Alaska to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to West Virginia

ConsAlaska

• Extreme cold
• High cost of living
• Isolation
• Limited daylight in winter
• Expensive groceries

ProsWest Virginia

• Milder winters
• Cheaper living expenses
• Closer to major cities
• Balanced daylight hours
• More affordable food

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West Virginia

• Fewer dramatic vistas
• Less biodiversity
• Traffic congestion
• No northern lights
• Fewer activities in winter

Alaska

• Picturesque landscapes
• Abundant wildlife
• Short commutes
• Auroras
• Snow sports

Pros of moving from Alaska to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to extreme cold and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to West Virginia with cheaper living expenses
• Swap the isolation of Alaska for being closer to major cities in West Virginia
• Get ready for balanced daylight hours in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Alaska to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from picturesque landscapes in Alaska to live with fewer dramatic vistas in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of abundant wildlife and have to settle for the con of less biodiversity
• Time to bid farewell to short commutes and get used to traffic congestion in West Virginia
• Swap auroras for no northern lights

Alaska vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alaska to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Halibut Tacos, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Venison and Hot Dogs with Chili to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Berry Cobbler they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Ramp Soup of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like The Saltry, Simon & Seafort's, and Glacier BrewHouse. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Pepperoni Grill, Tudor's Biscuit World, and Dem 2 Brothers and A Grill.

When comparing lifestyles, West Virginia shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alaska. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in West Virginia compared to what you are used to in Alaska. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in West Virginia.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and West Virginia

• The Cabin-style and Modern architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference views and large plots, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to nature.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; West Virginia is more walkable than Alaska.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Alaska.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Alaska.
• West Virginia housing costs are 55% less expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
• Over the prior 9 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 52% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
• Rent in West Virginia is 42.65% more affordable than in Alaska.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alaska and West Virginia

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 21% more sunshine days than Alaska.
• West Virginia has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
• Say goodbye to the possible cold snaps and earthquakes in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential floods and landslides in West Virginia.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 20 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
• The average winter lows are 36 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 23 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 38% less than in Alaska
• The COLI in West Virginia is 28% lower than what you are used to in Alaska
• Bummer... By moving from AK to WV, you'll now have a state income tax of 6%
• The affluence in West Virginia is low compared to moderate in Alaska
• The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to moderate in Alaska
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Alaska and low in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. West Virginia

• Alaska tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as <a href="https://www.wvbc.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">predominantly Protestant</a>
• Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with significant Orthodox and Protestant communities

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to West Virginia