I’m a Mexican American trucker that passes thru WV every now and then, and I swear I’ve never been treated better. The residents may not be the most diverse, but it doesn’t make ‘em racist assholes either.
This compliment means a great deal to me. As a West Virginian I can tell you we pride ourselves on kindness and humility. I hope you have many more positive experiences in WV!
West Virginians are damn nice people! Minnesota ,not so much. I'm from Va and Ga though. Odd folk up here. Only one gun shop sucks the rest are friggen awesome!
I'm Mexican American too. I was born in Welch and grew up in Charleston. For the most part, we were accepted. I loved growing up there and playing in the woods from dusk till dawn. We were free-range kids!
Not sure you gave the state a fair shake. All the schools and colleges I went to in Wv were Great! The one thing everyone sidestepped was Trade Schools.
My husband is from WV, and after he retired from 26 years in the Marine Corps in 2022, we moved back to the very center of the state, a tiny town of 800 people. Everyone would hate it here...mountains, the Elk River, deer that eat corn from your hand, neighbors that might not most sophisticated, metropolitan people but would give you the very shirts off their backs if you needed it? Yeah, horrible, don't come...you'll hate it!!
@@tjevans9893 That's a hard question to answer tbh. So, I grew up on a street that was mainly black people. They didn't have any harder time than I, or some of the white people that lived in the same neighborhood, did. There are plenty of cities that a black person would feel completely comfortable in. Then there are extremely small, isolated, white towns might feel a little different. Also, where somebody is from makes a difference as well. WV'ians are extremely cautious of outsiders. So moving from an inner city from another state might be a completely different perspective from a black person who has extremely deep roots in the state/area.
Born and raised here, got my Masters from WVU. Married an Ohio guy and traveled a lot but we raised our kids in Ohio. Flash forward to my retiring and returning alone to the family homeplace which I inherited near Elkins WVa. I love it! Yes, we have social problems (drugs, poverty, many poorly educated). But we also have natural beauty, caring people and some great educational and medical facilities. Woodland creatures are out every evening in my meadow at dusk. I feel loved and protected here. This is where I feel at home.. 💛💙
I've traveled a fair amount. West Virginia so far is the only state that I have said hi to someone on a sidewalk that lead to full conversation. Funny thing is, it turned into me having dinner at the home of some great people! True story. Most towns in most other states you have to be careful who you even look at on a sidewalk.
I live in WV, have for most of my life and have lived or had extended stays at many parts of the state. While there’s many things I don’t like about my state, your example about talking to someone on the sidewalk is one of the things I love about here! Where I live now (Weirton, which is northern panhandle, about 45 minutes away from Pittsburgh, PA) is somewhere I’ve experienced this this most, but I’ve seen it all over! It’s always nice to hear positive experiences from those who have traveled here
I've visited West Virginia a couple of times and have always been impressed by the incredible natural beauty of the state and how friendly and kind the people are.
As a retired university professor, let me explain a big fat truth to all of you. I grew up 11:56 in 11:56 Huntington, WV. I received a fine public school education followed by a Bachelor’s & Masters degree at Marshall University. I then crossed over to Ohio University & received a PhD. You want to know why public school education sucks in EVERY state? It’s because politicians stuck their noses in a system they knew nothing about. My teachers & college mentors took education to the penthouse as far as I’m concerned. Politicians, over the decades have taken it to the 7th sun basement. Add Tic-Toc & other useless types of social media & you have a recipe for a new low in education. I’m so happy I am retired & no longer have to please stupid politicians. They are ruining everything in this country. Both parties! Go to Washington, DC & stay there. Leave education & medicine the hell alone!🤬
I agree. Show me one thing that politicians took over that they haven't turned in to crap. We allowed them to get that way, and this administration is the worst I've seen in my 69 years.
Ive been living in West Virginia fir 10 years now and Im still in love with the state. Whenever I drive to work Im always in awe with the views. So beautiful.
I lived in and worked in West Virginia for 30 years in and around Randolph County and Elkins. I enjoyed my time there immensely and was sorry to leave and sell our mountain cabin home. There is a comment we say about West Virginia that is for the most part expressive of my experience. "The roads are crooked and the people are straight." My wife and I are retired and our life long hobby is traditional Old Time American music. Something very common and welcomed by native West Virginians. Most places in the US and most Americans do not know or appreciate Old Time American musical traditions but West Virginians for the most part do. While the rest of the American culture is defined by the commercial culture, in West Virginia the traditional American culture and way of life is still evident and practiced. I hope it stays that way.
I watch sports shows even though I don't care about sports. But some people have the ability to make things interesting & enjoyable. Briggs is like that.
As a former CDN trucker I took loads to and through this state many times and without doubt my favorite of all lower 48. I found scenery and mostly the people to be top notch.. I know living and passing through are not the same but if I moved to the USA it would be my first stop. The people I found who have very little are more then willing to help
When I was a semi truck driver, I always looked forward to traveling through WV. WV is a beautiful state. Some areas are breathe taking beautiful, especially during autumn.
I have lived in WV my entire 59 years. Born in Logan County but lived the last 38 years in Kanawha and Putnam. Unless you are in the medical field, jobs here are the biggest issue. There's a reason it is so inexpensive most of the folks are working fast food or retail. Also huge amount of folks on government assistance. Roads can be a challenge and health care is not very good. Hard to attract and keep doctors when most people are paying with medicare and medicaid. As for the weather, Winter's aren't remotely close to being as cold and snowy as they were when I was much younger. Matter of fact Winter isn't a factor for me. Worst part of the weather is constant rain and Summer humidity. I had always planned to leave upon retirement but I am considering staying just want as far away from I64 as possible, it has been under constant construction for my whole 38 years in the area.
I live in a rural town In Harrison County. It’s drug ridden and poverty stricken. Sadly, real estate and rent prices are soaring due to remote workers. You’re correct . We don’t have much of a winter anymore. I wouldn’t trade the WV I grew up in for anything. But it’s not the same anymore.
I'm just across the KY border. In my experience, winters in this region in the past decade have returned to what they were in the seventies, though this year was the oddball with an early spring.
I was born and raised in Nicholas County, WV. My father was a coal miner his entire life. I watched him buy a new truck, only to lose his job to a "Lay-Off" a year or 2 later and lose his new truck. This was a repetatve cycle that repeated itself every 5-7 years.We lived on and off of welfare my entire childhood. We had to grow garden during summer, fish in summer, hunt in fall and winter to have meats and vegetables to eat. $260 in food stamps per month would not feed a family of 3. I watched my father die from "black lung" from working the coal mines. I watched him die a slow and agonizing death. I watched him soffocate to death. He gave his life to an unregulated industry that awarded him $4500 as he was diagnosed with 6% "black lung." He gave his life to support his family. At that time, we didn't know it was a death sentence. As an adult, I experienced the opioid epidemic firsthand. Even tho my family was a sober church going Christian family, I fell into the downward spiral of opiates. The lack of employment, the theft, and the POVERTY in WV was enough to make you crazy. I was lucky and found my way out after 28 years. I absolutely miss my home and family with all of my heart. I am a mountianeer thru and thru. I love visiting my family back there, but there is no way in hell that I would ever move back there again and try to work and raise a family. I was one of the lucky ones who got out before going to prison or dying from an overdose. It breaks my heart to see my beloved home like this. 😢
grew up in the southern part of the state and fled when i went to college and never looked back. drugs, Drugs, DRUGS, as well as the poverty, xenophobia [race, religion, sexual identity and education]. when i lived there i didn't overly mind running into a working still hiking but i felt the shotgun on my back as i went straight thru without seeing anyone tending the fire. it was the tripwire attached to a grenade that really bothered me near what i assume was a marijuana field. a brother found a burnt circle of logs with skulls on it as well.
Lived here for two years and ,yes, there is not a lot of money here but that's not what makes you rich (but it helps) it's the people. Nicest people in the whole country, will do anything they can to help you. Still have morals and strong sense of community.
No matter how much people trash it, there's 1 thing you can take a person out of there, but you can't get the love & loyalty towards it. I've lived all over this country and it's an easier pace of life & your not obsessed with living high ,less stress, less crime. Neighbors are always there for you on the day you move in, it's like a party. When you move away, it's never the same once your used to living low key, not wanting so much material things that trap you.
The real West Virginia: I can drive 20 minutes and be in the capitol city. I can also drive 20 minutes and be in the middle of the woods with no houses for miles to enjoy nature. We have some of the cleanest air in the country. Thanks trees! I can walk down the main road in my small town at any hour of the day/night alone and not worry about being attacked by someone. Deer, birds, racoons, frogs, turtles, bees all frequent my back yard. Most of us have gardens in the summer and bonfires in the fall- also in our spacious yards. Most everyone is friendly and willing to help a stranger. We know our neighbors, the people down the road and across the area. If somethings broken- you always know someone to fix it or they know someones cousins brother who does lol and are willing to help. Sundays are eirher for church or fishing or some other outdoor activity. Life is simpler. We arent all in a rush.
@@lez2884 All the Democrat run shithole states full of minorities have higher crime rates. NY, Illinois, California, etc. That's what I'm talking about.
I absolutely love West Virginia I absolutely positively say that West Virginia needs to remain rural and full of nature because West Virginia is truly one of the last States that hasn't been incorporated into the economic statistics and needs to remain that way
@@caseylm100 quit paying the upper class so much or have them to take a percentage out of their checks to gi back into the state for that. This has been an issue for a long time...
Thank you for all of your positive comments throughout your video. It is a beautiful state. I was born here in the northern panhandle and have lived as far south as Elkins. I love it here. I consider poverty as homeless. Here we just don't mind living with less. We do it ourselves and our way.
I'm 67 and retired Navy from Fairmont. I'm a full time remote IT worker in Norfolk VA. I applied for the Ascend W.V. program that recruits remote workers to Morgantown, Shepardstown, and Lewisburg. There is a lot of competition for those jobs... like thousands of people. They pay up to 12k in relocation expenses plus a lot of other goodies. I am willing to relocate back to the area and there is certainly good medical care in northern West Virginia. If you haven't been there it looks like WVU has taken over medical care in the state with clinics all over. I've been up there to look around several times. Still hopeful to move up there and continue working.
Lot of competition for those jobs because W.V. doesn’t have much of a job market so of course those jobs are in demand. Like 1950’s-60’s Detroit, factory jobs for mostly GM plants were in demand. But you go to other states, other cities, and there are options, opportunities a plenty. Like Colorado for example. So many jobs needed filled here you would’ve believe it. But not everyone wants to move to Colorado.
@@subliminalfrequency The opposite of that. I have a remote job. I can now do my remote job in WV. My company doesn't care where I live. I work in a big IT shop. Once Coof started and we all started working from home people woke up and started moving all over the country. We're probably half remote now.
And takes a serious toll on the dwellings that are mostly ancient or cheap manufactured homes. Sooooo difficult finding a reasonable rental or home to buy due to moisture issues, mold, mildew, poor air quality galore!
I remember in 2007 when I was temping in real estate seeing people buy homes new from builders with the intention of selling before close of escrow to a new buyer for profit. The crash was so brutal and fast that I remember seeing a lot of these units foreclosed on with the builder plastic still on the carpet.
Most people find it difficult to handle a fall since they are used to bull markets, but if you know where to look and how to maneuver, you can make a size-able profit. Depending on how you intend to enter and exit, yes.
The enduring US stock market bull run evokes a mix of fear and excitement, presenting opportunities with insight, resulting in $780k gains in the past ten months, utilizing a portfolio advisor for a well-defined strategy.
One thing that you missed is that there are very strong family values and very strong work ethics that come out of the people that leave the State to pursue other opportunities. I'm from WV, currently live in VA, and am a CRNA. I also obtained a BS in Mining Engineering Technology. Many people go to WVU and become doctors. others go to Lewisburg and become Doctor of Osteopathy. WV has many hard working educated people that either stay in the State or move away for other opportunities. Also, many have hunted and have great skills with a gun to become policemen and military. WV people are strong to support the country in the military.
I am a native, but have lived in NC over 30 years. Being retired, I would move back in a minute, but Healthcare is almost nonexistent. A relative got cancer and had to go to Virginia for treatment. People also go to the Cleveland Clinic, and Duke.
It's the 2nd leading cause of death here. I live in chemical valley. If the chemicals don't get you, the mine run off will. We have poor water, soil, and air quality.
We vacationed there last September. Rode through the mountains on side by sides ( big money draw for them), tried the food, and enjoyed the beautiful sights. People were very friendly and tolerant. Definitely can see how poor it is in all the small communities. Hope they draw on their tourism
@@matthewcollins5344 Can you elaborate? I'm a Canadian who's really been studying West Virginia and really feel for its loss of coal mining industry - a major hit to its economy. Are there organized efforts or initiatives lobbying to restore the industry?
@@theresad6990 Ah yeah, I had been looking into its deeper impacts on local WV economy, and it really has nuked most of the state + negatively impacted national economy: jobs and prices. This must be reversed.
I'm from West Virginia and I have all of my teeth... And I believe that people should have the right to live in areas that are diverse or not everyone should have that right. I love West Virginia ❤
First part of your comment made me chuckle 😅, 👍, and the rest I agree. I'm from the north of england and can relate to the closing of coal mines and the effect on communities. Always wanted to visit W.V and I love all of this guys videos . 👌
I live in the great mountain state of West Virginia and I want you to publish as many negativity videos as you can about WV because we are very happy with our state the way it is. We are happy and free and we want to keep that way.
I live in Parkersburg, WV and it's a hell hole here. Everyone is on dope and the crime is through the roof. Already this year Wood County has had 130+ overdose deaths! There are 2 kind of people in Parkersburg, people who are on dope or people who just got off dope. February 17th, 2022 is my sobriety date and now I work with addicts...
Every state in America has that one blister of a place they’d love to see fall off the map. Parkersburg is that place for West Virginia. Wheeling is a close second in my book and that’s where I live😂🤣
Both Parkersburg and wheeling are far better than the southern half of the state imo. I currently live in Weirton, lived most of my life in the fairmont/morgantown/clarksburg area. Given that’s where I spent my active addiction, can’t say I miss it! I’ve traveled and stayed all over the state, I feel both panhandles are the best parts.. I heard someone in a comment once call them “WV-lite” which feels very accurate and a term I’ve been using ever sense
Man I love home but I couldn’t disagree more. I was an electrician in the coal mines and made damn good money, yet still found it hard to make ends meet at times. After enduring my second layoff I moved to Tennessee to a job making half as much. We are miraculously doing twice as good. West Virginia’s problems will always be lack of industry, insane taxes, higher insurance premiums, and utility prices. Sad to see
Oh dear, I didn't know about high taxes, insurance or utility prices... I heard high drug use. Charleston sounded ok to me. That's news to me as I ponder a move to my Great Uncle's state, I think my great greats and my Dad's and my childhood fond memories. Is Covington Kentucky or similar the same way? I'm out west and it's crazy expensive. School in WI was crazy snowy and cold. Where to go?????
Had my first visit to WV over this past summer. I'd move there in a heartbeat if i could. Super friendly people wherever I went, and the natural beauty of the state is mind blowing. I think I might plan on another trip this coming summer. People are quick to crap on WV, but it beats the heck out of the overcrowded, over-regulated, and overtaxed Northeast.
I have(had) a lot of family in Berkley Springs WV. It's a lovely town. We used to have our family reunions there. It's been ages since I've visited. Thanks for the video! I'm enjoying it!
I agree with someone who said that all though WV isn’t very diverse, but you won’t find a nicer bunch of people, and I happen to be an African-American who said that. I grew up in Southern, West Virginia. My brothers and sisters migrated to Washington DC and we all went to the top of our classes. I also graduated from Crown College in St. Bonafacius, Minnesota, Magna Cum Laude.
As a lifelong Pennsylvania resident, I recently moved to Weirton with my wife and son. While a lot of people in Weirton consider themselves to be part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area, I can say it's super affordable and I never felt like I was in danger. I did notice the distinct lack of diversity, but ultimately if you live in the panhandle you're normally still keeping your ties to either Ohio or Pennsylvania. My company is actually based out of PA, so I didn't even have to find a job locally. Actually, most residents of Weirton have jobs out of state. I also love spending time in the mountains, you won't find a more beautiful state for outdoor activities on the East Coast. I'd say North Carolina is a close second.
@@randymillhouse791 I'm sorry bro but I've been to wva I got in laws from there and some of the roads and towns in general look worse then Ukraine does right now. That's why they gotta pay people to move there
If you choose to move to west vrginia then the best places to live are communities that border more populated states like ohio ,Virginia , Pennsylvania and maryland. Better living conditions because these west virginia communities are closer to supermarkets, hospitals and other basic living amenities than west virginia communities inside the interior of the state can offer people. .
@@mcheese420 thanks for your kindness in pointing out the mistake. I grew up close to the border of ohio and west virginia and often felt at home in either state. My high school sports programs were a part of the OVAC( Ohio Valley athletic conference). Eventhough we lived on the ohio side we often went to Parkersburg to go to the mall and places, and, evertime I go back to southeast ohio I keep my hopes up thinking that this is the time I will get to meet the mothman !...( Google "mothman" I'll probably retire back to marietta along with Parkersburg and Vienna. Sometimes it's just a blessing living on the border of 2 states. Peace.
@@mcheese420 I guess my point is that living in the marietta ohio / Parkersburg west virginia metropolitan area , people never though of the other as living in that other state because we , as a group did things together. so we never thought of each other as 2 different states sharing a border but as neighbors who lived on each side of the river....and the good news is that the people both in west virginia and ohio still feel that way towards each other.....and. .that's why I plan on retiring there ...God willing. Peace.
I was a truck driver and I had some good experiences in WV. I arrived at a customer a day early, and was getting low on water. An older couple were out in their yard and gave me water. Then they had me sit down in the yard and visit. After a while, their son-in-law, the Chief Deputy Sheriff, stopped by and sat down with us. Another time, I was taking some pictures of a log house. The owners saw me and invited me inside. Nice folks!
JFK said it best, “The sun doesn’t always shine in WV, but the people always do!” We have so much to offer outdoors enthusiasts in the mountain state. I’ve traveled the world and it’s hard to find anything as beautiful as looking out over WV mountains in fall. WV is likely the freeest state in the nation for people that embrace the rugged individualism ideals of being American. Most of the state is a live and let live society. People don’t care what you believe or do, just give them the same consideration and don’t try to tell them how to live. But, the best thing about WV are the people. There are criminals and addicts and bad people everywhere. The majority of WV’ians are the kind of people you want to know. Kind. Generous. God fearing. Dependable. After 25 years away, I am moving back to the mountains state this year. Montani Semper Liberi.
There are a lot of similarities between West Virginia and Tasmania, Australia where I live. Tasmania is a rural state with a low population. Except for the capital, land is cheap here. It rarely snows. Crime is almost non existent. There isn't a lot of jobs, especially well paid jobs. It is a popular tourist destination for Australians from other states, so the federal government spend money on the roads. It's great for people who like the outdoors. But nothing much happens here.
I love Tasmania and want to move there every summer (I live in Brisbane). But yeah, the job situation isn’t good. Funnily enough, I was robbed in Hobart of all places, which is statistically almost impossible 😂.
@@littlecatfeet9064 I lived in Brisbane from 1986 to 2001. The main reason I moved here from Victoria was for cheap land. Hobart is surprisingly expensive, but land near little towns is cheap. I bought a stunning half acre bush block, 3 minutes drive from an IGA for $ 55 000. This town is small and boring, but the landscape is beautiful.
@@dougwhiley4028 I’m happy with boring. Just got to get my partner to give up his love for the Big Smoke and we’ll be there. Appreciate the information.
I was born NE Ohio. I've lived all over country. But I spent 20yrs in exact center of state. WVa is in my mind magnificent. The mountains. Rivers lakes an streams. Forest. Wildlife. But the citizens are this countries best. I'm proud to tell people I lived there. Proud to tell people to go. Visit. Stay. Someday. I will go back. To stay. Forever. 7:23
I'm a lifelong West Virginian and went to college here. I had an admissions counselor tell me one time that when she traveled to college fairs, she had to hide the city and state name on her admissions banner or students didn't want to talk to her.
I was at Wesleyan 91-93 where I was math major before transferring to Virginia Tech to get a horticulture degree. I also loved my home among the hills, in Buckhannon. the people and the scenery were awesome.. spending time at Audra state park, on the slopes of Snowshoe or Canaan Valley. Good times.
Well, a lot of smart people from out of state go to WVU. The majority of WVU students are not from WV. I remember that this was the number 1 destination for PA and NJ students who didn't attend their own state colleges. Out of state tuition is very low and its close enough to home for people to make the trek.
I'm behind a mountain from what will attract ICBM's from China, North Korea, and Russia. If RU-vid dies and is restored in our lifetime... please remember me.
One thing to note about the poverty level is not everyone making under the poverty level is actually poor. I saw so many F250s parked in nice homes that have been paid for generations ago. West Virginians don’t spend money and are self sustaining. For example, the 2023 federal poverty level for a household of 4 is 30k. I guarantee that there is a decent percentage of West Virginian households that make 25k a year but keep 20k-25k in the bank. House paid for, food grown in their own farm, etc. And that 20k is more than what some of these urbanites save when they make $100k a year.
You nailed it with the BIG hammer on being Cold in Winter. Our electric power company continually puts in for more an more increases. It's unbelievable. Rest of the year is fine.
My family has been in W. Va. since the 1880s, my sisters were born there. My sister moved back to West Virginia but she's wealthy and that's the way. Her daughter and son in law are teachers but also have their parents money. West Virginia is not a State that has the jobs to make money. It's absolutely beautiful. That does it. Fall in love with the beautiful nature, forests, four seasons - that's all the diversity I need. You need a car. Where I live, I don't need a car.
Most of the bad elements here are caused by people not from here.i live right in charleston and been out at 3 a.m. feeling perfectly safe.cant say the same for my hometown atlanta.
My wife’s family is from WV and we visit. My biggest issue as a tourist is the huge litter, trash problem. Litter is in every ditch, river, creek etc. I called the governors office, DOT head and main park office. They all admitted trash is out of control and there is literally no recycling program in the state. Love the people and the beauty from afar is great just not when you look closer.
Yeah, I'm from Europe and seeing the unattended rubble, junk and decay in that beautiful nature setting, breaks my heart. Why don't you guys clean up the mess?
@@hardyvonwinterstein5445 Because their garages are full of items they purchased, do not need, and have credit card debt to pay off which they never will. All else gets thrown out into nature. THIS is the USA.
As a NYer the “diversity” one sort of makes me roll my eyes. I’m sure it was lots of people like my neighbors who are all “I’m so accepting I don’t want to live around shire people” as if that’s a good trait and then they only hang out with white people. People forget how diversity works. I’m white. Neighbor spoke to me in Russian once then never again becuase I don’t speak Russian. It’s diverse but nobody mixes
I moved to a small town in North Central WV back in 2014 from the Bronx. Everyone warned me how I'd be surrounded by racist rednecks. I legitimately scared but from the day I moved here I have been treated like family. My neighbors welcomed me with open arms, like literally hugged me and invited me for dinner all week so i could focus on getting settled in. Sweetest old couple. Everyone treated me like I was just another one of town folk. They wave, nod and smile and I do the same. My first week I was invited to the women's weekly Bingo night, Poker night at the Pub, go on rides to show me the town. I knew pretty quick I had found the place I'd call home for the rest of my life. I love it here. Im treated far better than I ever was where I grew up. For people who are often made fun and called hillbillies and rednecks they sure are respectful, tolerant and accepting which is more than I can say for the people I grew up around.
I moved to WV from FL. It was a big change, but I love it up here. People are so nice and I work remote now up in the hollar. I purchased a small farm and have my Internet with Starlink.
I have never lived in WV. However, I was visiting with someone and upon arrival we were treated with kindness. The parents immediately turned off the TV. We all talked for a bit. We were invited to dinner. Then they broke out the beer and cards. We talked and laughed until midnight. Then they said "you're staying the night"? We agreed and it was so peaceful, we slept like a rock. In the morning they said "you're staying for breakfast"? I was so impressed by the kindness. But we said that we had to leave after breakfast. Then they said "you're staying for lunch"? I said thank you but we have to go. The family all said goodbye to us. I will never forget that weekend. As long as I live. I just love the people.
I was transferred from Maine to WV in 2015 and ended up retiring in 2019 and stayed here (less snow). The comment about NOT tornado prone made me laugh. A tornado ripped off most of my roof in 2021. The roads suck for the most part. However, there are numerous rural/secondary roads with lots of twists and turns being fantastic for motorcycle riding and great views. Education: the schools are not the best for teaching kids needed subjects.
I was on a train from DC to Chicago. Passing through WV. During the night my nice coat was stolen. It was in the open compartment above my seat. The conductor told me a woman left the train at a stop in WV with my coat on. It was a long wool bright gold coat. I returned to 20 degree weather in Chicago in January. A friend told me if she got off in WV she needed the coat more than I did.
I love your videos it's like me travelling cross country when I like to stay home and I don't travel much out of state and I live in a small town that's easily overlooked in Alabama!
I lived in Romney. My neighbors were kind and gentle but the young people don't have much to do and the drug situation there is not good. That being said, around every corner is a view that takes your breath away, from the farmland near Lost River, to the mountains in Cacapon State Park. Had to go to Winchester to go to a hip restaurant. I miss it terribly and dream about the mountain roads but I did not fit in. The snow and rain came over the mountains in sheets so you could see it coming. Gorgeous. The beauty has something to do with the light, it's gold coming through the trees. "Country Roads" always makes me cry.
You covered some of the reasons people don’t want to move to West Virginia but one of the biggest problems in WV is corruption. Every and all state, county and local government in West Virginia is the most corrupt I’ve ever seen. From law enforcement, court system, local councils, county commission’s, prosecutors, county and local employees. Corruption is rampant in West Virginia.
@@TomHoffman-uw7pf WV turned Republican after the 2000 Presidential election when Al Gore advocated for a clean environment and enforcement of government regulations to clean-up the coal industry. As a result, WV has been a red state for over two decades.
Eleven years. I lived in West Virginia for eleven years. Top of the list, law enforcement and judiciary are dirty. To the point of criminality. I'm retired, public safety, gold badge. I know what I speak of. In my opinion. I could be happy in West Virginia except I have an innate disposition to clean out incompetent and dirty local government and law enforcement. I can't help it. That marked me and my family for retribution by the local government and law enforcement. Government services has little to do with staffing and more to do with incompetence and family members filling the spots. In my opinion.
My dad's from West Virginia. Grandfather worked in Coal Mines and it eventually killed him. It's actually a beautiful state. I think you're right on the tourist angle. Outdoor activities would be a money maker. And the locals are pretty cool. Entire generations living in a home. And I had the best breakfast ever in a little mismatched house in WV. She cooked up everything from eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles, fruit etc...just for breakfast. The drive is amazing in the winter. The hills with the ice crystals are breathtaking. That state doesn't get nearly enough credit. And as result of my grandfather's hard work ethic, my dad is the same way. Never missed a day. The sad part about WV is yes, the drug problem combined with poverty. But that's every state. You just notice it more there because of it's low density of population. Here (Ohio), I can be sitting in club seats , having aa cocktail and I'd completely forget there was any issues in Cleveland. Due to the museums, the sites, the buildings, the stores, skyscrapers etc...but there are issues here. Cleveland also has crime and drugs etc.. and there are areas people know enough to stay the heck away from at night. But with CSU bringing in students from all over the world, it's a beautiful city. Well known and recognized hospitals like Rainbow Babies etc... Add in Case Western Reserve medical school and you don't notice the crime. Honestly, I grew up in the country. The majority of teenage crimes are due to sheer boredom. If West Virginia added some stuff to do, it would help. Or one of these greedy corporations put up in some manufacturing based in WV. It's a state where it's descendants have long tolled to bring warmth to the rest of us to their risk of life and limb. Honestly, would it kill the US to bring in better jobs for them? Sometimes I think the reason they haven't, is because they needed to keep the men going to the dangerous job of coal mining. If they had other options, they would be less likely to mine.
More tourists than jobs. Charleston is becoming a ghost town because of the jobs going out if state. I remember the population was much more than today. And the drug problem was nowhere near like it is now.
Here's the missing ingredient with critiquing any state. Elections matter! If your representation is subpar or is corrupted in any way. The residents suffer across the board. Senator Joe Munchin and his family owns a coal mines. You think he's open to "Green Jobs" in WV? Isn't his daughter a CEO in a pharmaceutical company? Wouldn't you think daddy's girl would bring some of those jobs to WV? Instead of shipping them off to China and India. The current governor switched from Democrat to Republican. Trump won the state overwhelming! IDK maybe it's time flip the narrative. I see a lot of Confederate flags on trucks running around Wheeling. Wasn't WV part of the Union during the Civil War? Also heard WV's trying to entice new residents with checks of $20,000.00. The sign at the boarder reads, "Wild and wonderful West Virginia." Maybe it should say, "Nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there." IMO WV's a backward antiquated state that is behind the the times. The more a state resists new technology the further they fall behind. I live in a neighboring state that to tries to cling onto the past in regards to coal mining and Steel manufacturing. We have some of the best tradesmen in the country. And our elected officials sell them out for cheap labor abroad. It's time to support Joe Biden's vision for America. With a infrastructure plan that supports union labor. Plus all the materials manufactured right here in America. When is the last time any politician suggested that and implemented a somewhat ambitious plan. Let him finish his vision! It's better than anything I've seen coming from our federal government in a long time. Especially, from Republicans who do nothing but looking for ways to cheat and cling to power. Or partake in culture war issues! What's that have to do with representing us the American people........
Joe Manchin isn't the only one. The governor is as well he sold his mines to Russian company and bought them back and got in trouble for taxes. IMO it seemed like money laundering. Now he is running to take Manchin's seat in the Senate.
@@kevinglazier8950 it’s a matter of perspective. We moved there from Tallahassee, FL. Went from a population of 200K to 50K. Still felt like a small town with all the amenities we’d need. Drugs are everywhere so that wasn’t really an issue. It was also easy to see that H’ton appears to be going thru a revitalization process. I also desired to be around college sports and Marshall satisfied that for me. Those are just a few things. Was it perfect, no, but I enjoyed living there.
I think WV would do well to focus on tourism (natural beauty and outdoor activities.) Plus it has Harper’s Ferry (history) and a few cool tourist railroads. I used to drive up and down I-81 a lot and loved the highway welcome signs: “Wild, Wonderful West Virginia.” Then they changed them to “West Virginia: Open for Business”, a bone-headed move if I’ve ever seen one. I think they’ve seen the light (every state can say it’s open for business - so that’s not exactly a state brand) and have switched back.
We used to go to Harper's Ferry in the late 80s and 90s. It was nice and quiet. I went last year and you can barely drive through anymore. There is a large parking area away from town and a bus with take you to/from. I couldn't believe the crowds.
I was so mad when I moved back to Wv from Minnesota and saw that damg sign. That was in 2007ish so not sure why you are bringing it up now. We are focusing on tourism and its starting to work out really well. Im able to jump between a ski resort and a state park for jobs and basically live the dream🙏
They hate tourists. They don’t want you there. They won’t serve you if you go to their restaurant. Tourist industries die in West Virginia. If you ask me, the locals deliberately drive out tourism because they would rather collect welfare.
As a west virginian, I can confirm that I love this state too. I mean, just because of the bad internet and the bad weather, It actually is thriving like any other state. Just because it's one of the worst, it's problem is less than the greatness it actually has.
I’ve never understood those who crave big city life for the club scene. Who wants to live in a beautiful natural state like West Virginia and hang out in a contrived, artificial environment like a nightclub? You could do that anywhere. Give me a place with breath taking natural beauty any day.
Same here! My 'club' days ended when I was about 20, have no need for them now. I go into town once a month for groceries and unless I have a doctor's appointment I am at home the rest of the time. I just had a new inspection sticker on my car in April, I added up my mileage from the old sticker to the new....only put 1240 miles on my car the entire year, lol. Personally, I can always find work around the house that needs to be done so I never get bored. And living in the country and not being able to see any other houses is wonderful. All peace and quiet...nothing but nature.
I grew up in Morgantown, WV but I moved to Colorado in my early twenties. WV is a pretty state but it’s also a black hole, there’s not many opportunities available to most people and it’s not the most well kept state to be completely honest. WV will always hold a special place in my heart but I would never move back to WV.
More folks are leaving West Virginia. Very few are moving here and its no wonder. The apathy and indifference of our failed political leaders. Nothing ever changes for the better. There are very limited job prospects a crumbling infrastructure. A governor who doesn't respect teachers or education. Career politicians are the problem. We need positive change.
Hi, I have to say that this state is one of the most beautiful states I’ve ever seen when driving cross country & the residents are very welcoming. If I had the chance to move there I would, this place is for a quiet life 😊 but still it is gorgeous 💕
Another thing to consider if you are a military retiree: For tax years beginning on and after January 1, 2018, all military retirement income from the regular Armed Forces, Reserves and National Guard is exempt from WV income tax.
your videos convinced me to to relocate to WV. as soon as my home sells, I’m Beckley bound. kudos. next time your in the Mountain State, beers. my treat.
I was driving really slow in West Virginia and the people that live there were whipping around me with the look that said get out of the way. The road are narrow and don’t have any security.
I’m happy to be a diversifier in the great state of WV. It’s oddly strange but satisfying that the mountains of WV are not too dissimilar from my native Puerto Rico. When the mountains call you - you obey.
Years ago when I was in basic training the drill sergeant asked if anyone was from West Virginia? When a young man raised his hand the drill sergeant told the rest of us to show him what the porcelain toilet was for in the bathrooms. True story.
The story I heard in basic training was that most soldiers asked for three or for sets of underwear from the quartermaster The West Virginia recruits asked for TWELVE sets. Reason :. January, February, March, April ........
One thing is for sure about West Virgina, as someone who lives south of it in North Carolina, West Virgina simply is beyond reproach on the east coast for natural beauty. Someone who has means to live in that state would be surrounded by more natural beauty than almost any other area within several hundred miles. Many locals there that have moved to NC are the friendliest people you will ever meet, from a personal observation. People there are very friendly and do not have the "barrier walls" that many from the more populated portions of the eastern U.S. have.
I've lived in 6 eastern states and have explored all 50 plus many other countries. Although I haven't lived in WV, I travel through it several times a year, and occasionally the Monongahela NF is a destination, particularly Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods. Although I hate the increasing turnpike tolls and (usually) high gasoline prices, I guess they are required to maintain the road system (although I rarely buy gasoline in WV, instead tanking up in bordering states. However, I've always been treated well in WV. What impresses me most is the beautiful state capitol building that's immediately obvious when driving through Charleston, and it appears there are ordinary single-family houses within a couple hundred feet of it. (It would be fun to say to someone wanting to visit "just look for the gold capitol dome--I'm two houses down from it!") One thought about crime rates--although violence, especially murder, is horrible wherever and however it occurs, from the standpoint of personal safety, I worry much more about being attacked by a random stranger than about such things as the rate of domestic violence. I wonder how West Virginia rates on the different sources of violence.
Pitcairn Island has no airport but has been seeking immigrants. Offering a free build lot, free home build labor, job choices, and you eat when they do. See it on a RU-vid fly-through video.
The area around the capital is pretty sketchy. Took a group of students for a tour and was saddened at how the town looked. So many homeless people on the west side of the complex 😢We even saw one homeless person, older lady, get arrested and the police left the persons belongings on the sidewalk across from Wendys including a sleeping bag.
I was kind of shocked when they said it gets cold because I went there for new years 22-23 (Morgantown) and there was not piece of snow I saw, and it was really warm out. Maybe the weather was surprising because I am from northeastern Illinois, but I remember sweating in a winter coat there.
Yeah, it doesn't snow 180 in in the north part of the state, this guy just makes it up as he goes along which figures because he's from Portland Oregon
If your asking a true West Virginian which I am weather here is described as follows: Mother Nature “hold my beer!” Lol we literally will have all four seasons in a single day. Most days of the year…winters haven’t been as bad with the last few years but the cold is no joke when it hits 🎉
I live in Western Maryland. It borders on WV. Many people here leave Maryland for WV to get away from high taxes and Democratic tyranny in Maryland. Many folks here would like to see Western Maryland part of West Virginia.
Unfortunately, WV is hostile to other cultures. Immigrants could bring new energy, businesses, farmers and jobs to the State but are unwelcome. That’s an official government policy. It also makes WV not as interesting to other Americans who appreciate different cultures - as you point out.
I've been to West Virginia a few times. Sure, there's some outdoors opportunities, but let's get real. WV is a poor state, with brain drain and an extreme lack of job opportunity for knowledge workers.
We love it here. Husband’s family has been in Morgantown since the 1780s. The lack of corporatization across the state is a big reason I love it so much. I can go to knoblys and get some broadheads, ice cream, burger buns, and small engine oil all at the same place while running into three different people I know. Those of us that love it here know it’s not perfect, but there’s so much to love if you like independence.
Amen to that! I've lived here my entire life and have no desire to ever leave. I love living in the country, I'm in the southern tip of WV, Mercer, co. We have everything needed for our area, my drive into Princeton is about 20 minutes which I've done all my life so not far for me. I shop for the entire month and only go into town for maybe a doctors appointment. We have a DG not too far from home, great for when you need just a couple of items.
People can say what they want about WV, but I have been there and everyone I met was friendly and helpful....not to mention it's one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen! As John Denver said "Almost heaven West Virginia"
@eliza d Hi Eliza! I have been obsessed with WV since I was a younger fella. Would love to visit one day! Thanks for clearing that up, I am glad to know that. I heard the South of WV is completely different to the North. What is your experience?
@@elizadawne3896you're exactly right. Not everyone here is living in a shack, barefoot and pregnant, chewing with only one tooth and walks with a profound limp because one leg is shorter than the other. 🙄🙄🙄 There are extremely nice counties in WV and not everyone is ignorant nor illiterate.
