Arizona to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to West Virginia

ConsArizona

• Extreme summer heat
• Water scarcity
• Dust storms
• High UV exposure
• Drought restrictions
• Urban sprawl
• Higher Phoenix housing
• Sparse greenery
• Wildfire smoke
• Desert pests
• Limited fall color
• Limited water recreation

ProsWest Virginia

• Milder summer highs
• Abundant rivers
• Cleaner air quality
• Lower UV index
• Reliable rainfall
• Smaller communities
• Lower home prices
• Lush forests
• Lower wildfire risk
• Fewer scorpions
• Vibrant fall foliage
• Abundant lakes

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West Virginia

• Colder, snowy winters
• Higher income tax
• Slower job growth
• Fewer urban options
• Humid summer air
• More mosquitoes
• Older housing stock
• Seasonal golf only
• Fewer direct flights
• Fewer major teams
• Winding mountain roads
• More overcast days

Arizona

• Warm, sunny winters
• Low income tax
• Rapid job growth
• Major city amenities
• Dry desert climate
• Minimal mosquitoes
• Newer housing stock
• Year-round golf
• Extensive flight options
• Pro sports teams
• Wide, straight roads
• Abundant sunshine

Pros of moving from Arizona to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to extreme summer heat and hello to milder summer highs
• Look forward to moving away from water scarcity and moving to West Virginia with abundant rivers
• Swap the dust storms of Arizona for cleaner air quality in West Virginia
• Get ready for a lower UV index in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Arizona to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warm, sunny winters in Arizona to live with colder, snowy winters in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of low income tax and have to settle for the con of higher income tax
• Time to bid farewell to rapid job growth and get used to slower job growth in West Virginia
• Swap major city amenities for fewer urban options

Arizona vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Arizona to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Venison and Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Tamales they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom and Ramp Dish of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, Barrio Café, and Durant's. 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 Greenbrier, Black Sheep Burrito and Brews, and Tudor's Biscuit World.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and West Virginia

• The Pueblo Revival architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Colonial architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and scenic views, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and privacy.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. West Virginia is more walkable than Arizona.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Arizona.
• West Virginia housing costs are 63% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
• Rent in West Virginia is 47.79% more affordable than in Arizona.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 43% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
• West Virginia has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
• Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential flooding and snowstorms in West Virginia.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 19 degrees colder than in Arizona.
• The average winter lows are 20 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 32 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 27% less than in Arizona
• The COLI in West Virginia will be 6% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
• The state income tax in WV is 3% to 6.5% compared to 2.59% to 4.5% in AZ
• The affluence in West Virginia is modest compared to moderate in Arizona
• The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to moderate in Arizona
• In terms of homelessness, it is challenging in Arizona and less severe in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. West Virginia

• Arizona tends to lean mixed and leans slightly conservative in its political climate
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian (Protestant)
• Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (Catholic and Evangelical), with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to West Virginia

How Much Do Arizona to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 1,963 miles from Arizona to West Virginia will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.