I've lived here in southern West Virginia my whole life and wouldn't live anywhere else. I've been a real estate agent for over 10 years here and the market here is not bad. Our numbers for 2007 were only 4% below 2006, and 2006 was a record year for our company. The southern part of West Virginia is beautiful and the people are great. If you're looking for a laid back way of life but want access to the hustle and bustle too, this is the place to be.

I lived in WV most my life and then moved to Abingdon VA and returned to WV. . .the vehicle insurance is 3 x's the cost in WV, gas is much higher, real estate taxes is MUCH higher and the roadways should be cleaned up wit the trash. This is home to many of us and I am disappointed that we are treated like second class citizens with all the extra taxes. Having said all that WV is worth someone taking notice and correcting all these problems as it does have much to offer.

WV is a wonderful state to live. The home prices are low. An average home in the Charleston WV area will run about 200,000. If you are looking for small town flavor, you have many towns to choose from to settle down. For a second home in the mountains near ski resorts, you are looking at 300,000 with some land.

Paige,
I love West Virginia! I find most people making negative remarks have never been there. But, hey, what do I know? I proudly call myself a "jersey girl!" I looked into the market there about 5 years ago during time when there was a fleeting possibility of early retirement. Many small charming towns. Great values. Beautiful country! Big city life accessible... It's an under-appreciated gem!

The state has a lot to offer if you are looking for a place to retire or even settle with your family. I grew up in Clarksburg which is a nice size town for raising kids. The biggest problem right now are jobs. Since coal mining has gone down it's been very hard to find a place to work. That's why retirement is nice. The country side is one of the most beautiful you will find any where. WILD, WONDERFUL, WEST VIRGINIA!!!!

Where I live at in Beckley the market is still pretty strong.

Maybe the better question is why isn't there an East Virginia?

To answer your question, I've never looked into WV real estate. I'm guessing the market there is slow just like the rest of the country though....