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I'd cross WV off your list immediately if you're hoping for a similar QOL as you have in SW Idaho. WV has got some serious issues with opioids/meth, and while parts of it are scenic, they're not really comparable to what you can find in the Sawtooths, etc.
I would argue that the quality of life is much greater in urban/suburban WV than most Idaho equivalencies. Idaho is one state in which WV has much better infrastructure and connectivity. Sure, Boise probably has great infrastructure, but the entire region as a whole is very lackluster, and the housing prices are unreasonable.
Despite the aforementioned "opioid/meth issue" that apparently impacts WV's quality of life so severely, Charleston & Morgantown both have GDP per capita's that are 30% higher than Boise or any metro in SW Idaho for that matter (BLS), Monongalia and Putnam County schools are also rated much higher in terms of Academics, College Prep, and instruction (Niche). In addition, Ruby Memorial Hospital and the Charleston Area Medical Center (to some regard) are far more distinguished than any hospital in the state of Idaho (USNews), with Morgantown's Ruby icing the cake as a national leader.
Personally, I think those are the things that really impact quality of life.
I would argue that the quality of life is much greater in urban/suburban WV than most Idaho equivalencies. Idaho is one state in which WV has much better infrastructure and connectivity. Sure, Boise probably has great infrastructure, but the entire region as a whole is very lackluster, and the housing prices are unreasonable.
Despite the aforementioned "opioid/meth issue" that apparently impacts WV's quality of life so severely, Charleston & Morgantown both have GDP per capita's that are 30% higher than Boise or any metro in SW Idaho for that matter (BLS), Monongalia and Putnam County schools are also rated much higher in terms of Academics, College Prep, and instruction (Niche). In addition, Ruby Memorial Hospital and the Charleston Area Medical Center (to some regard) are far more distinguished than any hospital in the state of Idaho (USNews), with Morgantown's Ruby icing the cake as a national leader.
Personally, I think those are the things that really impact quality of life.
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I’ve lived in WV my entire life and enjoy camping and hiking. I don’t hunt, but several of my friends and family members do. I’ve never once heard of this happening while someone is out enjoying nature in WV. You face a bigger threat from snakes and other wildlife in our woods than you do people.
If you don't mind disclosing which region, town in West Virginia you call home? We are looking to bail from Arizona. We too considered Idaho however are priced out as well as concerns becoming a mini California.
I had looked at Arkansas and South Dakota however life threatening weather, over priced housing is a big no.
So for the short time we have left on this planet...boomers, would like a peaceful, quaint little homestead with some plantable land, decent medical, shopping, dining and similar thinking folks. Some winter weather is great, have lived in Virignia several times.
If you don't mind disclosing which region, town in West Virginia you call home? We are looking to bail from Arizona. We too considered Idaho however are priced out as well as concerns becoming a mini California.
I had looked at Arkansas and South Dakota however life threatening weather, over priced housing is a big no.
So for the short time we have left on this planet...boomers, would like a peaceful, quaint little homestead with some plantable land, decent medical, shopping, dining and similar thinking folks. Some winter weather is great, have lived in Virignia several times.
Cheers..
I live in Berkeley County, eastern panhandle region. It’s a rapidly growing area, too rapid for some (+10K new residents in Berkeley County alone since Covid). But, I’ve previously lived in Beckley and have spent a lot of time in Charleston and Morgantown for work.
You won’t have a problem finding most the things I’ve highlighted near the larger areas like the ones I’ve mentioned, down the I-79 corridor (Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg, Bridgeport). The best medical care is in Morgantown, Charleston, the eastern panhandle and Huntington.
Speaking of which, Huntington is probably the next up-and-coming region with a lot of investment and growth, thanks in part to Marshall University’s growth. Wheeling is also on the brink of a comeback, but medical care is still an issue in that region (although you would be an hour from Pittsburgh for speciality/intensive care).
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