North Carolina to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to West Virginia

ConsNorth Carolina

• High cost of living
• Hurricane risk
• Traffic congestion
• Urban sprawl

ProsWest Virginia

• Lower cost of living
• Fewer natural disasters
• Less traffic
• Scenic mountains

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West Virginia

• Limited job market
• Fewer urban areas
• Landlocked state
• Fewer restaurants

North Carolina

• Strong tech industry
• Vibrant cities
• Coastal beaches
• Diverse dining

Pros of moving from North Carolina 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 hurricane risk and moving to West Virginia with fewer natural disasters
• Swap the traffic congestion of North Carolina for less traffic in West Virginia
• Get ready for scenic mountains in West Virginia

Cons of moving from North Carolina to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the strong tech industry in North Carolina to live with a limited job market in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant cities and have to settle for the con of fewer urban areas
• Time to bid farewell to the coastal beaches and get used to a landlocked state in West Virginia
• Swap diverse dining for fewer restaurants

North Carolina vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from North Carolina to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic barbecue pork of North Carolina for the equally delicious pepperoni roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful pulled pork and sumptuous barbecue ribs, West Virginia residents know they have tasty country ham and hot dogs with slaw to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the smoked vegetable platter 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 North Carolina eateries like 12 Bones Smokehouse, Lexington Barbecue, and The Pit. 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 Seneca Rocks Mountain Guiding.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and West Virginia

• The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and granite countertops, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and hardwood floors.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. West Virginia is more walkable than North Carolina.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. West Virginia is less bike-friendly than North Carolina.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than North Carolina.
• West Virginia housing costs are 51% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
• Rent in West Virginia is 42.32% more affordable than in North Carolina.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 23% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
• West Virginia has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to North Carolina.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential floods and snowstorms in West Virginia.
• The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 3 degrees colder than in North Carolina.
• The average winter lows in West Virginia are 4 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 19% less than those in North Carolina
• The COLI in West Virginia is 1% lower than what you are used to living in North Carolina
• The state income tax in WV is 6.5% compared to 5.25% in NC
• The affluence in West Virginia is low compared to moderate in North Carolina
• The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to moderate in North Carolina
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in North Carolina and low in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. West Virginia

• North Carolina tends to lean moderately conservative, with urban areas leaning liberal in its political climate
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as strongly conservative
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian, with a higher proportion of Evangelicals
• North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominates, with a significant presence of Baptist and Methodist denominations

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to West Virginia

How Much Do North Carolina to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 347 miles from North Carolina 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.