I totally agree with Tragicfemale, and gte94377du; West Virginia has nothing really to offer in terms of Children Growth, Economic Growth, and more importantly Job Security. As it relates to the Economic percentage on growth and Bussiness Opportunity. News 4 (NBC) had determined that out of the 4 states that being, PA, DC, VA, and WV. WV fared dead last as the state least in percetage of 1 to 100% as a state to do business in. There percentage rated at 12%. I have been here for 3 years, and must say that I have never lived in a state that has little to offer as it relates to Job opportunity, and Business Equality. And Yes, the scenary is lovely, the landscapes of the mountains are absolutely beautiful. THe people here in the most sense are genuine, and fare. I have yet to encounter any negativety whatsoever.

But for someone who wants to retire, and live off of there pension, social Security, or retirement. This is most certainly the place for them. But for individuals who are struggling with there identity to survive based on limited income, who must travel to either Winchester Va, MC Clain, Herndon, Falls Church, Montgomery county, Prince Georges counties in MD, or In DC Just to find work. This is bloody hell, to stay above water. I have seen so many people, neighbors and friends, move from hear because of lack of employement and opportunity it is a shame. And primarily this is because those of us who range from, 28 to 45 want a little more for our future and our childrens future. But for the wealthy and the rich. Start swinging your bats, you may just hit a homerun.

I-64 from Charleston to the Kentucky line is just terrible. Lumpy concrete paving guaranteed to ruin your alignment, perpetual road work that never gets finished, cracked asphalt with holes in the center lines, and bridge-road connections that will jar your teeth. This is one lousy stretch of road based on my experience and everyone that I talk to. For a major commercial artery, this hunk of junk gets no respect. Fix it or close the state.

I was born in wv. Moved to Ohio when I was 2 so my dad could work in the mines. I love wv. People in ohio are not as friendly. WV people are much more down to earth than Ohio. In my opinion Ohioans are very rude. My kids are 14 and 8 they got to go to wv the first time two years ago. They love it there. Every year they ask if we are going back to my family reunion. My husband is from Ohio even he says wv is the place he would love to live.

I live in WV and I love it! I was born and raised here, and hope to live the rest of my life here. I have lived in other states and travel pretty frequently, but always feel ready and eager to come back home. Some of these people who are making a judgement on our state based on one bad experience at some roadside restaurant are being ridiculous. There are spots like that in every state of the country that would give a person a poor opinion of the area if that person is narrow-minded enough to let it. The people here are friendly, I am very happy with my quality of life, my husband and I are educated with good-paying jobs, etc. I actually like the fact that there is less of a "keeping up with the Jones's" kind of mentality here than there is in metropolitan areas and suburbs. People here are less concerned about who has the latest ridiculously-expensive handbag and are more concerned with who you are. It will be a great place to raise a child someday when we are ready. Oh, and there truly is a lot of natural beauty in this state. I'm not saying there aren't negatives...I know the job-market here is not booming and there are quite a few people who I know who WANT to move here but can't find jobs in their particular fields. Hopefully things will change in that regard. Despite any faults this state may have however, I am here to stay.

As a native West Virginian who has lived in several other states , I have to say that West Virginia is among the most beautiful with the mountains and rivers. Yes, we have some problems, but I don't know of any state that doesn't.My husband (who is from Texas) and I moved back to West Virginia from Florida to retire.... why? Because we love it here and I have lived here several different times in my life. The people are very friendly, if you treat them with respect and not laugh at them or make fun of them.Yes, we are God fearing people who love our families (not in a vulgar way)we respect our elderly people and we actually love being outdoors instead of being glued to T.V.'s and games.Yes, I'm proud to say that at times in the summer I go barefoot and I love it... give it a try ,,, most podiatrist will tell you it is better to go without shoes sometimes.So, come and visit us with an open mind and actually talk instead of putting people down for their culture.

I would challenge anyone who continually makes fun of West Virginia to visit Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, the New River Gorge, Blackwater Falls, the Greenbriar Resort, or the Canaan Valley. Attend a home football game at Mountaineer Field and listen to the fans singing "Take Me Home, Country Roads." You'll need to look far and wide to find a state whose natives have more pride -- pride in themselves, pride in their surroundings, and pride in their heritage. Are they rich? In financial terms, certainly not. But, in family values and love of their land, most definitely.

wv is the coolest state and not only the best land but the best anthing we might not have citiest or lost of money but have our contry singing and our family plus hilbillies do not live in wv they make this stuff up because some of us have messed up teeth or walk bare foot but at leat we have land that hasnt been pollitued we are very smart and if any one who comes to wv we are frendly and we dont kill people so who ever made that was a complte idiot also half the people in wv are big money makers and yes we do eat junk food but thats us were not skinnk and starve are self we love who we are and rather spend time with family and go outside insted of sitting inside with electrniocs and doing nothing like a couch potato so then evry state that says that wv is bad then they can go to hell

You know your state is bad when you have to constantly defend your state in the following manner: "Deliverance wasn't shot here!! it was actually shot in Georgia!!"...

True...it was shot in georgia...it was the closest they could get to WV without actually having to go there.

Every stereotype is based in a bit of truth..and the stereotypes about WV are very true. People speak with ridiculous accents and are more often than not missing teeth. My wife and I stopped in at a McDonald's an hour outside of Charleston on our drive up from Hilton Head, SC to pittsburgh...we quickly regretted getting out of the car in this god-forsaken place.

Granted, the state was given a raw deal by coal mining companies...but you know..it doesnt look like these individuals are putting up much of a fight..

Now, being from St. Louis, MO...i know terrible places, I live in a place that many regard as terrible..because, you know..it is pretty terrible...but nowhere close to WV.

Stay away.

If you're looking for major cities with nightlife, this is not the place for you. Charleston is nothing special and it has an aging population but it is friendly. If you're looking for outdoor activities, you'll love it here. I would recommend Dolly Sods, Canaan Valley, Snowshoe ski resort. You'll find peaks higher than 4000 ft. in the SE part of the state.

I live about 25 miles from the border of WV in western PA and have been to WV frequently. As I cross the border into WV, I can almost feel the difference in the air. Generally the people are friendlier and willing to offer a helping hand. I like the scenery and slow pace. But like western PA, the towns are somewhat depressing and good jobs are scarce. I like I-79 because it's a lot smoother ride than in PA. Also, I really wouldn't group WV with the southern states (well maybe southern WV) because the people I met are not like the idiots I met in TN, GA, or AL.

I currently reside in Parkersburg, W.V. There is alot of unemployment and poverty. The real estate market offers alot of bang for the buck. Alot of republicans (which surprises me, being a state rich in blue collar union work). There is no cultural diversity here. The night life is somewhat lacking luster. Women here seem to get dressed up for Olive Garden and Walmart. The higher education system is limited to nursing, teaching (K-12) blue collar stuff and the usual technical school courses offering no promise of sufficient pay after graduation. It really seems dead end and depressing. If you are older (retired), self-employed or just visiting it is ok.

I moved to WV from NC to Southern WV where the beautiful gorges are and scenery. After four years I realized I had made a terrible mistake. This state is a hole. People leave trash all over the mountains. This is the one time in any state or any country I have lived that you can really say: once you get to really know the people you hate them! Losers, inbred and determined to see that no one, including their own families, makes anything of themselves. I did enjoy WVU football, but you have to watch out for fights and burning sofas after the games. Whitewater rafting is fun, but companies like ACE Whitewater have inexperienced guides and the worst injury and death rate in the industry! These are amazingly stupid people and I thank God I was able to move back to NC after 6 years of hell.

I've lived in three other states besides WV and would move back there in a heartbeat if there were jobs. Currently living in NC and talk about a back-woods, in-bred state. These people are always making cracks on West Viginia and still think it's part of Virginia. Tennessee was the same way. Yes WV has its ills but so does every other state in the county. I've been in parts of NC that are far worse than any in WV, including Welch! You people keep cracking on WV and spreading the news that it's a suck-hole state. That will just keep more of you retards out. I just wish you would stay away during ski season so I wouldn't have to spray so many of you dumb-sh!t'$ on the blacks.

I have never been to WV before in my 17 years of life but I would like to someday go there and stay for a while. All of these bashers are probally some dumb city slickers who are stubborn and wont give the county a change.

Not as bad as some make it out to be, i wouldn't live there but it's got it's charms. People are kinda on the hick side but not as much as say, Tenn where everyone seems to be a backwards hick and people here ane nicer than people in Tenn as well.

I have lived in Fl, for 7 years, Pa, for 3, Oh for 2 and born in WV ,lived therefor 30 years. My son, dautheer in-law and grandson still live there. My son and daughter in-law are attending collage. They both work full time are buying there own home and and car. They are doing very well and I am very proud of them I left WV after my daughter had died form a longtime illness and I was very beside myself with saddness. One week ago I put my home here on the market to move back to WV. I came upon this site and as I was reading my heart filled with saddness because of all the remarks that so many people made about my home state. I have many fond memories growing up there as a child, and even more with raising my own children there. Maybe all this would seem backwoods, hillbilly, inbreed to a lot of people but I know this when my son was six our home caught on fire, and being a single mother I didn't have enough insurance to rebuild our home that I worked and paid for myself, I should add, all the neighbors and business in the area piched in and helped rebuild our home. My children could go to play outside and I didn't have to worry about some sick person stealing them or worse killing them, we don't have drug dealers on every corner, and My children and I spent a lot of time fishing, rafting, boating, camping, having cookouts among many other fun and wonderful things we did. A few weeks ago a 17 and 23 year old kidnapped, raped, and murdered a 17 year old girl here after all that they burned her body and stuck her in a freezer. Now this happened in a small town in FL. That sort of thing rarely happens in the small towns in WV. So maybe we all are hillbillies, maybe we are not all making loads of money, and maybe we talk funny, but when I went to bed at night I didn't have to worried if someone was going to seek in my childrens bedroom window and rape them or worse. My children have never used drugs, don't smoke or drink, my son doesn't feel he has to pound on his wife to make hisself feel like a man. My son doesn't judge a book by the cover, he reads it first, and yes he can read. Yes mabe we are a little behind the times, but from where I'm standing maybe thats not such a thing. I know my grandson will grown up in a loving, happy, drugfee home. I know that when he grows up I will be proud of him as I am of my son. So to all you people out there who think that WV rates sso low you just keep on thinking that because to be honest we really don't want your kind there anyways!

well wva girl, youve really told us off............. calling that sh*thole the most beloved state in the union is like calling star jones svelte..............keep the jokes comming........... for me it will ALWAYS be the keep it in the family state....and that sh*hole with hills people drive through between ohio and pennsylvania yea, WV is real pretty...........if you like looking at the remains of strip mines and abandoned steel mills.......

Being a life long resident of West Virginia, I am hurt at all the misconceptions displayed on this web-site.This state is not predominitly poor, and uneducated as some suggest.We are not back in the woods and we do have technology in which we utilize on a daily basis. We (West Virginians) dolive in nice homes, take nice vacations, and are well educated, just like any other state,and we are not all on welfare. there is bad in every state you go to. there are ghettos in the cities, which contain crack heads, prostitutes, murderers, an abundant amount of homosexuals, and places that you can't be caught in after dark. i would much rather live here where I know I will not be car jacked, or raped just walking down the street from my home. Think about what you are saying, everything you put us down for is happining in the very state you are living in as well, except maybe the curvy roads.In conclusion, I would like to say that it is you, who are the truly ignorant ones because you obviously do not have any idea of what you're talking about when it comes to the most beloved state in the union.

This really is a beautiful state and the people are very friendly. West Virginia has had its problems caused by the de-industrialization of America, but seems to be emerging.

West Virginia is an amazingly beautiful state. I drove from one end to the other (Kentucky-Maryland) and it was like a rollercoaster ride as the entire drive was up and down with hills and mountains. The vegetation there is amazingly green and lush. Lots of friendly folks (a lot more inviting than Kentucky) and quite a bit of character as much of the state seemed to be a throwback in time. I did see a few areas with very striking poverty but for the most part I really enjoyed West Virginia.

I recently drove from Washington DC to Kansas City, and one of the many states I drove thru was West Virginia. I traveled the whole width of the state on I-64 the entire way. Part of I-64 was a toll road. Generally, a state that has a toll road has a great smooth highway. West Virginia highways were horrible, even compared to someone from Missouri (who has the 2nd worst highways in the nation). The scenery was awesome, but to potholes in the highways were rough. We stopped for lunch right outside Charleston...I think in a city called Kanawha City. We walked into the restaurant and everyone looked at us like we were lepers. I got a feeling the most of the folks didn't take kindly to strangers. Just a bizarre state in my opinion... I have visited Harper's Ferry in north-eastern WV, and that's worth a visit if you're a history buff...

Being a native of this cesspool, I have to say on the most there are reasonable, educated people in this state, but they are few and far between. The friendlyness outsiders encounter is a farce, once you attempt to interact with these for the most part, bible thumping, lowbrow, drunken hicks things change,rumors build, hostilities grow out of nothing, unless they think they may benefit from being associated with you. It makes me sick to my stomach when i read how lovely, nice (insert flowery description here) the people are knowing and expierencing the total opposite for over 20 years of living with these lovely degenrates that have no goals of growing with the rest of the world but living in the past, then wondering why they get the negative publicity they do.so sure the scenery is beautiful (at certian times of the year when they leaves are covering the beer cans, garbage and abandoned vehicles). The scenery hides an awful truth.

A few years back, I would've rated my state of residence a 1 or 2, but I've matured since then and come to realize that it is a fair place to live so long as you aren't looking on making a decent living. Oh sure, the exciting world of telemarketing has a few openings, and Wal-Mart could always use more cashiers....but seriously, the state's economic portrait is bleak though improved from a decade or two ago. If you're looking for urbanity, WV is one of the last states you'd want to live in; Charleston--at 51,000 and falling--is the biggest and most bustling city we've got. The hilly terrain(no true mountains here)is pleasant but monotonous, alternating little across the state. Much of it is being ravaged by mountaintop removal, a more efficient way of extracting coal as opposed to underground mines. A few unspoiled scenic jewels include Hawk's Nest, New River Gorge, and Cooper's Rock. Being grim and depressed, the cities and larger towns are a different story, though Huntington and Charleston's downtowns are revitalizing to some degree.

Compared to Minnesota and North Dakota, West Virginia is kind of cosmopolitan (which isn't saying much) I enjoy the West Virginia panhandle. For sure, Weirton is a industrial town with very high unemployment. Weirton, however, also has excellent hoagie shops and Italian food. Weirton has very interesting topography and you can get a nice large house for 50,000 dollars. It also is only 15 minutes from the Western Pittsburgh suburbs, so you always get a job in greener pastures. Wheeling, is a cheap city of 100,000 people in the West Virginia panhandle which has a very low crime rate and a decent central business district and is also close to Pittsburgh (45 minutes), Columbus (90 minutes) and Morgantown.

Rather backward- in a time warp- I guess. Seems to be populated by uninformed hicks and bible thumpers- It is I suppose peaceful- way up in those hillbilly hills- but then I guess ignorance is bliss. Cheap place to live- but you get what you pay for- and in this case you get very little.

I really thought I would hate the place but I didn't. . .Gorgeous scenery, decent outdoorsy-like activities at cheap rates, low population density, friendly locals (for the most part), and very affordable. There are downsides- lack of real culture, lack of any real restruants, the sheer hick factor, and the tolls on I-77 are just irritating. But worth a look for anything involving the outdoors. . .

its one big family reunion, has nice mountains though

Sorry, but pretty countryside does not a great state make. Eventually you may have to stop the car and do something there. And there's nothing of value to do in West Virginia. Dying state, nothing to do, no nightlife whatsoever, lousy restaurants, no culture to speak of, just Dullsville USA. You want to kill yourself after half a day, just to break the monotony. And let it be known I had to visit WV many, many times (my parents got stuck there and hated every single millisecond they lived there). But no one I have to visit lives there, and I'm happy.

My birth certificate says Baltimore, MD. My death certificate will say ____, WV. West Virginia is an extremely safe state with extremely scenic views, breathtaking outdoor activities, kind, gentle folk, homely feeling small towns, and a very low cost of living. I am quite different from those in the main stream money making I 95 stretch of cities and towns. I need to live in an area where I can walk into an Applebees restaurant and see smiling faces instead of groups of girls rolling their eyes at me as soon as I walk in the door. I need to live somewhere where elders don't scold me because I chose not to go to college. I need to live somewhere where more of the land around me is fresh, clean, green, grass opposed to miles of plastic bottles rolling around my tires and clouds of smoke burning from factories. I went white water rafting in WV for the first time last week. My boyfriend and I were training with the nicest group of strangers I have ever met. I love their accents. I miss it so much I cry sometimes. I wish I could give this state a 10 star rating. I wish people would stop saying this state is an inbred state when they don't have anything to back it up. I recommend everyone to visit this state at least once in their lifetime. You will be amazed at this state, so very different from all other states. The Texas commercials say Texas is like a whole nother country, but I would say this is more true for WV. Hicks more down south are cruel to outsiders unlike WV hicks. They are forever welcoming. Every place else I have been to in the world has either mostly people who are rude to me or an even mixture of nice and mean people. Not one person in West Virginia was rude to me. Not a one. WEST VIRGINIA- The home of the nicest hicks in the US!!!!!!

Actually WV is below the Mason-Dixon despite what another reviewer said. A very pretty state, polite people, and besides an insane gas tax it looks like cost of living is pretty low. However, it's very rural and very poor. It isn't like living in rural VA where, depending on where you live, you can probably be in Charlotte, Richmond, or D.C. in a couple of hours. The only city of any real size is Charleston there really isn't much to do in Charleston. All in all, a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.

I will not dwell on the negatives seing that it is all outsiders Do. I grew up in WV. If you need some adventure you do not have to look no farther than West Virginias Monogahela National Forrest.One million acres of forrested mountains that include five Federally designated Wildenesses areas, as well as the head water of some of the most beautiful rivers on the whole east coast. Visit the New River, Americas only river that starts in the South and goes North for its entire length culminating in the New River Gorge which has been designated a National River. The recreation opportunities on the New are many from white water rafting,fishing to climbing the rock outcrop on the Canyon walls to the 2nd Saturday in October when two of the four lanes are closed on the New River Gorge Bridge allowing BASE jumpers to jump of the 876' high bridge which happens to be the 2nd highest bridge in the US and the 3rd highest bridge in the world,as well as being the longest steel arch bridge in the world. An engineering marvel that will amaze anyone who lays eyes on this bridge! You want to go back in time visit Cass State Park and ride the old shay steam locmotives to the top of WV 2nd highest mountain Bald Knob. If that is not enough old timey stuff visit the numerous Civil War sites that are throughout the entire state. Remember West Virginia is a war child born of the Civil War strife. Check out the covered bridge at Phillipi WV. It is where the first land battle of the Civil War took place. The bridge still stands and is a state Hwy to this day! For the people who choose to defy death you can take a trip down the world famous Gauley River. Rated as the 2nd best white water river in the country and the 7th best white water river in the world,or climb the 900'Tuscarora sandstone outcrop known around the world as Seneca Rocks. I could go on all day, but the last thing I will mention is the best thing about West Virginia, and that is the people. They are the friendliest, most helpful,caring people in the whole country. They will treat you like they have known you their whole life. I pitty the people that are too narrow minded to take the good from WV rather than make knee jerk comments about WV just from passing through the state. Montani Semper Liber Mountaineers are always Free! The HIGH WILL NEVER DIE 80

Positive Attributes: Having been to West Virginia many times, I must say that I have grown fond of the state. There roads are comfortable to drive on, and the scenery, espescially on I-79 is just breathtaking. The people are amazingly friendly as well. Negative Attributes: Unfortunately, the state is plagued by poverty and has not been able to use its beautiful assets to its advantage to attract visitors.

Not that interesting. The southern part of this state is ok for scenery, but the further north you go, the more boring it is.

OK, so you've been white water rafting. Now what? West Virginia is the last on just about every list where you want to be first and first on every list that you want to be last on, with the exception of crime. WV is one of the safest states to live in, probably because the only people left are politicians and people WITH jobs, where there isn't any for young talented people. The politicians have ruined the state economically, financially, as well as cosmetically. The only thing I have going for the state is that a majority of my family still live there, but they are either retired or getting close to it.

Cass Scenic Railroad and the mines at Bluefield are well worth a vist, if you like historic authenticity. WV reminds me that we still have remote forests and broad vistas where subdivisions and jackhammers do not reign. Even Wheeling and Charlestown are small cities.

I've never seen so much roadkill in my life! Driving down the highway, one sees Bambi's as far as the eye can see. Unfortunately, that's the only scenery in W. Virginia. BORING! John Denver must have been high when he wrote "Country Road". I don't know anyone who would want to be taken home to this state! Wasn't Deliverance filmed there?

In my opinion, this is a boring state. The land is not very pleasing to the eye, and there is not significant economic growth. There is really NO social things there either.