West Virginia, established in 1863, is one of the two states to be formed during the Civil War. Obvious differences from its now neighboring state of Virginia lead to the state’s formation. The state also borders Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Seceding from the then Confederate state of Virginia, West Virginia played an influential role as a Union border state between the North and South. Today, many contrasts still exist between West Virginia and its counterpart. Unlike Virginia’s crowded, overpopulated cities; West Virginia offers a much smaller, quiet atmosphere. West Virginians boast a very free, independent feel in the state. The state motto even reads, “Mountaineers are always free”. The motto also allures to the state’s beautiful rural landscape that plays a large part in the culture of the state.

West Virginia, nicknamed the Mountain State, has an area that is entirely encompassed in the Appalachian Mountain range. Covered in mountains, the state has a unique geography that includes rugged hills, lush forests, and winding mountain streams. The natural characteristics of the state are ideal for many of the state’s best national resources. Coal mining and logging have played an influential part in the state’s economy since the early days. Coal production is still a major industry in the state. The state produces the second highest amount in the country; supplying enough to power the entire state. West Virginia’s economy has benefitted over the years from cheap energy costs that are a result of their abundant resource. Read more »

Lower populations throughout the state provide a rural atmosphere that is felt even in the larger cities and towns. Charleston, the state’s capital and largest city, has a population of only 50,302 living in the city area. The capitol maintains the mountainous culture that describes the majority of the state. Many different tourist attractions found in and around the city are available. An endless number of outdoor activities, natural attractions, and mountain resorts are easily accessible from Charleston. Some of the most popular activities include: fishing, hiking, skiing, hunting, mountain biking, and even whitewater rafting.
Charleston has maintained a fairly stable population and employment rate in recent years. The state hasn’t felt the effect of the economy like much of the country. Shadowed by a reliable power industry and low government spending, the state has kept prices down from inflation and unemployment from getting out of hand. Tourism coming into the state is another factor in the success of the market.

Sales Trends
Housing sales for the state remained at a fairly consistent level in recent years. A lot of success in the market has come from low housing prices for new homes. The average price for a new home in the state was $164,661 in 2007; the fifth lowest in the country. The only other states to have lower prices were Mississippi ($135,260), Arkansas ($137,516), Louisiana ($147,310), and Alabama ($154,433). Low home prices have brought buyers from higher markets into the state. The areas that surround the state have much higher housing prices. Many people are moving into the state to take advantage of some of the lowest prices in the country. Especially in a downturned economy, price becomes one of the most important buying decisions for a home buyer. With low housing prices and such a beautiful landscape, many people are finding West Virginia a great place to live.  « Close »