West Virginia

The state has a rich cultural heritage, with strong ties to Appalachian traditions, including music, arts, crafts, and storytelling. Bluegrass and country music have deep roots in West Virginia, and the state hosts various festivals and events celebrating its cultural heritage.

The real estate market in West Virginia, like some other states in the nation, is experiencing a significant shift, with prices up from previous years but the number of sales down considerably. However, it is still a strong market.

For instance, the median price of a home in West Virginia is approximately $139,700. This is so much lower than the average cost of a home in a state like California which is roughly $799,000.

State highlights

West Virginia became the 35th state of the United States on June 20, 1863. It was formed during the American Civil War as a result of the secession crisis when the western counties of Virginia chose to remain in the Union.

The western counties of Virginia were geographically and economically different from the eastern part of the state, leading to tensions and disagreements. The decision to break away and form a separate state was influenced by political, economic, and cultural factors.

Harper’s Ferry, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is a historically significant town in West Virginia. It played a role in the abolitionist movement and was the site of John Brown’s raid in 1859.

The state has a history of labor activism and struggles, including the West Virginia Mine Wars of the early 20th century. The Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921 was one of the largest labor uprisings in U.S. history

West Virginia contributed significantly to the war effort during World War II. The state’s natural resources, industrial capacity, and manpower played a role in supporting the war

The 1999 film ’October Sky,’ starring Jake Gyllenhaal, is based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner’s son from West Virginia who aspired to become a rocket scientist.

The memoir that inspired ’October Sky,’ titled ’Rocket Boys’ by Homer Hickam, was adapted into a musical called ’Rocket Boys: The Musical,’ which has been performed in West Virginia.

Geographic location

West Virginia is located in the eastern part of the United States, bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Ohio to the northwest, Kentucky to the southwest, Virginia to the southeast, and Maryland to the northeast.

The total area of West Virginia is approximately 24,230 square miles. It ranks 41st in terms of total area among the U.S. states.

West Virginia is known for its rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes. The state is characterized by its rolling hills, mountains, and dense forests. The Appalachian Mountains run through the state, and the highest point is Spruce Knob, which reaches an elevation of 4,863 feet.

Climate

West Virginia has a humid subtropical climate in the lower elevations, transitioning to a humid continental climate at higher elevations. This means that the state experiences four distinct seasons:

Summers are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to mid-80s °F.

Fall is known for its vibrant foliage as the leaves change color. Temperatures begin to cool, with highs in the 60s and 70s °F.

Winters can be cold, especially in the mountainous areas, with average highs ranging from the 30s to 40s °F. Snowfall is common, particularly in the higher elevations.

Spring sees a gradual warming and the return of plant life. Highs generally range from the 50s to 70s °F

Demography

The capital of West Virginia is Charleston, which is also the largest city in the West Virginia state. Other major cities include Morgantown Bridgeport, Fairmont, Hurricane, South Charleston, and Princeton, According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2022, it had an estimated population of 1,775,156 people.

West Virginia has a diverse population with various ethnic and racial backgrounds. The largest ethnic group is non-Hispanic White, followed by Hispanic or Latino, African American, Native American, and Asian.

West Virginia has a so much older age median than the rest of the U.S., at around 43 years old compared to the national average of 38.5.

Cost of Living

The cost of living is reported to be low at West Virginia State. Charleston has a median home price of about $139,700. Which is lower than the national average of $339,048. Median income levels can vary based on factors such as education, occupation, and location within West Virginia. The average median income in West Virginia is approximately $41,576.

The average salary in the state of West Virginia is approximately $77,814 per year.

Transportation

West Virginia is connected by a network of highways, including major interstates like I-64, I-77, and I-79. These interstates provide convenient travel across the state and connect it to neighboring states. In addition to interstates, West Virginia has an extensive system of state routes and highways that connect towns, cities, and rural areas. These roads are crucial for local and regional travel.

Several cities in West Virginia, including Charleston and Morgantown, have public transit systems that offer bus services within urban areas. These services help residents and visitors navigate the cities without relying solely on personal vehicles. The state is served by the Amtrak Cardinal route, which provides passenger rail service between Chicago, Illinois, and New York City, New York. The Cardinal route stops in the city of Charleston.

The state of West Virginia has several airports that provide commercial air travel options. Yeager Airport in Charleston and North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport are among the larger airports serving the state. Smaller regional airports also play a role in connecting various areas.

West Virginia’s rivers, including the Ohio River and the Kanawha River, have historically played a significant role in transportation. While river transportation is less common today, these waterways continue to support some commercial and recreational activities.

Schools

West Virginia is home to several notable schools including elementary, middle, and high schools, and universities. The following list is some of the best universities in West Virginia.

West Virginia University (WVU): Located in Morgantown, WVU is the state’s flagship research university. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university is known for its research initiatives and strong athletic programs.

Marshall University: Situated in Huntington, it is another prominent public research institution. It offers a variety of programs and has a strong emphasis on healthcare education.

West Virginia State University: Located in the Institute, it is a historically Black university that offers a diverse range of academic programs.

Shepherd University: Situated in Shepherdstown, it provides programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies.

Bethany College: Located in Bethany, this private liberal arts college offers a range of undergraduate programs and is known for its historic campus.

Wheeling University: Situated in Wheeling, it offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Alderson Broaddus University: Located in Philippi, this private university offers a range of health sciences and other programs.

Pierpont Community & Technical College: With campuses in Fairmont and Morgantown, it offers a variety of associate degree and certificate programs.

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College: Located in Martinsburg, this college provides career-focused programs and workforce training.

West Virginia Virtual School: This online public school offers K-12 education to students across the state.

eCampus West Virginia: A collaborative effort among several institutions, eCampus West Virginia offers online degree programs and courses to students in the state.

What is the state like?

One of the most striking features of West Virginia is its diverse and picturesque landscapes. The state is characterized by its rolling hills, valleys, and rugged mountains, especially in the Appalachian region.

West Virginia has a solid cultural heritage rooted in its Appalachian traditions. The state is known for its rich music, including bluegrass, country, and folk genres.

West Virginia’s history is closely tied to the American Civil War. The state was formed during the war as a result of the secession crisis, with the western counties of Virginia choosing to remain in the Union.