West Virginia to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from West Virginia to South Dakota

ConsWest Virginia

• Limited job market
• Hillarious roads
• Severe flooding

ProsSouth Dakota

• Growing employment opportunities
• Accessible highways
• Less frequent natural disasters

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South Dakota

• Fewer historical sites
• Harsh winter weather
• Expansive plains

West Virginia

• Rich cultural history
• Mild winters
• Beautiful landscapes

Pros of moving from West Virginia to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to limited job market and hello to growing employment opportunities
• Look forward to moving away from hilarious roads and moving to South Dakota with accessible highways
• Swap the severe flooding of West Virginia for less frequent natural disasters in South Dakota

Cons of moving from West Virginia to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich cultural history in West Virginia to live with fewer historical sites in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of mild winters and have to settle for the con of harsh winter weather
• Time to bid farewell to beautiful landscapes and get used to expansive plains in South Dakota

West Virginia vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from West Virginia to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in West Virginia rave about their flavorful Country Ham and sumptuous Hot Dogs, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Morel Mushrooms they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Rice Dishes of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic West Virginia eateries like The Greenbrier, Sternwheel Regatta, and Tudor's Biscuit World. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Minervas, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Mad Mary's Steakhouse.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between West Virginia and South Dakota

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that West Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to West Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and large yards, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and open concept.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. South Dakota is more walkable than West Virginia.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. South Dakota is more bike-friendly than West Virginia.
• South Dakota has more of an urban feel than West Virginia.
• South Dakota housing costs are 86% more expensive than they are in West Virginia, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to West Virginia’s $161,063.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 37% increase in West Virginia.
• Rent in South Dakota is 19.16% more expensive than in West Virginia.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from West Virginia to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 30% more sunshine days than West Virginia.
• South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to West Virginia.
• Say goodbye to the possible flooding and storms in West Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is the same as in West Virginia.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in West Virginia.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 21 fewer inches of rain compared to West Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: West Virginia and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 28% more than those in West Virginia
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in West Virginia
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is above average compared to moderate in West Virginia
• The poverty level is lower in South Dakota compared to noticeable in West Virginia
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in West Virginia and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in West Virginia vs. South Dakota

• West Virginia tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with significant Lutheran and Catholic communities
• West Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a strong Protestant presence

Education Guide When Moving from West Virginia to South Dakota

How Much Do West Virginia to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,314 miles from West Virginia to South Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.