shortlist, and crossed a few off.

I'm still looking for town stories and quirks, you know, like oh...haunted lunatic asylums, aliens (or sandhill cranes), Mummies of the Insane etc.

[vec101]

How about Buckhannon (located between Weston and Elkins). It's a lovely little town. Look around Florida Street and Lincoln Street (as well as others).

The advantage over Elkins - it's closer to the Interstate yet still close to the mountains and Canaan Valley.

[LilyLaLa]

Buckhannon, yay! It's already on my list (mainly because of that interstate, and some positive mentions on this forum) and hearing you call it a 'lovely little town' really does help: I've never seen it yet, so appreciate seeing it through your eyes. The street suggestions are great too; it's hard to tell what an area's like looking at one house in a realtor's photo.

I've found Old Oak Properties listings very helpful, from Buckhannon.

I don't know whether it's because I'm so tired of researching, or so looking forward to being there, but I can't wait to see these places for myself, and just....pick...one...!!!

[snorpus]

Buckhannon also has a local college: West Virginia Wesleyan, since you want to keep your daughter close to home.

But Buckhannon, Weston, etc., also are taking you further away from Baltimore and Dulles Airport. As with all things, it's a trade-off.

[LilyLaLa]

WVWC looks beautiful--and it has an art programme, so there's hope! (well, a little...what eighteen-year-old wants to stay home? )

But a college is always a plus for a town, isn't it? It usually means jobs and a bit of culture.

And ok, probably a drug problem. And we'll need to lock up our daughters, but....overall a plus.

[GottaHerdOn]

Originally Posted by vec101

How about Buckhannon (located between Weston and Elkins). It's a lovely little town. Look around Florida Street and Lincoln Street (as well as others).

The advantage over Elkins - it's closer to the Interstate yet still close to the mountains and Canaan Valley.

Yes, but don't forget US. 33 when finished will dump right into I-81, much closer to Dulles Itnl, and the Balt./Washington area. And does Buckhannon have a train?! ha ha

[vec101]

Originally Posted by GottaHerdOn

Yes, but don't forget US. 33 when finished will dump right into I-81, much closer to Dulles Itnl, and the Balt./Washington area. And does Buckhannon have a train?! ha ha

Oh so true. Hmm, think it will be completed in our lifetime?

[LilyLaLa]

Thanks for the news about US33 -- I'd heard it was coming, but haven't heard much beyond that.

The whole I-81 corridor is tempting enough to hope for access: lots of attractions and towns and shopping...

And besides the train in Elkins, there's Augusta Heritage weeks. I do like the small towns, especially the ones with a bit of quirkiness (the Mystery Hole??!) but Elkins seems hard to beat.

Now, t's not built over an abandoned mine or downriver from a chemical plant or enslaved by Martians or threatened by a landslide or haunted by Confederate troops is it? (Did I miss anything?)