Moving to West Virginia checklist: Research neighborhoods and cost of living. Secure housing in advance. Update address with USPS and utilities. Register your vehicle in West Virginia. Transfer driver's license within 30 days. Review state health insurance options. Learn local weather and prepare accordingly. Explore employment opportunities. Understand state tax obligations. Familiarize with local culture and activities.
Research neighborhoods and cost of living.
When researching neighborhoods and the cost of living in West Virginia, it's notable that the state enjoys a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average. Housing costs are particularly economical, being 20% lower, while utilities are 6% cheaper, contributing to an overall cost reduction of 9%. For home buyers, the median home value stands at $110,544, offering affordability and appeal. Rental prices are equally attractive, with average rents at $556 for a studio and $1,135 for a 4-bedroom home. For those considering a move, Mover Junction provides comprehensive insights on transitioning to this economically appealing state.
Secure housing in advance.
To secure housing in advance in West Virginia, consider the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which assists low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled in finding decent, safe, and sanitary housing. You can apply through the Public Housing Authority in the county or city where you are looking for housing. For more information, visit the Section 8 Contract Management page on the West Virginia Housing Development Fund website.
Update address with USPS and utilities.
To update your address with the USPS, fill out the change of address form online or at a local post office, providing your old and new addresses, and pay a $1.10 verification fee. For utilities, create a list of your current services, contact providers to transfer or set up new accounts, schedule final meter readings, and update your billing information to ensure seamless service at your new location. For more detailed information, visit the official USPS Change of Address Page.
Register your vehicle in West Virginia.
To register your vehicle in West Virginia, you need to obtain a title, get West Virginia insurance, and possibly a State Police inspection. Then, complete the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration, submit it with the required fees and documents, and receive your registration and license plates. For comprehensive details and guidance on this process, you can visit the West Virginia Vehicle Registration website.
Transfer driver's license within 30 days.
New residents of West Virginia are required to secure a West Virginia driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. To do so, they must present various documents, including proof of identity, name, age, gender, school enrollment, West Virginia residency, social security number, and legal presence. It is also necessary to surrender a valid out-of-state license or, if the license is lost, provide a certified driving record. For detailed information on the required processes and documentation, you can refer to the West Virginia Driver's License Transfer Regulations.
Review state health insurance options.
In West Virginia, individuals and families have the opportunity to explore a variety of health insurance options through the ACA Marketplace on HealthCare.gov. This includes individual and family plans, as well as programs like Medicare and Medicaid, alongside short-term plans. The state also provides supplemental insurance options such as dental, vision, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance. Many enrollees find themselves eligible for premium subsidies and cost-sharing reductions, making coverage more accessible and affordable. For a more detailed overview, you can visit the HealthInsurance.org website, which offers comprehensive guidance on navigating the health insurance landscape in West Virginia.
Learn local weather and prepare accordingly.
To prepare for the local weather in West Virginia, expect a Marine West Coast, warm summer climate with distinct seasons. The state receives a considerable amount of precipitation annually, with numerous rainy days, and temperatures ranging from chillier periods in January to warmer extremes in July. For a more detailed overview of the weather patterns, the Weather and Climate website provides comprehensive insights and forecasts on West Virginia's climate.
Explore employment opportunities.
Explore employment opportunities in West Virginia through WorkForce West Virginia, which connects job seekers with a curated selection of Job Listings across diverse industries and career levels, from entry-level positions to executive roles, and offers resources such as career guidance, job fairs, and training opportunities.
Understand state tax obligations.
To understand your state tax obligations in West Virginia, you must determine your residency status, which is based on domicile and the number of days spent in the state. If you are a resident, you must file a resident return and report all income; if you spend more than 183 days but are not domiciled in West Virginia, you are also considered a resident for tax purposes. For detailed guidance, you can visit the West Virginia State Tax Department website.
Familiarize with local culture and activities.
Familiarize yourself with West Virginia's local culture by visiting Tamarack Marketplace to see the works of local artisans, tasting West Virginia cuisine, and exploring sites like Daniel Vineyards and Grandview for its scenic views and cultural events. You can also engage with the state's rich history and culture through various museums and historic sites managed by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History.