hows the economy and job security in WV (Charleston, Huntington: insurance, condo)

[NOVAmtneer82]

I agree with cooljob. If the economy is so great in WV, why aren't more people moving to the state to seek out all these "new" jobs? As someone who grew up in WV and left due to the lack of jobs, I fail to see this rosy state economy that a lot of people post about on this forum.

Using news publications to discuss economic development isn't always the most reliable source because they all rate using their own assumptions about what consitutes a "good economy." I'm going to use a neighboring city just to the north of Morgantown as an example. Pittsburgh has been rated as being THE number one most "livable city" in America twice since the 1980s and in the top 20 every year during that time period. The city has seen its population fall from nearly 700,000 in 1950 to just over 300,000 today (the entire region has lost population as well)...sounds more like most leavable than livable. Bottom line...these surveys are more heresay than fact. I went to school in Morgantown and although I have great memories and frequent often in the fall for football games, it isn't this booming metropolis people make it out to be. Maybe when compared to other metro areas in WV but CERTAINLY not the rest of the nation.

[WVUPharm2007]

Originally Posted by thecooljb

there is virtually no economy in wv outside of healthcare and low end retail jobs. So, if you're not in the healthcare field, you'll likely be quite disappointed.

If you make a living building things, Morgantown and Martinsburg can't be beat.

[GottaHerdOn]

Again, as I've said before. A lot of people, (perhaps you were one of them mtneeratheart ) graduate or enter the workforce and expect a job to just fall into their lap. That might happen with some individuals but not in most cases. I have family all over the states and it is fairly universal. You have to go out and look for positions, alter your skills, get re-certified, and make yourself more marketable. My father is an engineer and he has been in school his whole entire life. He is always getting certified to do other things in the engineering field, he can pretty much do anything he wants now in that field, he is viewed as highly desirable by companies because he is so flexible.

Many of these people that have left, graduate and expect to have the world at their feet. Well it doesn't work that way in a market based economy. You have to change and develop right along with the economy, being a little creative never hurts either. Diversification is key.
True, wages in WV are not comparable to many of our neighboring states, but neither is the cost of living. I.e. Property taxes. If you don't mind paying ridiculously high rent and never OWNING anything, more power to them!

[WVUPharm2007]

Originally Posted by mtneeratheart

I agree with cooljob. If the economy is so great in WV, why aren't more people moving to the state to seek out all these "new" jobs? As someone who grew up in WV and left due to the lack of jobs, I fail to see this rosy state economy that a lot of people post about on this forum.

Using news publications to discuss economic development isn't always the most reliable source because they all rate using their own assumptions about what consitutes a "good economy." I'm going to use a neighboring city just to the north of Morgantown as an example. Pittsburgh has been rated as being THE number one most "livable city" in America twice since the 1980s and in the top 20 every year during that time period. The city has seen its population fall from nearly 700,000 in 1950 to just over 300,000 today (the entire region has lost population as well)...sounds more like most leavable than livable. Bottom line...these surveys are more heresay than fact. I went to school in Morgantown and although I have great memories and frequent often in the fall for football games, it isn't this booming metropolis people make it out to be. Maybe when compared to other metro areas in WV but CERTAINLY not the rest of the nation.

I disagree. Pittsburgh IS one of the most livable cities in the country. It's built for millions and it only has to deal with a fraction of it. I can't think of another city where I can go from one side of town to the other at 5PM in 30 minutes or less. Sometimes I can't even do that in piddly little Star City every once in a while when I foolishly take University to I-79 during rush hour. The cost of living is pretty dang low, too. If you can start a career there (the job market is sub par), it's a decent place to live. Note how Pittsburgh never makes any of the "best for careers" lists at such a high rating. These people aren't throwing darts at a dartboard.

And being as though these lists actually use real empirical data (here is the Inc. Magazine methodology, for instance.) such as Dept of Labor statistics and job growth trends. This isn't "opinion" and "hearsay", it is 100% objective and based upon the numbers available. I suppose if you disagree that recent job growth, future job growth potential, relative economic output, etc, etc than these lists would mean little. I wouldn't....but to each his own.

As for Morgantown not growing, well, of course it isn't going to have as much net growth as a giant metropolis, obvious. And comparing it to such a city in such a way would just be silly. however as a percentage of its size and especially against communities of similar size, it is developing at well beyond the national average. The numbers don't lie, the growth of the Morgantown real estate market doesn't lie, the steady increase in population doesn't lie (which is underreported due to the poor drafting of Morgantown's MSA not including Greene and Greene counties, but that's another discussion).

I think it even passes the eyeball test. When was the last time you went down West Run Road? Here in about 6 months, there will literally be townhouses and condos on both sides of the damned thing. 2 years ago it was an innocuous 2-lane road with nothing on it except a wooden shanty here and there. Though maybe you aren't looking in the right sports. There isn't much growth IN Morgantown, but in the surrounding areas. Morgantown itself is pretty packed space wise. Look at all the new developments in Tyrone, out in Bruceton Mills, Cheat Lake, the West side of I-79 and other outskirts. There is literally a shortage of construction labor. Ask DK about it.

[Threerun]

Originally Posted by WVUPharm2007

If you make a living building things, Morgantown and Martinsburg can't be beat.

Martinsburg and the EP have slowed down quite a bit, which is actually not a bad thing, IMO.

[harborlady]

slow and steady growth wins the race IMO. Grow too fast, taxes skyrocket to pay for 20 priorities all at once. Hard to tell that to people who love the fast life and don't want to wait. There are other cities for them that they'd be very happy in. WV isn't for everyone, but it's perfect for me.
Ambitious in WV- I think this is fertile ground for seasoned leadership to get balls rolling in a few sectors. The more diversity in the economy, the more likely they'll see a place for themselves here. Housing remaining reasonable relative to the rest of the country is a huge asset for biz, workers, and retired alike.

[Threerun]

State government and taxation is dysfunctional, lack luster investments in infrastructure relative to peer states, state schools performing overall at sub-par levels..

There is not a lot of enthusiasm for businesses to start or locate here. I've seen it in the Berkeley county.. Winchester and Hagerstown attracted most of it.

However WV is a good state for retirees and commuters, yes.

[harborlady]

three I think huntington and morgantown are giving a run for the money. Charlestons infrastructure is already in place, but it seems the economy here revolves around medical and govt primarily. Not sure what else is growing in charleston yet because I've stayed home lots with projects considering the price of gas being silly.

[vec101]

Do you work in the construction industry? There are a lot of jobs in that industry. For many of them, however, you have to be willing to work long hours and work out of town (staying out of town during the week for months or forever).

I'm not an economist but I believe that in WV our economy is pretty stable. In that I mean, many other states have booming economies but when the lows hit them, it hits them hard.

[vec101]

Originally Posted by WVUPharm2007

IThere is literally a shortage of construction labor. Ask DK about it.

I can attest to that. Contractors are having a hard time finding workers, especially skilled ones. One of the biggest problems - getting people to actually show up for work. A guy may not be the most skilled, but if he shows up every day he is considered a valuable employee.

Also, many companies do random drug tests so workers have to keep off drugs.