WV Residency (for rent, loan, houses)

[Hortonski]

I'm a recent college grad thinking about living in West Virginia for a few years. I have a degree in biology and I am thinking about becoming a high school science teacher. I know what I have to do to earn a certification but I was wondering if someone could answer some questions of mine.

How is the demand for teachers in West Virginia? I've heard that salaries for teachers in this state is one of the lowest in the country. Would I be able to earn a liveable income?

Also, how long should I be living in WV to become a state resident? Do I need to own property and hold a job in the state to become a resident?

[WVUPharm2007]

When cost of living is factored in, they usually wind up ahead of the curve nationally...

[Hortonski]

The cost of living in West Virginia is the lowest I've ever seen. There seems to be listings of houses that cost as low as around $50k. I don't have any significant savings though and I have a feeling those houses are in the middle of nowhere.
I don't know if it's true or not, but I've been told that rent in WV can be as low as $400, even $200 a month. I might have to live in a more densely populated area as a teacher so I don't really know how affordable it would be to live there.

A primary draw for me to this state are all the outdoor opportunities. I'm going to try it out and if I like it I might stay for good. How long would I have to live here to be considered a state resident?

[Newtgirl]

I think if you're in the state for 30 days, you're considered a resident.

[snorpus]

Newt is right, live in WV for 30 days and you're a resident. Which means you have to register your car in WV, pay WV taxes, etc. I think 30 days is pretty standard throughout the U.S.

Would I be able to earn a liveable income?

Well, 100% of the current teachers in West Virginia are earning a livable income, since I've not heard of widespread starvation amongst teachers. Demand for teachers varies by county... you'll want to look at regions that are experiencing population growth, although there's also the fact that in the next 5-10 years there should be a fairly large number of openings in all counties, as the Baby Boomers reach retirement age.

[WVUPharm2007]

I remember back when I was in high school (this decade), you'd look in the teachers lot and they were all driving late model cars...they never seemed to be wanting for money. True, they will complain about making less than the national average, but that's what anyone would do.

[David Kennedy]

Everyone hypes the fact that a great percentage of Wv'ians are on welfare or in poverty...as the demographics change in the next 10 years these factors will change rapidly too...part of the scheme is hidden and invisible to the eye...government pays a small wage...both state and Federal...FBI salarys are very low and now 2100 new FBI hires will be coming here...tailored plans are in place to help them...loan guarantees..

Teachers? have always been paid low...trade off was the retirement pension plan...what has helped was to teach part time at a local college...
but look at the time that teachers give to the work...it's not bad...for the money...

All jobs are the same...it's how you manage the money that makes sense and the difference.

[Threerun]

From what I've heard and seen, there is a strong demand for math and science teachers, especially @ the high school level.

[snorpus]

Special Ed is also supposed to be strong, although in another thread someone wrote that he/she was having a difficult time finding a position.

[AliceT]

Cost of living is a relative thing. I have a friend who is a high school teacher and he is not starving. He doesn't drive a new Corvette every year either. Much depends on your own standard of living. I would think just about any kind of honest living would be satisfactory compared to being a student.

Housing is very reasonable in WV. I bought a 2-story wood frame house with full attic and basement, 2 screened porches and a shed for $18,500 in 2005. I know a family on welfare that bought a house on a rent-to-own basis paying $200/month. I have known of houses for rent for $200 and less per month.

My own income is under $11,000/year and I receive no public assistance or disability. I manage to not only keep my pantry full, but enjoy eating out once or twice a month. I don't have expensive hobbies or interests, either. Heck, I even pay someone else to mow my yard in the summer.

Just as David Kennedy said, it is all a matter of what you are accustomed to, what your interests are and what kind of lifestyle you enjoy.