Unboxing West Virginia: What It's Like Living in West Virginia

Is everyone in West Virginia a coal miner? Is everyone there an uneducated hilbilly? And does everyone in West Virginia eat coon for supper?

We’re going to answer those questions and go over a lot more! So, let’s pull up our britches and get out our hardhats. I reckon we’re gonna unbox the state of West Virginny!

A coal mine. Of course we’re gonna begin our discovery of the Mountain State down in a dark, damp coal mine come on now. If there’s anything that West Virginia is known for, it’s the coal industry. Coal has been the defining way of life for this state since, well it WAS a state. Rich, pure big chunks of Appalachia coal. Ahhh.

If you live in West Virginia, there’s a 100% chance that you or someone you know worked in the coal industry. I mean even going back to the 1950s 1 in 5 people were in coal.

But coal isn’t as profitable or plentiful as it once was here. No, West Virginia hitched its wagon on coal a long time ago, but that wagon has now left the wagon...garage. Because of that, there's a lot of people here worried about their future. It truly is a sad, sad tale.

But we’ll get to that later. Cause West Virginia has a lot more than just coal mines. It’s also mountains. Some of the prettiest mountains ranges you’ve ever seen. And there’s some cities here and SOME form of entertainment. I know. The BEST way to get to know a state is by going around to its various regions. That way if you’re thinking about moving here, you’ll know what to expect. And yes believe it or not some people think West Virginia is western Virginia. No it’s really a state I swear people.

This is West Virginia.

#westvirginia #moving

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[MistressZelda]

I used to live in WV. Lovely little state, I enjoyed my time there. Once you know what you're getting into, there is a lot to enjoy. I once flew back home to Florida on a flight out of a tiny airport in Bridgeport and I sat next to a really nice lady. After talking for a bit, she asked me, "Would you like a pepperoni roll? I make 'em myself." She opened her backpack and there were TWO FULL FREEZER BAGS of homemade pepperoni rolls. She said, "Well, I know they don't have these in Florida so I made a bunch to last me and my family the whole week!"
I think it was the most West Virginian experience I've ever had. Plus, it was a darn good pepperoni roll!

[TheMtnMojo]

What folk fail to realize (sometimes) that WV has teachers, lawyers, doctors, scientists, federal agencies, hospitals, schools, colleges, manufacturing, distributions, refineries, fine restaurants, summer stock, minor league baseball, and lots of other professionals, businesses, etc. You just have to open your eyes.

[Mr_Drew_Magoo]

I love West Virginia. I've travelled all over this State, it's beautiful and the people are friendly

[richmclean]

Democrats are for the working class? You obviously believe political ads. Neither republicans or democrats are for the working class.

[davel]

West Virginia gets a bad rap, but it's actually a beautiful state.

[Brianssong]

Called this state home for 51 years alot of good people here

[matthewmcclure]

Actually, the term redneck came from the mine wars of the 1920’s. The battle of Blair Mountain was the Genesis of the term. The miners wore the red bandanna to show solidarity with the union.

[henryanderson]

I live in Nevada and visited West Virginia a couple years ago and I have to say that I absolutely love it! ....the people are friendly and it is probably the most beautiful state I have ever seen! ....WV is not the only state that is dealing with high drug use and poverty! ....Nevada and California is probably a lot worse!!I .... am now retired and plan on moving to WV!

[kristenlane]

I heard so many bad things about West Virginia. None of them are true. It's such a beautiful state and the people are genuinely kind.

[yaoz]

I lived in Morgantown WV for 7 years and attended WVU. It is mainly healthcare and education. My parents live in a pretty affluent area where houses are all $700k+. I didn't stay since there were no jobs in engineering though. West Virginia is probably one of the nicest places to live for camping and parks, but just no opportunity. Morgantown does have some research, healthcare and IT jobs.

[discordia]

Thank you for this video. And thank you everyone for the beautiful comments about this state. There's a plethora of activities and beautiful places to visit!

[christinehedrick]

I am proud to be a West Virginian. I have lived in other states and out of the country. I hold my head high. And I always come home.

[krhawkins]

Coming from DC I love West Virginia, it's a beautiful state and I haven't been there in 3 years hopefully I'll go back again.

[jenniferunderwood]

My Tuesday morning just got better, another great upload from Nick, keep up the awesome work.

[barrywainwright]

My first time going there was in 1973 at the age of 14. I went there last year 47 years later to the same areas and it still looks the same and hasn't changed. But here in NJ things keep changing daily. WV is truly almost heaven.

[robertmoore]

I like how you interview the of the people who actually live in the state you feature your videos. Great job, Nick!

[Earthhasnolove]

Nick!! Nick!! I've been to west Virginia, ive been to most of the states and WV is one of my favorite! It gets a bad name but the place is stunningly beautiful

[AnthonyBrianLogan]

West Virginia became a state because it wanted to secede away from Virginia. The counties that are currently West Virginia felt like they were routinely ignored by the far eastern part of Virginia where the economic centers were. They had tried to secede before the war, unsuccessfully. They saw another opportunity in 1863 and took it. It wasn't necessarily that they wanted to fight against the Confederacy. Because they had slaves too.

[hannahbee]

I’m from southern WV (Mingo County), which is considered sad and poor to you. You had plenty of good things to say for the other parts, but seemed to really dog our area. A lot of us are highly educated and hard working. Not all are “hootin’ tootin’, pill snortin’, deer huntin’ hillbillies” lol Just sucks you failed to mention that we are all a tight bunch, who will give you the shirt off our back if need be. Where we all know each other somehow, and the kindest people you’ll ever meet. I love where I live, and I don’t plan on going anywhere. Don’t mock us!

[outdoorsmanguide]

Idk nick. John denver does sound more convincing than you when talking about west Virginia.