It isn't a matter of 'living' in WV. It is a matter of the worst business climate in the US due to having something in the area of >70% elected Democrats.  Why would they keep getting voted in?  Because the populace is afraid of losing their government benefits like welfare, etc. BTW WV still owes millions of dollars to VA from succeeding.  I guess VA just doesn't worry about that though since VA is probably glad to just have the western part of the state to be out on its own.