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Like: Low property taxes. Mild 4-season climate. Low electric rates. Mountains and forests are plentiful. Do Not Like: Baltimore and Wash D.C. encroaching(Ie; more traffic, higher property costs), Library system (Berkeley Cty.), not as pedestrian friendly as I would like (no sidewalk from where I am to town).
Naturally Beautiful, some of the friendliest people in the country, awesome recreational opportunities for all four seasons, the blue collar spirit of the people, the southern hospitality (in every corner of the state), the Northern atmosphere that has blended into the culture, the fact that there is four seasons, the proximity to other great states, the small cities that each have their own character, the small towns that spark a sense of community, the history behind the state and its creation, the beautiful architecture is some towns in the state, the abundance in natural resources, the state park system, the colleges that call WV home, Friday night football, the industrial heritage, and I'm sure I am forgetting a few things
What I would like to see change in the state:
The work ethic of an unfortunately large percentage of the population, the poverty levels is remote areas of the state, the lack of access to certain parts of the state by highway or decent road, the performance by the flag ship university's football and basketball program over the past couple of seasons (LOL), the lack of a reasonably sized city, the perception of the state by outsiders, the lack of a solid economy in the majority of the state, the lack of educated voters, the overall health of the state, the education system in the majority of the state with the exception of a few counties, the attitude that the younger generation has towards the state and its future, and finally the lack of sophistication by the population.
Seems like you're new to this forum. Just wondering if you're posting this re every state... or you have some actual interest in WV... maybe thinking of moving here... maybe used to live here... maybe have some point to make... maybe doing a research paper on WV... maybe just killing time... I dunno. Just curious.
For me, it will always be the people. You can connect with just about anyone in the state (thought that's also due to the homogeneity of the culture). People are loving, but blunt and not afraid to tell the truth. We aren't brash like the Northeast, we aren't gentile like the Southeast, we aren't plain nice like the Midwest, etc. We are a little uncouth and hard-headed, but we are generous, loyal, and family. It kind of reminds me of the stereotypical Texan, which is why I feel right at home with the other Big 12 fanbases.
While I love all that, I will say that a lack of diversity and fatalistic mentality of the general population has led to a status quo that is hardly ever changed. People are happy with what they have, which is great, but a lot of times it's because they've resigned themselves to the thought that they don't have any opportunities to do something different. In severe cases, this leads to rampant poverty exhibited across the state.
Another way this is all manifested is the lack of not only a respectably-sized city, but a lack of an urban culture in general. I don't know if it's our rural roots or resistance to change, but there seems to be a mental/cultural opposition to urbanism. It's almost like people have the weird perception of "Why would you want to live in the city when the suburbs are right there?" That's why a lot of people want 1000 new parking spaces for every new development, and, if they have to walk even a block from a parking garage to a store, they won't even go. It's a convenience culture that unfortunately is a contributing factor in the obesity epidemic and the overall health and well-being of our people.
But all that aside, I wouldn't want to have been born or live in any other place.
Seems like you're new to this forum. Just wondering if you're posting this re every state... or you have some actual interest in WV... maybe thinking of moving here... maybe used to live here... maybe have some point to make... maybe doing a research paper on WV... maybe just killing time... I dunno. Just curious.
I actually had a post in the Virginia forum a while back, and someone mentioned a particular area of W. Virginia I might like. I really don't know much about the state, but thought asking a general question like "Why do you love it?" might inspire some interesting comments. Also, if no one could come up with any reasons why they loved it, well, that would be telling, too.
I actually had a post in the Virginia forum a while back, and someone mentioned a particular area of W. Virginia I might like. I really don't know much about the state, but thought asking a general question like "Why do you love it?" might inspire some interesting comments. Also, if no one could come up with any reasons why they loved it, well, that would be telling, too.
OK, thx. I wasn't trying to hassle you, was just curious.
I can tell you that I live near Harpers Ferry and I love it out here. I'll grant you I haven't seen too much of the rest of the state past the Eastern Panhandle, but I love the scenery out here. Where I am I also think it's a great combo of not a big city (or even close) but not completely rural either. It's been a great place to raise our now-12-year-old. Would I like a few more good restaurants and medical options? -- sure. But if it means lots more traffic/people, forget it. I came out here to get away from all that in the DC suburbs.
LIKE - Low cost of living, beautiful mountain scenery (esp. the fog in the mornings), very open and friendly people, very casual/dress down culture, church being an important part of the culture. Low density development. Charleston is the perfect size, large enough to have everything I need, yet no real problem with traffic or crime. Can drive most everywhere within 30 minutes. Right to bear arms is respected. Lots of local, independent businesses of all sorts compared to most other places.
DISLIKES - Cold winters in most of the state. Snow in most of the state. Mountains are pretty but can also hamper development which can increase commute times and distances. (Think about how the Metro Valley is narrow and long). Gas tax is too high, there is a personal property tax on cars, there is no death penalty. I think the pervasiveness of gambling is a negative too. I like the casino and am okay with casino gambling but it feels like every bar here has video poker machines plus these little gambling joints. I'm not saying they should be shut down but this can be a temptation for some people. I've seen more gambling here than anywhere else except Las Vegas.
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