Moving to West Virginia: A Relocation Guide
Thinking about moving to West Virginia? Here's a practical starting point for newcomers.
Key facts
- Capital: Charleston
- Largest city: Charleston
- Population: 1,793,716 (2020 census)
- Nickname: The Mountain State
- Region: South
What should you consider before moving to West Virginia?
- Where to live: Major cities include Charleston and the state capital Charleston. See our West Virginia state guide and city guides for details.
- Cost of living: Compare housing, utilities and taxes carefully — costs vary significantly across the state.
- Lifestyle: West Virginia's south location shapes daily life, from climate to recreation. Explore the top things to do to get a feel for the state.
- Jobs & schools: Research local employers and school districts in your target city before committing.
City guides: Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Harpers Ferry.
Frequently asked questions
What are the largest cities in West Virginia?
The largest city in West Virginia is Charleston, and the capital is Charleston. See the city guides for local detail.
What is the population of West Virginia?
The 2020 census population of West Virginia is 1,793,716 (2020 census).
What should I research before moving to West Virginia?
Compare housing, utilities, taxes, jobs and school districts in your target city. The moving guide above and the West Virginia state guide are a good starting point — verify current costs with local sources.
Next steps
This guide is a starting point — Red Rock Daily is building detailed, city-level relocation coverage across the country. For now, combine this overview with the West Virginia state guide and local city pages.
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (2020 census population figures); official state records. Cost-of-living details should be verified with current local data.