West Virginia has a lot to offer for New Yorkers who are tired of the big city life.
Even the most populous city, Charleston, has a small-town vibe. Aptly named the Mountain State, West Virginia contains some of the most beautiful mountains in the nation.
The population has decreased by 3.2% in the last decade, but population growth is expected in the next ten years thanks to the state’s remote work incentive.
If you’re planning to relocate, this guide will answer all your questions and cover everything you need to know about the moving process.
Let’s dive in!
NY to West Virginia: Average Moving Costs
There are many different factors that contribute to your relocation costs, including the distance you need to travel, the number of your belongings, and more.
The most significant factor will be the mileage you have to travel. If you’re leaving New York City for Charleston, you’ll be covering about 530 miles. However, if you’re coming from somewhere upstate like Syracuse and heading to Huntington, you’re looking at closer to 600 miles. This difference can will the cost estimate.
The cheapest option would be to rent a self-service moving truck if you’re willing to handle some of the work on your own. You’ll likely pay between $1,200 and $2,500, plus fuel. This range covers small trucks that can handle a one-bedroom apartment up to the larger trucks necessary for multi-bedroom houses.
Keep in mind that these estimates don’t even take into account the costs of any extra services you may need, like help loading and unloading the truck. Nor do they factor in the time and physical effort you’ll be spending doing everything yourself.
If you’d rather have someone else take care of everything for you, you can hire a full-service, FMCSA-registered moving company. These companies will do all the packing, loading, shipping, and unpacking of your belongings. Obviously, you’ll be paying a much higher price for this service. At a minimum, your fee will be close to $3,000. However, costs could be upwards of $8,000 to move a fully furnished house.
In the end, you’ll have to figure out your budget and decide how much work you’re willing to handle by yourself. If you need to keep your moving costs low, there are ways you can save money while still using some moving services.
Lowering Costs
Regardless of your budget, you can find ways to bring your costs down. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to save money during your relocation.
Price Matching
It may not be advertised on their website, but most long-distance moving companies will offer price matching with other competitors.
When you’re shopping around for a mover, request a free moving quote from several companies. As long as each quote follows the same basic guidelines, you can use them to lower your costs.
However, professional movers usually require a more accurate quote than what you’d get online or by phone. You’ll need to have the company visit your home and take inventory or provide them with an itemized list of your goods.
This quoting process has become more complicated due to COVID-19, but most moving companies have figured out how to adapt. Your Hometown Mover and other companies offer Live Video Estimates, where a live operator will guide you through the inventory process.
While this can be a time-consuming process, gathering valid quotes could end up saving you some money.
Moving Labor & Packaging Services
You can also lower relocation costs by driving a self-service rental truck, but you can still hire professional movers to help with some parts of your move.
The behind-the-scenes logistics required for interstate moves are the main factor that drives up your cost. A commercial moving company has to provide a truck, driver, and other resources for your move. Cutting out these logistics by driving a rental truck can save you a considerable amount, allowing you to hire help where you need it.
Utilizing labor services can also be a huge help. Your Hometown Mover and many other moving companies hire out hourly or daily movers to help with the loading and unloading process.
This may be essential for New Yorkers relocating out of New York City or Brooklyn, where you’ll have to carry furniture and boxes down flights of stairs. You may also want to consider hiring packing services.
If you’re not planning a full-service move, you’ll likely need to hire two moving companies to utilize these services — local movers to help you load and West Virginia movers to unload.
When you only take advantage of the services you need, it’s easier to stick to your budget.
Financing Options
Although it’s pretty rare, you might be able to find financing options for a full-service move. These “move now, pay later” options allow you to pay back the cost of your move, plus a small amount of interest, over a set term.
Unfortunately, these options are hard to find and have become even more scarce due to COVID-19.
Transit Times
Since you’ll only be traveling 500 to 600 miles from New York to West Virginia, you may think you’ll get your goods within a couple of days.
However, that’s not usually the case. Typically, long-distance movers will estimate 7 to 14 days between pickup and delivery due to the extra resources and labor involved in an interstate move.
The reason for this delay is that many traditional moving companies don’t drive straight to your destination after picking up your belongings. Instead, they’ll take it to a warehouse and combine your goods with other shipments bound for the same destination. Pooling their resources is a more effective (and profitable) strategy for long-distance movers.
Unfortunately, this causes longer lead times for your relocation, especially if your goods need to travel to a warehouse in Maryland or New Jersey for consolidation before heading to their final destination.
What About Expedited Delivery?
If waiting a week or two for your goods is out of the question, you can talk to your moving provider about expedited delivery options.
Expedited services can get your goods to you much faster, with a turnaround time of one to three business days. In order to do this, these movers will skip warehouse consolidation and drive your belongings straight from New York to West Virginia.
But these moving services come at a premium price, potentially adding thousands of dollars to your relocation cost.
Before you decide whether or not the cost is worth it, double-check your moving dates with your shipper for each type of service. Depending on other factors, expedited delivery may only save you a day or two for delivery.
When you need to move fast, expedited delivery may be the best option. As an added bonus, you won’t have to worry about any of your goods getting lost or mixed up at the warehouse during consolidation.
Coordinating Delivery
When you’re moving long distances, it’s important to take into account shipping and delivery obstacles. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can prepare for your delivery date.
Shipment Tracking
With a long-distance move, your goods will be in transit for hundreds of miles.
With local moving, you can keep track of your possessions at all times. You can even follow the moving truck from your old residence to your new one.
Interstate moves are a whole different ballgame. Your belongings will be out of your sight from pickup to delivery. During transit, you won’t have any idea where exactly your shipment is.
Not knowing where your possessions are can cause a lot of frustration. It can be extremely difficult to plan the logistics of your move when you don’t have a clear idea of when to expect your delivery.
Your Hometown Mover offers live GPS tracking information on every shipment to provide you with a better peace of mind. With our world-class moving software, you’ll receive automated texts detailing the exact location of your truck at all times. With this information, you can make any arrangements necessary for delivery.
Check with your moving company to find out if they offer something similar. If not, ask if they can provide you with regular updates and an expected delivery time.
Urban Considerations
When you’re moving into larger cities, there are a few things you’ll need to take into account when you’re planning your delivery date.
Moving into a gated community, condo, apartments, or any other residence (other than a single-family home) may take some coordination.
You may have to add the moving company to a list of approved visitors at the guard gate in a gated community. Another option might be obtaining a guest code that allows your movers to get through the gate. Be sure to check the rules with your new community representative.
Since condos and apartment complexes have limited parking, you may need to secure additional parking for your moving truck. If you’re living above the first floor in a multi-level building, you might be able to reserve an elevator for your move.
These are just a few of the things that you may need to check into to ensure everything goes smoothly on your delivery day.
Rural Considerations
A lot of West Virginians live in rural areas, and there are special considerations you need to think about if you’re planning to move to one of these locales.
For one, be sure to check out the driveway at your new home to make sure there’s proper clearance for the moving truck. Trees with low-hanging branches may make it impossible for the moving truck to get up the driveway. This is especially true if you’re moving in the winter and the trees are overburdened by snow.
If your movers can’t get the truck close to your house, they might require a shuttle service to transport your belongings from the truck to the door. Moving services like this will come at an increased price, and if you have a long driveway, that can add quite a bit to your moving costs.
To ensure that your move-in goes smoothly, it’s important that your professional movers have easy access to the front of your house.
Weather Considerations
No matter what time of year you’re planning to move, the weather can potentially delay or cause problems for your relocation.
If the forecast shows severe weather, you may want to delay your delivery for a day or two. Trying to haul furniture and boxes through the rain means all your belongings are likely to get wet. Slips and falls are also more common, which could lead to injuries and broken or damaged possessions.
Relocating in the winter is potentially more dangerous. It’s miserable trying to move in the snow due to the extreme cold and wind chill. Plus, there’s an increased risk of slipping on ice or tripping over debris hidden in the snow, especially if there’s no clear path.
If you have to move during difficult seasons, it may be even more essential to hire professional help rather than to try to handle everything by yourself.
Insurance
Often overlooked, insurance options are an important part of your move, especially for long-distance relocations.
While carriers try their hardest to keep your items safe and provide a hassle-free moving experience, accidents do happen.
It’s essential to understand how moving insurance works and how professional movers value your items to ensure that you’re getting the type of coverage you need.
Basic Liability Insurance
Basic liability coverage is usually included with most moving companies’ standard moving packages.
You might think that this is totally acceptable, but there’s a chance you’re putting your shipment value at risk. With basic liability insurance, rates are based on the item’s weight instead of the actual (perceived) value.
For example, a basic liability rate calculated by weight might be $.60 per pound. If a precious piece of jewelry is lost or a valuable piece of artwork is damaged, you’ll only receive a fraction of the value.
You’ll need premium insurance if you want to make sure you’re getting full-value coverage.
Premium Move Coverage
Unlike basic liability insurance, premium insurance’s rate is based on the item’s value. This means your goods will be insured for the total value of the item.
Premium insurance requires a little more work to secure. Your moving company will want an estimated value of all your goods. They’ll use that number to calculate your insurance price. Most options include a deductible as well, which you’ll have to pay before receiving a payout. However, if anything gets lost or damaged in transit, you’ll be able to claim the full value, minus deductibles, for your items.
If you own a lot of lighter-weight items of high value, such as jewelry and antiques, you’ll want premium insurance to cover your move.
Additionally, Your Hometown Mover offers custom crating and packing solutions that will help keep valuable items like paintings and antiques better protected for your move.
Moving Vehicles & Boats
With very little in the way of public transportation, you’re going to need a car to get around in West Virginia.
But moving your vehicle to West Virginia can be complicated if you already own a vehicle. You could drive it yourself or attach it to a rig on the back of your rental truck. If you’re uncomfortable with either of these options, or you own multiple vehicles or a boat, you’ll need to find an alternative.
Most professional moving companies can help by contracting out with an auto-transporter or rigger for you. Hauling vehicles requires specialized equipment, so it’s not likely they’ll handle this themselves.
Keep in mind that your vehicle won’t be traveling with the rest of your goods, so it won’t follow the same delivery schedule. If you’re paying for expedited delivery on your move, your vehicle will either be excluded, cost more, or take longer than the rest of your shipment.
While Your Hometown Mover does outsource this work, we’ll work with you to get everything set up for a seamless relocation experience.
West Virginia Relocation Resources
West Virginia offers beautiful scenery, a low cost of living, and affordable housing for those looking to escape crowded cities and live closer to nature.
With lots of rugged country, the majority of the counties in the state are rural. In fact, it’s one of the few states that doesn’t have a single city with more than 100,000 residents. The state’s capital and largest city, Charleston, has just under 50,000 residents.
Let’s explore this city and a couple more in detail.
Charleston
Cost of Living: 52.0% cheaper than NYC / 3.8% cheaper than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 33
Transportation: Bus, Car
Known for: State Capital, Home of Daniel Boone, Capitol Market
Located in Kanawha County, Charleston is West Virginia’s capital city. Its riverside location and proximity to three major highways make it an easily accessible and popular place to visit. It’s also only a couple of hundred miles from some major cities, such as Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences is one of the most popular attractions in Charleston. There’s something for everyone with art exhibits, performing arts, a planetarium, and interactive exhibits.
You’ll enjoy visiting the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center for any number of events and fairs that are held there throughout the year. It’s located in Charleston’s business district and is quite a sight.
If you’re interested in history, you may want to check the Ruffner Cabin in Daniel Boone Park. At the entrance to the park, you’ll find a monument to Daniel Boone, the famous pioneer. In the 1790s, he lived in a cave close to this park. The cabin was built in 1803 for Joseph Ruffner and is said to be the oldest extant dwelling in Kanawha County.
There’s also plenty to learn at the West Virginia State Capitol Complex. Here you can check out the Governor’s Mansion, the WV Independence Hall, the WV State Museum, and much more. Don’t miss taking a tour of the State Capitol Building while you’re there.
Kanawha locals and tourists alike love shopping at the Capitol Market. It’s a year-round indoor/outdoor market with dining, retail, and more. You’ll find farm-fresh produce, meat, seafood, plants, and flowers. Not to mention the restaurants, coffee shops, and a fun, social atmosphere that run throughout the market.
There are plenty of parks and forests if you like to spend your time in nature. Check out Cato Park for golfing, hiking, archery, and swimming. There’s even a playground and space for playing sports.
If you’re looking for something a little less developed and a little more wild, you’ll want to head over to the Kanawha State Forest. Here you’ll be surrounded by lush trees where you can hike, bike, camp, or cross-country ski.
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a place for those feeling a little more adventurous, with whitewater rafting, canoeing, and rock climbing. Of course, you can also spend some time here hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and hunting.
The weather in Charleston is similar to what you’d find in New York, with warm and humid summers and cold winters. During the hottest part of the year, the average highs are still in the mid-80s. However, Charleston does usually see a little more snowfall than New York. With all the mountains and hills, it’s a popular destination for winter sports.
The biggest natural disaster you’ll have to worry about here is flooding, although severe storms, winter storms, and tornadoes are a risk. It’s always best to be prepared for any natural hazards.
Resources
Huntington
Cost of Living: 55.3% cheaper than NYC / 10.3% cheaper than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 49
Transportation: Bus, Car
Known for: Marshall University, Hunting Mall, Expansive Park System
Huntington is a bustling little city on the Ohio River that’s full of outdoor activities, art, music, shopping, and more.
It’s also home to Marshall University, which you may have heard of thanks to the film “We Are Marshall.” Here you can find the Memorial Fountain that’s dedicated to the football players and staff featured in the movie.
You’ll also want to visit Ritter Park, which locals consider to be the heart of the city. There you can picnic, hike, bike, or play tennis. It also has a beautiful rose garden, a dog park, and a playground, so it’s a great place to take the whole family.
Another family-friendly attraction in Huntington is Camden Park. This amusement park has over thirty rides and games for all ages, including rides for younger kids in Kiddie Land.
You can also head to Huntington Mall, the largest mall in the state, for some shopping.
If you prefer some fresh air while you’re shopping, you can check out Pullman Square. Located in Downtown Huntington, Pullman Square is an outdoor shopping center filled with popular stores and restaurants.
The Heritage Farm Museum and Village is another open-air attraction. This museum teaches guests about the history and culture of the Appalachian area. It features an Appalachian home from the 1850s, so visitors can see how early settlers lived.
You can learn about technology and electronic communication history at the Museum of Radio and Technology. Admission is free, and you’ll have a blast walking through the 1920s to 1930s radio shop, which shows how music used to be played.
If you’re more interested in the arts, you’ll want to stop at the Huntington Museum of Art. Not only is there plenty of art and exhibits to see, but you can also sign up for one of the many workshops offered there.
Another popular place to visit in Huntington is the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. The arts center was designed in the Spanish Baroque style by one of the most well-known theater architects, Thomas Lamb. You can take in one of the many local productions, film festivals, or other events hosted here.
Like most of West Virginia, Huntington experiences all four seasons of weather. Winters tend to be cold but short, with a little more snow than what you may be used to in New York. The summers are warm and humid, with average temperatures in the 80s.
Just like Charleston, floods and thunderstorms are a serious risk. Other natural disasters that could occur in the area are winter storms, tornadoes, and tropical storms. Make sure that you’re prepared for any of these eventualities if you’re going to make your new home here.
Resources
Morgantown
Cost of Living: 46.4% cheaper than NYC / 7.4% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 59
Transportation: Bus, PRT, Car, Bike
Known for: West Virginia University, Monongalia Arts Center, Mountaineer Country
Morgantown is a popular small town that’s steadily growing. In fact, it’s in the fastest-growing county in the state. It has a strong economy and a quaint charm.
Even though this is a smaller city, there’s still plenty to see and do. The first thing you’ll want to do is take a tour of the West Virginia University campus. WVU features many of the cities best attractions.
The Art Museum of WVU is still relatively new. It opened in 2015 and is dedicated to helping visitors experience the transforming power of art. Also on the WVU campus, you’ll find the Royce J. & Caroline B. Watts Museum, which showcases the history of the state’s coal and petroleum industries.
If you love college sports, you can watch a Mountaineers game at the West Virginia University Coliseum. For decades the Coliseum in Morgantown has been the nation’s most prestigious venue for college basketball.
You may also want to visit the Earl L. Core Arboretum. This beautiful garden sits on 91 acres and is also owned by West Virginia University. You can enjoy the flowers, hike one of the trails, or relax in the amphitheater.
If you love the Arboretum, you’ll also want to check out the West Virginia Botanic Garden. Here you’ll find plants and florals appropriate to the Appalachian area. There are small gardens, hiking trails, forests, and a boardwalk crossing the wetland area.
A great place the whole family will enjoy visiting is the Spark! Imagination and Science Center. This children’s museum offers fun and inspiring exhibits that engage the imagination. Interactive exhibits will get your kids thinking and learning, and they’ll be having a great time doing it.
You’ll also want to stop by the Morgantown Farmers’ Market. It’s open every Saturday in May through November. While the main attraction is all the farm-fresh produce and foods, you’ll often find live music, yoga, dancing, culinary demonstrations, and more.
If you get tired of the small-town vibe, Morgantown is only about three and half hours away from the urban hubs of Washington, D.C., or Baltimore.
Morgantown experiences very cold and snowy winters, even more so than some of the other areas in WV. However, it sees slightly less rain than most of the other cities. Summers are muggy and warm, with partial cloud cover the majority of the time.
Winter storms, flooding, and other natural disasters are a risk, so make sure that you’ve taken the time to prepare for these events.
Resources
Coronavirus Considerations
West Virginia took an aggressive response to the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented strict restrictions. The state’s number of cases stayed lower than much of the rest of the country. Governor Jim Johnson has been consistent in urging residents to take proper precautions, and vaccination rates are over 50%.
At the moment, the state has reopened and does not currently have any restrictions in place. Masks are highly recommended but not required. However, different cities and counties may have some restrictions. You can check out West Virginia’s Department of Health and Human Resources for the latest guidelines and restrictions.
FAQ
What is the average cost to move to WV from NY?
While the cost will vary based on the exact distance you’re traveling, you can expect to pay between $3,000 to $8,000 for a full-service move.
You can move for less, but keep in mind that you’ll be covering the cost of a truck, fuel, and any other services you may need. A rental truck alone will likely cost you between $1,200 and
$2,500.
How long will my move take?
Long-distance moving companies usually estimate 7 to 14 business days between pickup and delivery.
Different companies and the actual distance you’re traveling can change this timeframe, so it’s always a good idea to get an estimate from the company you choose. This way, you can plan ahead for your delivery.
If you’re in a hurry, expedited delivery is also an option. However, you’ll pay a premium for this service, so it may or may not be worth it to you.
How is living in WV different from NY?
West Virginia offers a completely different lifestyle from New York. Even the largest city has less than 50,000 people, so you’ll have a lot more space.
As the Mountain State, you’ll find that mountains, parks, and nature abound. No matter where you choose to live in this state, you’ll be surrounded by trees, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.
The cost of living is also significantly cheaper than the NYC. Even if you’re moving from the Upstate, most of the state will have a lower cost of living. However, like Morgantown, a few places may be slightly higher than somewhere like Syracuse.
Public transportation is lacking in the state. While you’ll be able to catch a bus in most cities, you’re going to need a vehicle of your own to really get around West Virginia.
How do you get around in West Virginia?
West Virginia doesn’t have much in the way of public transportation, even in the larger cities. You’ll find a city bus in most places, but that’s about it.
In some smaller towns, like Morgantown, biking may be an option, but you’ll find that a car is necessary for getting around in this state.
Is West Virginia a good place to live?
This state offers a low cost of living, affordable housing, and quality healthcare. Plus, West Virginians are some of the nicest people in the country in this state.
There’s a simplicity in living in this state, with its small towns and gorgeous scenic views. It’s also one of the safer states, with lower crime rates than many other states.
If you hate crowded cities and love the great outdoors, West Virginia may be the perfect place to call home.
Moving to West Virginia from NY
It can be overwhelming to plan a long-distance move from New York to West Virginia, but you can get help from a professional moving company.
Your Hometown Mover can help! With locations in New York and South Florida, our teams can work with you to create a long-distance moving solution that makes sense for your family.
We offer guaranteed pricing and offer expedited delivery within 1 to 3 days for many moves. Get a free moving quote today.
Our team will do the heavy lifting so that you can spend less time worrying about your relocation and more time enjoying your new home.
