Massachusetts to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to West Virginia

ConsMassachusetts

• High cost of living
• Intense winters
• Heavy traffic
• High property taxes

ProsWest Virginia

• Lower cost of living
• Milder winters
• Less congestion
• Lower property taxes

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West Virginia

• Fewer cultural attractions
• Less educational prestige
• Limited job opportunities
• More rural lifestyle

Massachusetts

• Rich history and culture
• Renowned education system
• Thriving job market
• Vibrant urban life

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from intense winters and moving to West Virginia with milder winters
• Swap the heavy traffic of Massachusetts for less congestion in West Virginia
• Get ready for lower property taxes in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history and culture in Massachusetts to live with fewer cultural attractions in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of a renowned education system and have to settle with the con of less educational prestige
• Time to bid farewell to a thriving job market and get used to limited job opportunities in West Virginia
• Swap vibrant urban life for a more rural lifestyle

Massachusetts vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Massachusetts to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Baked Beans and sumptuous Lobster Roll, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Hot Dogs with Chili Sauce to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Clam Chowder 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 Massachusetts eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Legal Sea Foods. 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, Tudor's Biscuit World, and Dairy Creme Corner.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and West Virginia

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to Boston and energy efficiency, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like natural surroundings and privacy.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. West Virginia is less walkable than Massachusetts.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
• West Virginia housing costs are 74% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
• Rent in West Virginia is 60.65% more affordable than in Massachusetts.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Massachusetts to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 18% fewer sunshine days than Massachusetts.
• West Virginia has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
• Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and blizzards in Massachusetts, 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 5 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Massachusetts.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 2.7 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 43% less than those in Massachusetts
• The COLI in West Virginia will be 22% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
• The state income tax in WV is 6.5% compared to 5.0% in MA
• The affluence in West Virginia is modest compared to prosperous Massachusetts
• The poverty level is higher in West Virginia compared to low in Massachusetts
• In terms of homelessness, it is managed in Massachusetts and an issue in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. West Virginia

• Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as Protestantism and Evangelical
• Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Catholicism and Protestantism

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to West Virginia

How Much Do Massachusetts to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 684 miles from Massachusetts 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.