Pennsylvania to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to West Virginia

ConsPennsylvania

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Harsh winter weather
• Limited outdoor space

ProsWest Virginia

• More affordable expenses
• Lighter traffic flow
• Milder winters
• Scenic outdoor options

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West Virginia

• Fewer urban hotspots
• Limited employment options
• Fewer renowned colleges
• Less developed facilities

Pennsylvania

• Rich cultural scene
• Strong job market
• Top-rated universities
• Extensive infrastructure

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable expenses
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to West Virginia with lighter traffic flow
• Swap the harsh winter weather of Pennsylvania for milder winters in West Virginia
• Get ready for scenic outdoor options in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich cultural scene in Pennsylvania to live with fewer urban hotspots in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of a strong job market and have to settle for the con of limited employment options
• Time to bid farewell to top-rated universities and get used to fewer renowned colleges in West Virginia
• Swap extensive infrastructure for less developed facilities

Pennsylvania vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Pennsylvania to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pittsburgh Steak Salad and sumptuous Soft Pretzel, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Tudor's Biscuit to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Cheesesteak they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Gravy over Biscuits of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Primanti Bros., and Zahav. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Tudor's Biscuit World, The Country Club Bakery, and Pat White Center at Mylan Park.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and West Virginia

• The Colonial architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Ranch architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and ample land.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; West Virginia is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
• West Virginia housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased 37% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
• Rent in West Virginia is 32.67% more affordable than in Pennsylvania.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Pennsylvania to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 8% fewer sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
• West Virginia has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
• Say goodbye to the possible floods and snowstorms in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential floods and landslides in West Virginia.
• The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 1 degree warmer than in Pennsylvania.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer in West Virginia than they are in Pennsylvania.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 24% less than in Pennsylvania
• The COLI in West Virginia will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
• The state income tax in WV is 3.00 compared to 3.07 in PA
• The affluence in West Virginia is modest compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
• The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Pennsylvania and moderate in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. West Virginia

• Pennsylvania tends to lean mixed, with Democratic strongholds in urban areas and Republican dominance in rural regions in its political climate
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as largely Republican, particularly in the state's vast rural areas
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as heavily Christian, with lesser representation of other religions
• Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, but with diverse religious communities in urban centers

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to West Virginia

How Much Do Pennsylvania to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 335 miles from Pennsylvania 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.