Welcome to West Virginia
Your life in the Mountain State begins
Welcome to West Virginia
It’s beautiful here! West Virginia is home to some spectacular scenery and outdoor adventures, including rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. And if you need a quick change of scenery, West Virginia is close to several other states and even Washington D.C. West Virginia is considered a Southern state but is also close to the northeastern part of the country, providing a diverse mix of culture, food, and history.
West Virginia Self-Storage Facts
A nationwide trend of self-storage development has swept across the nation over the last five years or so, increasing the amount of available self-storage space in major markets from coast-to-coast. For the most part West Virginia hasn't seen a huge surge in development per se, which has resulted in an undersupplied market relative to the rest of the country. West Virginia offers just 3.03 square feet of self-storage space per capita. Compare that to the national average of 5.4 square feet per resident. The result is higher monthly pricing for self-storage units relative to market supply. Still, you can expect to see some new storage development in West Virginia which may increase as developers seek opportunities in underserved markets.
Below are some statistics that provide an overview of the self-storage industry in West Virginia:
327
West Virginia is home to an estimated 327 self-storage facilities.
5,548,377
West Virginia self-storage facilities cover 5,548,377 square feet of storage space.
3.03
West Virginia storage facilities offer 3.03 square feet of storage per person, less than the national average of 5.4 square feet per person.
Reasons to Move to West Virginia
1
Great music. Feast your ears on some authentic Appalachian sound, whether it’s folk, bluegrass, or the blues.
2
Low cost of living. West Virginia’s cost of living is 22% below the national average!
3
Affordable houses. The median home price in West Virginia is $149,500, making it $88,000 lower than the national average.
4
Location. West Virginia is in close proximity to so many places! Not too far away are larger cities like Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Columbus, or Cincinnati.
5
Skiing. Being so mountainous and all, there are at least three major ski resorts with activities for the whole family.
6
Great produce. West Virginia has the highest percentage of family-owned farms in the nation, with some great farmers' markets to show it off.
7
Fine dining. You might not think you could find world class food here, but there are some real gems to be found.
8
Cute small towns. Even the capital city has less than 100,000 people. West Virginia is home to some precious smaller towns with all the historic architecture that will make you swoon.
9
Romantic getaways. West Virginia has some beautiful remote attractions like Davis, a tiny mountain town on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest, or Berkeley Springs with its healing thermal waters.
10
It’s the Mountain State! West Virginia is the only state that is entirely in the Appalachian Mountains, so get on those hiking boots!
Moving to West Virginia
As of 2019, the population of West Virginia was 1.79 million residents, making it the 39th most populous in the country, just slightly more populated than Idaho by 1,900 residents. West Virginia borders Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. Dubbed “The Mountain State,” the entire state is located within the Appalachian Region. For the last few decades, growth in West Virginia has been very slow. The two main reasons for this are: the death rate is higher than the birth rate and young West Virginians are moving out of state for better job opportunities.
West Virginia Economic Outlook
In 2018, West Virginia’s GDP was $77.48 billion and ranked 39th in the country. In the first quarter of 2019, West Virginia actually led the nation in GDP growth. The mining industry has been the biggest contribution to the state’s growth. However, the mining sector is unpredictable and has a tendency to taper off. As of August of 2019, West Virginia had an unemployment rate of 4.6 percent, which is higher than the national average.
West Virginia’s economy is much better than it was a few years ago and much of this is attributed to the mining of coal and natural gas by private companies. The economic forecast for West Virginia is currently dependent on coal and natural gas. The growth of other industries could secure a more steady economy, but only time will tell if other industries like biotech will gain traction. The overall cost of living in West Virginia is 22 percent below the national average, making it one of the cheapest places to live in the country.
Who are West Virginia's Largest Employers?
Places to live in West Virginia
Whether it's the metropolitan area of Charleston, the tiny mountain town of Davis, or back-country camping, West Virginia can please all who move there. Not to mention, West Virginia has all four seasons, and breathtaking views year round.
Charleston
The capital of West Virginia, Charleston, is also the state’s most populous city, with 47,293 residents, as of 2019. You can walk along the Kanawha River and get some goodies at Capitol Market–two great attractions for locals and visitors. Also nearby is the Kanawha State Forest with 9,300 acres of diverse wildflower, tree, and bird populations.
Huntington
Huntington is the second largest city in West Virginia, with 46,811 residents. One of the main attractions is the Huntington Museum of Art, the largest art museum in West Virginia. Huntington is on the Ohio River and is the home of the Port of Huntington Tri-State, the second busiest inland port in the United States.
Parkersburg
Parkersburg is the third largest city in West Virginia with a population of 29,689. Parkersburg host several annual festivals including the MId-Ohio Valley Multicultural Festival, featuring an international marketplace. Visitors and locals can also enjoy the many outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding.