what can you tell me about West Virginia? 
@andy58-in-nh - Some incredibly beautiful scenery, some abject poverty, especially in southern counties. Sen. Robert C. Byrd's legacy is that he got so much of the population hooked on government handouts, which is a shame. He's gone, though, and we have Republican - more or less conservative - representation in Congress now. We still need to get people off their rear ends and working. Many of our former industries have died out, but we're trying to adapt.
It's a fairly small state, both in size and population. The cost of living is quite low, from housing to property taxes to gasoline. I compare everything to Pa., which is barely 1/2 mile from our house, and things are
way cheaper here.
There is a state income tax, but I don't think it's oppressive. People are generally friendly. From our house to the main road, about 1.1 miles, we pretty much have to wave to everyone we pass, whether driving or walking. And I don't mind being called "hon" by the cashiers at the grocery store, regardless of how old they are.
The population is older and less well educated than in some states, and many of the public school systems certainly need improvement. Medical care is pretty good, especially as WVU Medicine seems to be taking over so many small city hospitals. WVU may be raising the overall standard of care.
We know our governor personally, and he's a smart, conservative guy. (Actually, it's not difficult to know a lot of people throughout the state personally, given its population).
I've lived in several large metropolitan areas - from L.A. to NYC - over the years, and wouldn't want to live anywhere but where I am now. Granted, my family's roots go over 270 years deep in W.Va. (it was Virginia before 1863), so it's always been home even when I was physically in another state.
