WEST VIRGINIA TACOMAS

I hail from Cumberland MD. I’ve been able to see both WV and PA from my hometown my whole life. 5 minutes to WV, 10minutes to PA.

I spend a ton of time in WV already and all the incentives made the move all the more worth it. Mainly the lesser taxes.

 

I’ve never had property taxes in other states (I was exempt when I was active duty), but have always felt they’re high here. Not PA high, but high considering these awful ass roads haha.

 

When we moved to Harpers Ferry from MD the property taxes were quite a bit cheaper, along with much friendlier 2A laws which was another plus.

 

The property taxes in this situation are about 1/3rd of what it was in Maryland...for over 1000sqft more, and 2.25 acres vs a 75ft x 100ft lot in the City. WV has it way easy on taxes. Especially since state income tax in MD is 27-29%

That is also a serious consideration

 

That’s a nice area, but you already knew that if you live in Cumberland lol
Sad for the families that lost employment when the pulp mill closed but that made a big difference in the livability there..no pulp mill smell anymore

 

Absolutely, I remember heading up to the lake and going past it to go up backbone mountain on motorcycles. Its definitely a unique smell.

 

I’ve never been big into guns (I have enough expensive hobbies), but constitutional carry is a huge attraction to many here. I don’t think there’s any tax on guns or ammo now anymore is there?

 

@tylerb2011

 

Very easy to get a concealed permit in WV. Most taxes on guns/ammo go right into funding hunting/outdoor/public ranges etc.

 

I thought Justice signed a holiday off on it last year.

One thing to keep in mind @AR15xAR10 is that if someone puts a modified (vertical) inspection sticker on your truck, it’s a whole new host of rules moving forward for inspections.

 

No taxes on guns or ammo anymore, so thats super nice.

I am scared to death about that since my truck is lifted

 

The one rule o was told about was that if you get one, you can’t have lights above your headlights anymore. I haven’t researched the rules bc I know a guy, but know the rules are different.

 

Thats fine by me, i dont like ditch lights or roof bars personally.

somebody told me light bars have to be covered for inspection but i dont believe that at all

 

It'd been a long time, so I was excited to go back. But truth be told, I was underwhelmed when I saw how groomed 75% of the Loop Road was. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the area, the mossy, loamy forest floor and dense vegetation. But the lack of mileage to cover was disappointing to me. Maybe if there is more good off roading nearby to link up with, I'd change my mind. Post up if there is...

If I'm going to drive 2+ hours, I think I'd rather go to the George Washington National Forest near Lake Switzer, Reddish Knob, etc... 30x more trail riding, creek crossings, some good rocky climbs (Union Springs is pretty gnarly in parts) hundreds of camping spots near creeks, on mountain tops, etc... and a cliff jump into a reservoir (technically a no no ) I have done a lot of camping and dirt bike riding there.

It'd be nice to find a new place to explore that's large enough you can drive around all day, or days.

 

They don’t. I had an inspection with one in the bumper of my old Tacoma and got told “nice bumper.”

 

Thats how Green Ridge state forest is for me. It used to be a playground until the Army Corps Engineers came in, graded and drainaged everything and made it prius friendly so all the city folk can camp

 

I should probably also share that I can be seen on this as well:

 

Yep, I agree on Green Ridge too. A friend and I rode bikes all over there exploring what we could. I wanted to ride Stafford Road but it seems closed indefinitely. I hate it that they graded it out too, but I can understand they have campsites that are pay per use and may get some money back. Canaan Loop Road grading was probably "if we don't spend this money left in the budget..."

Green Ridge tracks from a month ago. I rode an older KTM 250 xcw that's been tagged. Tags been dead for 10 years now, doesn't change much. lol

 

WV has higher income tax than MD I’m
almost certain. We go 3.0-6.5% MD is 2.2-5.7%.

We’re moving up to NH in the next year so no more state income tax for me but talk about property taxes… ouch. It’ll be a wash as far as my state tax bill up there vs here with no income tax, but utility costs are double or more.

Not to rain on your parade because WV beats the heck outta MD! I grew up 1/4 mile from the Garrett Co line. Did most everything over there except for go to school. That’s a great area you’re going to be living in for recreation of just about every type!

 

I’m currently on the hunt for a small house with acreage anywhere in the Ridgeley, Wiley Ford, or Fort Ashby areas. Its dumb cheap there vs being in the city in Maryland.


And holy cow! New Hampshire is a hell of a move! But i can say, if i wasnt staying close to my home area, i’d be looking at TN, UT, WY, or MT