Alabama to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to West Virginia

ConsAlabama

• Hot summers
• Hurricane risk
• Limited mountain landscapes
• High humidity
• Urban sprawl

ProsWest Virginia

• Mild summer climate
• Less severe weather
• Rich mountain views
• Lower humidity levels
• More small-town charm

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West Virginia

• Colder winter climate
• Less diverse cultural scene
• Limited dining options
• Inland with less water access
• Smaller job opportunities

Alabama

• Warm winters
• Dynamic southern culture
• Rich culinary scene
• Coastal attractions
• Larger job market

Pros of moving from Alabama to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to a mild summer climate
• Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to West Virginia with less severe weather
• Swap the limited mountain landscapes of Alabama for rich mountain views in West Virginia
• Get ready for lower humidity levels in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Alabama to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warm winters in Alabama to live with a colder winter climate in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of dynamic southern culture and have to settle for the con of a less diverse cultural scene
• Time to bid farewell to a rich culinary scene and get used to limited dining options in West Virginia
• Swap coastal attractions for inland options with less water access

Alabama vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alabama to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue of Alabama for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Barbecue Ribs, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Pepperoni Roll to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Fried Green Tomatoes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Morel Mushrooms of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Dreamland Bar-B-Que, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Hot and Hot Fish Club. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Ollie’s Burger Bar, Pies and Pints, and The Skinny Dip.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and West Virginia

• The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garage space, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like natural landscapes and privacy.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; West Virginia is more walkable than Alabama.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; West Virginia is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Alabama.
• West Virginia housing costs are 29% less expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Alabama’s $226,045.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
• Rent in West Virginia is 32.22% more affordable than in Alabama.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Alabama to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 23% fewer sunshine days than Alabama.
• West Virginia has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Alabama.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential floods and snowstorms in West Virginia.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 5 degrees colder than in Alabama.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Alabama.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 11 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 9% less than those in Alabama
• The COLI in West Virginia will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
• The state income tax in WV is 3-6.5% compared to 2-5% in AL
• The affluence in West Virginia is moderate compared to moderate in Alabama
• The poverty level is significant in West Virginia compared to noticeable in Alabama
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alabama and low in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. West Virginia

• Alabama tends to lean conservatively inclined in its political climate
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as largely conservative
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominantly Protestant Christianity, but with a slightly more varied religious landscape
• Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Protestant Christianity

Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to West Virginia

How Much Do Alabama to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 708 miles from Alabama to West Virginia will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.