Best Virginia to West Virginia Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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VA to WV Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another heralds an exciting chapter in your life, packed with new possibilities and adventures. Leaving behind Virginia's rich history and bustling cities for West Virginia's rugged mountains, charming small towns, and the tranquil beauty of the "Mountain State" can feel like stepping into a whole new world. For such a significant transition, it's crucial you entrust your move to professional movers who are not just reliable, but also understand the essence of a long-distance move, ensuring we make your journey as smooth as possible.

Virginia iconArrow iconWest Virginia icon

Best Virginia to West Virginia Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
ARS Movers9.63A+Authorized For HHGContact
A Change of Place Movers9.59NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Matthew's Nationwide Moving9.49NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
STAR Movers9.47A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Country Roads Moving LLC9.27NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Abates Moving Services LLC8.55NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from West Virginia to Virginia guide.

6 Best VA to WV Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

ARS Movers Logo
Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,704+ data points

About ARS Movers

ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a wide r...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving (Residential Moving)
  • Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
  • Office Moving (Commercial Moving)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3260258 / 1027666

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved3 (2022)
View Full Review
1
A
Exceptional9.59/10
based on 925+ data points

About A Change of Place Movers

The staff members at A Change of Place Movers are some of the most thoughtful, caring moving professionals you will ever meet. They genuinel...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1293943 / 503371

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved290,815 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Matthew's Nationwide Moving Logo
Exceptional9.49/10
based on 1,392+ data points

About Matthew's Nationwide Moving

Matthew's Nationwide Moving is a family-owned and operated company founded in 2012 in Annandale, Virginia. With over 20 seasoned moving cont...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Nationwide Moving Services
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2375124 / 819110

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved400,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
STAR Movers Logo
Exceptional9.47/10
based on 609+ data points

About STAR Movers

STAR Movers prides itself on being a non-franchise moving company. It is not associated with any nationwide moving chain, which makes it mor...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Home and Apartment Moving
  • Labor Only Moves / Loading / Unloading
  • Commercial Business Relocation Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2890159 / 970912

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved14,809 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Country Roads Moving LLC Logo
Exceptional9.27/10
based on 714+ data points

About Country Roads Moving LLC

Country Roads Moving is a Morgantown-based moving company that serves the greater North Central West Virginia area. It is licensed, insured,...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3094022 / 73556

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved210,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
A
Fabulous8.55/10
based on 347+ data points

About Abates Moving Services LLC

With Abates Moving Services LLC, you can expect your relocation to be stress-free and quick without feeling hurried at all. This local Morga...Read More >>

Services

  • Local and long-distance moving services
  • Packing and unpacking services
  • Short-term and long-term storage options

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3679007 / 1278788

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to West Virginia

Moving from one state to another is a significant decision, shaped by a range of factors from economic to lifestyle considerations. This comparison is designed to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Virginia to West Virginia , ensuring you have a well-rounded view before making your decision.

CONs
PROs
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Higher cost of living
  • More traffic congestion
  • Fewer natural landscapes
  • Lower average salaries
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic
  • Lush landscapes
  • Lower living costs
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Fewer city amenities
  • More limited food scene
  • Dependent on cars
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Richer job market
  • More urban amenities
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Better public transport

The transition from Virginia to West Virginia presents a diverse array of lifestyle changes. Virginia, with its bustling urban centers like Arlington and Fairfax, offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from gourmet restaurants to expansive shopping districts and efficient public transportation options. In contrast, West Virginia, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, boasts attractions like the New River Gorge National Park and the serene landscapes of the Harpers Ferry area, promoting a lifestyle closer to nature and perhaps more relaxed, with significantly fewer urban distractions. Though it may offer fewer job opportunities in certain sectors, the overall lower cost of living in West Virginia makes it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their dollar further while enjoying the peace and tranquility of its lush environments.

Virginia vs. West Virginia Food Guide

Food is an essential aspect of local culture and significantly impacts what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we're comparing the local cuisine between Virginia & West Virginia to help you get acquainted with the food scene in your new home.

VirginiaWest Virginia
Most iconic local food itemVirginia HamPepperoni Roll
Most popular meat dishBarbecueCountry Ham Steak
Most popular street food itemFood Trucks: TacosHot Dogs with Chili Sauce
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastBlack Bean Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Leaping Lizard Cafe
  • Mama J's Kitchen
  • Pies & Pints
  • Olive Tree Café
  • Black Bear Burritos
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Virginia's food scene offers a blend of traditional Southern cooking and modern culinary trends, highlighted by the iconic Virginia Ham and a burgeoning scene of food trucks, especially in urban areas like Richmond and Norfolk. On the other hand, West Virginia keeps things hearty with staples like the Pepperoni Roll and Country Ham Steak, offering a taste of the state's rich history and cultural heritage. In both states, you'll find iconic eateries that embody the local food culture, such as The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia and Pies & Pints in West Virginia, each providing unique dining experiences that are sure to be unforgettable.

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Virginia vs. West Virginia Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal factor when contemplating a move. It's crucial to compare the housing landscapes of Virginia and West Virginia to understand what each offers. This comparison will illuminate the costs, statistics, architecture, walkability , and more, helping you make an informed decision.

ComparisonVirginiaWest Virginia
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodRanch, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingCommunity amenities, proximity to D.C.Natural beauty, large lots

When analyzing the real estate market, Virginia and West Virginia offer distinct lifestyles and housing benefits. Virginia, with its higher median home price and rent, reflects its closer proximity to urban centers like Washington D.C., making it a preferred location for those seeking an urban lifestyle with all the amenities of city living, including higher walkability and bikeability scores. This is complemented by a preference for traditional Colonial and Cape Cod architectural styles. Conversely, West Virginia presents a more affordable housing market, with a focus on the natural beauty of its landscapes, larger lot sizes, and a preference for Ranch and Craftsman homes, catering to those desiring a quieter, more serene living environment. These differences underline the unique appeal each state holds depending on your lifestyle preferences and budget.

Virginia vs. West Virginia Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Virginia to West Virginia, it's crucial to understand how the weather patterns in these two states will impact your lifestyle. This comparison aims to highlight the key differences and similarities in climate you'll encounter, making your transition smoother and more predictable.

Summer icon
85°/65°

Virginia

80°/60°

West Virginia

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
48°/29°

Virginia

41°/26°

West Virginia

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
44"

Virginia

51"

West Virginia

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
10"-20"

Virginia

33"

West Virginia

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonVirginiaWest Virginia
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, Nor'eastersFloods, Landslides
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Virginia to West Virginia, you'll notice a slight drop in average summer temperatures and a more significant decrease in winter temperatures. This is complemented by fewer days of sunshine in West Virginia, emphasizing a need for warmer winter gear and possibly a brighter interior decor to compensate for the gloomier days. Despite these differences, both states exhibit similar air quality and face common issues with seasonal allergies. Understanding these nuances will help you adapt to your new environment and enjoy the distinct seasons West Virginia has to offer.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Virginia to West Virginia

When considering a move from Virginia to West Virginia, understanding the financial differences between the two states is crucial. This comparison will illuminate how your cost of living, taxes, and overall economic environment will change. Let's dive into the financial landscape of Virginia and West Virginia to better prepare for your transition.

ComparisonVirginiaWest Virginia
Avg. Household Income$85,873$54,329
Cost of Living Index96.695
State Income Tax2.0 to 5.753.0 to 6.5
Avg. Property Tax0.80.59
Avg. Sales Tax5.36.1
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Government, Professional ServicesEnergy (Coal), Healthcare, Education
AffluenceModerately affluentLess affluent
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLesserMore

Moving from Virginia to West Virginia, you'll notice significant differences in your financial landscape. While the average household income in Virginia is significantly higher, West Virginia boasts a lower cost of living and property taxes, possibly offsetting some of the income differences. However, state and sales taxes are slightly higher in West Virginia. The economic environments vary greatly, with Virginia having a strong presence in technology and government sectors, while West Virginia's economy is more focused on energy and healthcare. Understanding these differences can help you prepare financially for your move and set realistic expectations about the living conditions and job market in your new home.

Virginia vs. West Virginia Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Virginia to West Virginia, it's helpful to understand the community you're transitioning into. This guide offers a comparison of the politics between Virginia & West Virginia at a glimpse, alongside religious beliefs shaping local cultures. Whether you're drawn by political alignment or seeking communities of shared faith, this quick overview can be your starting point.

VirginiaWest Virginia
Political Make-upSwing State, recent lean towards blueStrongly red
Local PoliticsDiverse, urban vs rural divideHomogeneous, predominantly rural
ReligionMixed, with no single dominancePrimarily Christian, with strong Protestant roots

In both Virginia and West Virginia, the local culture can be deeply influenced by political and religious views, but in distinct ways. Virginia's swing state status means its political landscape is ever-changing, and its diverse population leads to a varied religious makeup. Urban areas might lean more liberal, offering a contrasting experience to the state's rural parts. In contrast, West Virginia's predominantly Christian and conservative demographics foster a more uniform cultural and political atmosphere. This consistency might appeal to those looking for community solidarity based on common beliefs and values. Understanding these nuances can help you integrate more smoothly into your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to West Virginia

When considering a move from Virginia to West Virginia, it's essential to compare various factors to make the best decision for your family. One critical area to evaluate is the education system. This comparison will help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Virginia and West Virginia.

VirginiaWest Virginia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
College of William & Mary
West Virginia University
Marshall University
Fairmont State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Arlington Science Focus School (Arlington)
Spring Hill Elementary School (McLean)
Stenwood Elementary School (Vienna)
North Elementary School (Morgantown)
Suncrest Primary School (Morgantown)
Steenrod Elementary School (Wheeling)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Longfellow Middle School (Falls Church)
Kilmer Middle School (Vienna)
Rocky Run Middle School (Chantilly)
Bridgeport Middle School (Bridgeport)
Suncrest Middle School (Morgantown)
Mountaineer Middle School (Morgantown)

Top 3 High Schools

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria)
McLean High School (McLean)
Langley High School (McLean)
Morgantown High School (Morgantown)
Bridgeport High School (Bridgeport)
George Washington High School (Charleston)

Top 3 private high schools

Flint Hill School (Oakton)
The Potomac School (McLean)
Episcopal High School (Alexandria)
The Linsly School (Wheeling)
Episcopal High School (Charleston)
Notre Dame High School (Clarksburg)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (Suffolk)
The Covenant School (Charlottesville)
The Madeira School (McLean)
St. Joseph Central Catholic High School (Huntington)
Wheeling Country Day School (Wheeling)
Trinity Christian School (Morgantown)

Top 3 School Districts

Falls Church City Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools
Monongalia County Schools
Ohio County Schools
Kanawha County Schools

Moving from Virginia to West Virginia, you’ll find significant differences in educational options. Virginia schools, such as the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria and Longfellow Middle School in Falls Church, are nationally recognized for their academic excellence. West Virginia also offers outstanding educational institutions, like Morgantown High School, known for its strong community support and academic programs. Understanding these differences in educational systems, including the specific advantages of private and public school options in both states, is crucial for making an informed decision about your move.

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