Maryland to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Maryland to West Virginia

ConsMaryland

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Tax burden
• Urban sprawl
• Cold winters

ProsWest Virginia

• Affordable housing
• Less congestion
• Lower taxes
• Scenic landscapes
• Mild climate

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West Virginia

• Fewer school options
• Limited diversity
• Fewer industries
• Sparse public transport
• Quieter entertainment scene

Maryland

• Excellent schools
• Diverse culture
• Job opportunities
• Well-connected transit
• Vibrant nightlife

Pros of moving from Maryland to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to West Virginia with less congestion
• Swap the tax burden of Maryland for lower taxes in West Virginia
• Get ready for scenic landscapes in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Maryland to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from excellent schools in Maryland to live with fewer school options in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse culture and have to settle for the con of limited diversity
• Time to bid farewell to job opportunities and get used to fewer industries in West Virginia
• Swap well-connected transit for sparse public transport

Maryland vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Maryland to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Crab Cakes of Maryland for the equally delicious Pepperoni Rolls of West Virginia. And while the locals in Maryland rave about their flavorful Fried Chicken and sumptuous Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Hot Dogs with Sauce to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Crab Cakes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Gravy and Biscuits of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maryland eateries like Charm City Cakes, Phillips Seafood, and Bertha's Mussels. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Oliverio's Ristorante, The Pepperoni Roll Bakery, and Hillbilly Hot Dogs.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maryland and West Virginia

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Maryland is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Cape Cod architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to Maryland's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro and waterfront views, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and spacious lots.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. West Virginia is less walkable than Maryland.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Maryland.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Maryland.
• West Virginia housing costs are 61% less expensive than they are in Maryland, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Maryland’s $414,972.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 33% increase in Maryland.
• Rent in West Virginia is 46.45% more affordable than in Maryland.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Maryland to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 23% fewer sunshine days than Maryland.
• West Virginia has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Maryland.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and flooding in Maryland, but be on the lookout for potential flooding and snowstorms in West Virginia.
• The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 2 degrees colder than in Maryland.
• The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Maryland.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 6.5 more inches of rain compared to Maryland.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Maryland and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 43% less than in Maryland
• The COLI in West Virginia will be 24% lower than what you are used to living in Maryland
• The state income tax in WV is 6.5% compared to 5.75% in MD
• The affluence in West Virginia is modest compared to prosperous in Maryland
• The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to low in Maryland
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Maryland and low in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Maryland vs. West Virginia

• Maryland tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-leaning
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with smaller communities of other religions
• Maryland's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity, with a significant number of Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu communities

Education Guide When Moving from Maryland to West Virginia

How Much Do Maryland to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 329 miles from Maryland 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.