South · WV

West Virginia

Confidence: High

Cheapest mountain land in the East. Steep terrain limits buildable area but water is everywhere.

+44
Overall
Verdict
Workable
Weighted across Water · Legal · Soil · Energy · Climate
Quick stats
Region
South
Overall score
+44
Confidence
High
Domain breakdown

How WV scores

Water+40 / ±50
Legal+22 / ±40
Soil+8 / ±30
Energy+4 / ±25
Climate Risk-4 / ±25
In its favor
  • +Highest rainfall in the East in spots
  • +Very cheap land
  • +Many counties have no building inspector
Watch-outs
  • Steep slopes
  • Mine subsidence
  • Cloudy winters (poor solar)
  • Limited road access
Notes by domain

Water

+40

Abundant springs, creeks, shallow wells.

Legal

+22

No statewide residential code in unincorporated areas of most counties.

Soil

+8

Thin and rocky; bottomland scarce.

Energy

+4

Low sun hours in mountains; hydro micro-potential good.

Climate Risk

-4

Flooding in hollows; low wildfire risk.