Kentucky to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to West Virginia

ConsKentucky

• Severe weather
• High cost of living
• Limited job market

ProsWest Virginia

• Milder climate
• More affordable housing
• Diverse job opportunities

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West Virginia

• Fewer cultural events
• Limited local industries
• Less central for travelers

Kentucky

• Rich cultural heritage
• Strong bourbon industry
• Central location

Pros of moving from Kentucky to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to severe weather and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to West Virginia with more affordable housing
• Swap the limited job market of Kentucky for diverse job opportunities in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Kentucky to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich cultural heritage in Kentucky to live with fewer cultural events in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of a strong bourbon industry and have to settle with the con of limited local industries
• Time to bid farewell to a central location and get used to a less central area for travelers in West Virginia

Kentucky vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Kentucky to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Bourbon BBQ Pork and sumptuous Hot Brown Sandwich, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Grilled Venison and Hot Dogs with sauce to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Kentucky Fried Cauliflower they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Morel Mushroom Dishes of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like Mammy's Kitchen, Ramsey's Diner, and Claudia Sanders Dinner House. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Pies & Pints, The Purple Fiddle, and Tudor's Biscuit World.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and West Virginia

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and privacy.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; West Virginia is less walkable than Kentucky.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Kentucky.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Kentucky.
• West Virginia housing costs are 20% less expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
• Rent in West Virginia is 23.69% more affordable than in Kentucky.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Kentucky to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 16% fewer sunshine days than Kentucky.
• West Virginia has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Kentucky.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential floods and landslides in West Virginia.
• The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 2 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Kentucky.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 8% less than in Kentucky
• The COLI in West Virginia will be 8% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
• The state income tax in WV is 6.5% compared to 5% in KY
• The affluence in West Virginia is less compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
• The poverty level is higher in West Virginia compared to moderate poverty in Kentucky
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kentucky and low in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. West Virginia

• Kentucky tends to lean mixed and leans 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 primarily Christian with a notable Methodist presence
• Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with a significant Baptist presence

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to West Virginia

How Much Do Kentucky to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 259 miles from Kentucky to West Virginia will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.