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!
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.
Having lived in Florida, West Virginia, New York, and spent a fair bit of time in several others, I would note that it seems very obvious that there isn't enough opportunity or entertainment in West Virginia. I lived in Berkeley and Jefferson counties which, as he mentioned, are some of the more booming areas. I had friends in Morgantown that I'd visit as well. Even in these areas drug use was quite high, teenage pregnancy rates were high, alcoholism is rampant, and in order to make any real money you often had to leave the state. Yes, there are people there, and where there are people there will be some teachers, some doctors, and of course there will be f-ing lawyers, but the state is not strong in technology, arts/entertainment, quality of education, and so on. Since there isn't really any money there, it isn't an attractive place for investment and in turn there wasn't anything much to do; restaurants and bars only go so far (and the restaurants still don't have access to a lot of the same quality ingredients as states with more money so fine dining in West Virginia isn't that impressive to people who've had fine dining in richer places). There's a lot about West Virginia to love, but there's no denying it's in a state of rapid decline. The low quality of education is also not a good motivation for young professionals who want to start families and the like.
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.
Lol “redneck”came from the scotch irish revolutions where the Scots wore red rags on their necks. They all were sent up the rail lines to the mines after they immigrated here.
@@everythingisfunny6874 It was white, black and immigrant miners. There are plenty of pictures of them all with red bandanas. People have just turned the term in something to try to be derogatory but they are so wrong.
@@NickJohnson Look at the history of some of these poor towns that you visit and ask yourself where did their jobs go, who sent them there and why. Look at the effects of NAFTA on the working class. NAFTA was passed by 132 republicans and 102 democrats in the house with only 26 Senators voting NAY and a democrat in the white house.
@@oyotundookubegwa520 I agree. Trump was not a politician. He was a threat to politicians and their elitist allies in the bureaucracy, in corporations, in the media, in academics and in the world. Unfortunately, too many people think the tv is telling them the truth.
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!
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!
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!
I completely agree with you on the people that live there will go e you the shirt off their backs. The residents here are much nicer and respectful than anywhere else.
I am also from West Virginia. I wish Nick would stop saying West Virginie - it sounds so derogatory and demeaning. I dearly love and hold the small towns in West Virginia close to my heart!
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.
Well, compared to Jersey, Delaware is heaven! Lol Yeah, they have WAY overbuilt NJ. Pretty soon, the entire state will be consumed by New York and Philadelphia’s suburbs.
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.
I use to go every year to visit my friend who lives in Teays Valley. The place is beautiful, but one thing is to go for a holiday and another one is to live.
Hello, West Virginia! Due to my career, I currently live in the neighboring state of Virginia. I have been to your beautiful state a number of times, and I like it a lot!!! West Virginians, hold your heads HIGH!!
@Bradley Cheese Pepperoni I'm a young person from West Virginia, and I'd say you'd have a lot better a time in Virginia or North Carolina. They have good economies, lots of jobs, and lots of fun. Here in WV, my friends and I have to go to the next state over in order to do anything fun other than thrift shopping and cooking, as it's become much more dangerous as of late in our town. People are getting hooked on drugs more and more and the violence coming as a result is making people afraid to go outside. I was eating at Burger King a night or two ago near Parkersburg and heard some shots being fired out in the parking lot during a drug dispute. They obviously ain't shooting deer. Needles and pills litter the streets and there's always some building burning because people get bored and set stuff on fire. Opioids hurt everyone here and everyone knows a score who've died. There's outdoor stuff to do, but there's only so much infrastructure to do so in an empty, isolated state. All of us want to leave. After college, I plan on moving out to British Columbia or Montana or Washington or some place far away.
I see you are an outdoorsman. Have you ever came & rode on the Hatfield -McCoy ATV trails? People come from all over the world & they keep coming back. Probably because they enjoy being here.
@@NickJohnson Someone jelly? Let me guess you live with a bunch of dudes because you can't afford a studio by yourself in your disease ridden city lol. This is why your girl left you for a black dude
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.
"It wasn't necessarily that they wanted to fight against the Confederacy" This is completely false, the West Virginians were staunch Union loyalists. Robert E. Lee tried multiple times to quell them and he was continually defeated.
West Virginia was occupied constantly by the union. Union needed West Virginia for northern rail line. The eastern theater took place on border of now West Virginia, and Virginia. Union seen their chance to cut Virginia’s power in half and took it. Virginia was really only competitive state confederates owned. Also after civil war pro confederates and anyone related to confederate states was not allowed to vote rather West Virginia should remain a state or return to West Virginia. I’m short, West Virginia was a political split. It helped Union then, but now West Virginia would obviously been better off overall to remain apart of Virginia.
Contrary to popular belief, the Civil War wasn't about slavery. It was about states' rights. Also, like other wars, there was a hidden hand behind the curtain. Elite bankers funded both sides, which made them indebted to the bankers.
WV is the only state made a state without yrs of waiting or making patitions to become a state. It became a state almost instantly. The people of WV at the time fought on both sides of the war.
country road take me home to the place i belooooooooong west virginia mountain moma country road, im from unkown country from the middel east calld "OMAN" and i know this state song and i feel im west virginian
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
WV is one of my top faves too out of all the states I’ve visited- the history and nature are amazing and there’s pretty good hubs for tourism but really what earned my greatest respect for this state were its people… every single person I encountered there was really wholesome and kind. Can’t say that for any other state I’ve been to and I’m from PA. God bless West Virginians.
I have lived here in southern WV (the bad part of the state) all my life. I've got to say this is somewhat accurate but only to outsiders who don't have a clue about mountain life. I wouldn't leave this place for triple pay to try to live in some other areas.
West Virginia is so underrated you really have to see it to believe it, on a trip I took I went on US-35 and I-64/77 those views in Charleston were the best I’ve ever seen in my life! Being right in the middle of the Appalachians and going over beautiful bridges looking over the gorgeous kanawha river I wish that could be a drive I take every day you need to take that drive before you die it’s worth it!
That interview at the end was really great. Rarely get to hear real stories from real people about West Virginia. Breaks my heart. But they still love it there.
Been hoping you'd do one on WV. Moved here from MA a few years back. It's amazing. If you don't like big cities and love isolation, it's the place to be. Cheap land too. Very cheap
Just moved here from lakes region of NH in April, and we love it so far! Yes,we bought yes the properties are much cheaper, The real estate itself is alot cheaper. Especially since they think NH is the best place to be right now. It's ridiculously high! A house we were looking at last year for under a 100k just sold for over 235k plus 5k over asking price in Laconia 🙄. The Armpit of the state!! So yes,we took our savings and bought here for a 3rd of what we were paying before in rent!!
I’m from Seoul Korea and I was heading to new river gorge national park , but took a wrong turn and accidentally went to Thurmond WV. On my way back, I met a random mountain person and we were both shocked to see each other.
The Greenbrier is incredible - take the bunker tour if you can! If you can't afford to stay there (we certainly couldn't), check out Lewisburg. It's about 15 minutes away, and it's really charming. We went last year for the first time, and we're going back this summer.
I can tell you that there's a lot better hotels and resorts than the Greenbrier, it used to be a great resort but after 2009, I'd rather go to pipestem or capacoon
WV looks beautiful in many areas. I like the laid back atmosphere. It’s another one of the states that relied on one industry like Michigan did with the auto industry. I hate that some areas have such a drug problem and the poverty. I hope it gets better.
Funny you should say that,we literally just bought a house in Beckley. We love it here so far! Had come to visit a few times beginning of the year and just said screw it. While Real Estate is still good we gotta jump on it.. And we did.. Absolutely love it. Closed on the 26th of March 😁 No not the best job's at all though 👍
West Virginia, the Beauty and the Beast of the United States. My dad was from there and we took a few family vactions there when I was a kid in the 80's. Black Water Falls area, stayed at Canaan Valley, great memories. Went back 20 years later with my parents and brothers and sisters and stayed at the same place. Very cool to go back to a place as an adult that had such strong memories as a kid.
That was fascinating. I hope the bright young man you interviewed last has a wonderful future ahead of him. I'm delighted to learn you are offering your vast knowledge to people who want to relocate but aren't sure where. You're Perfect for that, and I hope that venture is a great success.
This was a very well-rounded content on West Virginia. That young man was very well-rounded and he understands his state very well and seems open-minded.
@@jasonlipscomb123 I loved your interview. I wish Nick would have put up your email contact because i want to move to WVA and would love to ask you more about the area where you live.
@@jasonlipscomb123 I find the central and southern parts to be very secluded and private. The ablity to live away from the hustle and bustle of city life hence why i am drawn to the more secluded parts of central/southern WVA. IT's just so hard to find someone like you, who lives there, that can provide very accurate insight into the social/cultural dynamics of that area when you are an outsider like me. Exactly why i wanted to reach out to you.
I worked in WV for 12 years before moving to somewhere less desirable (Memphis). The state itself is gorgeous. I love the green mountains and the rolling hills. The small towns are fantastic and most of the people there are great people. However, when you get towards Charleston/Huntington, it gets a little rougher. If you can do remote work from anywhere in the state, you will find it is affordable and a lot of outdoors to explore if that is your thing.
Born and Raised in West Virginia . Grew up in Dunbar . Moved back in 2007 Currently living in Charleston. Not alot of jobs I'm a Disabled Veteran. It's a Beautiful State .
I’ve been to WV a ton, and lived within a couple miles in both Virginia and Kentucky (I’m from and in VA). West Virginia is a mixed bag for me. The state is gorgeous, only rivaled by the connecting part of VA and TN (in my opinion). There’s decent places in parts of WV, but man that state is hurting. There’s jobs coming in but nearly as many go away, the coal industry is under constant attack, and some people are so poor they’ll never bounce back. There are entire towns that are virtually abandoned, outside of a few dying hold outs. I do hope WV finds a way. They’re trying to get more tech industry, but I don’t think that’s the direction. Due to the extremely low cost of living it’s entirely possible that manufacturing there would be cheaper than overseas manufacturing. Perhaps some companies will see that opportunity and draw back some manufacturing. The companies get cost efficient labor and distribution, WV gets jobs, and the US gets it’s manufacturing base started back up. Seems like a win win. Edit: I will say this though. If you’re retired it’s a great place to go. Your dollars will go far in even decent parts of WV. They love veterans too, big time, so something to consider. It’s on my short list of places I’d go when I inevitably have to escape VA from all the BS laws being passed here.
@@NickJohnson Thanks for the reply! Did you know that Briggs recently referenced you in one of his videos? Very cool that he brought you up. Shows respect IMO. Been watching you both for quite a while, so I just thought it was interesting.
@@armyretguy7365 I stopped watching briggs because he hates on people in the comments for being Republican. Then he deletes some of his comments. I was shocked to see some of the words he typed towards people. It's ok to bring up politics but not throw hate towards someone for their affiliation especially if you're doing educational geography videos. Many have stopped watching him because of it. Nick brings up politics but doesn't respond with hate in his comments. Take care 👊
I work for an Oregon based company and was given the go ahead to work remotely. We're looking at WV for various reasons. I think that if remote work becomes more common, it could help places like WV. Maybe there aren't a lot of well paying jobs in the state, but people with well paying remote jobs could move there and bring their money with them. Seems like a good idea to me, but the WV natives may not like it.
I am from El Paso Texas, been living in WV for 10 years working in the mines. I live I a small town outside Charleston, people have never treated me bad, and my neighbors are good as can be. It will be hard if one day I have to go back to Texas..
Come on, Nick. Good video but this assertion that a blue government would solve the opioid crisis in WV is wildly off base. Go take a walk around Kensington Ave in Philly or 'Methadone Mile' in Boston and let me know how that's working out for them...The opioid crisis is the farthest thing from a left vs. right issue.
Oh, heavens. WV voted red in recent national elections, especially in coal country. The horror, after decades upon decades of being a solid blue state. Maybe because the Democrats stopped supporting coal, after spending most of the 20th century hand-in-glove with the coal companies actively keeping any other major industries from starting up in the area. The Democrats loved the votes brought in by the unions, and the kickbacks from the coal companies. They had no interest in developing a balanced, long-term economy. And with the national Democrats mocking "flyover" country, rural people, gun owners, etc., there is no love for that party in WV anymore, at least at the national level.
Nick called it "the University of West Virginia," but in the next breath he referred to it as WVU. You'd think he'd be able to put two and two together--but I guess not!
I've visited the state a number of times, ranging from the EP to Charleston. The state is subliminally beautiful. The old coal mines in the deep lush forests. The deep reverence of veterans (I Seriously cannot think of any other State Capitols that have the monuments to veterans.). The people are, quite possibly the friendliest and most welcoming people in the US. I find myself talking to complete strangers about good fishin spots, the political climate, or just about the weather. The young man, Jason, at the end, if he's ambitious enough, I feel like he could get in office and try to change. I also Find the first guy, Josh, quite informative. It's rare in my state of NY, to find people who care enough about their state to 1. stay, despite the negatives. and 2. Aspire to change how things are, for the better.
As someone who grew up in WV this video is spot on. I couldn't wait to turn 18 and move out of the state. The nature and mountains are beautiful. Not much to do though.
@@noahlyons4800 hot and humid in the summer mid to high 80s is normal with humidity the 90+% fall and spring cool and wet winter is mid teens to low singles snow fall dependent on elevation
In my younger days I used to take two weeks off of work every year and drive somewhere just to meet people and see different parts of the country. My experience in West Virginia was pretty damn good. I drove to Charleston and went to a self-service car wash and met a black dude name James there. I told him what I did for vacation and he thought it was pretty cool. He actually had me to his house where I met his roommate, we drank lots of beers and ate what he called “West Virginia cooking“. It was just barbecued chicken and collard greens, but I’m not one to scoff at a free meal. I was at his house sitting on his front porch until about midnight just shooting the shit. For me, that’s West Virginia hospitality.
West Virginia is this nation's hidden gem the truth of the matter is that you can live here cheaper survive here cheaper and play here harder for less than anywhere in America. I just hope it stays a secret because I love riding my motorcycle through the mountains and hardly ever seeing any traffic. The only place you get in traffic around here is at the capital or waiting in line to get your kids off School...
Have 4 years till retirement from southern michigan love riding my motorcycle love small towns good food just a working man here love nature and the outdoors really thinking about moving there when i retire
More people who live in West Virginia are educated than not. Not all people who eat coon for supper and what if they do. And if was not for the Coal miners alot of you people would not have heat or electrical.
I’m proud of hard working people who live in WV and I completely agree with your statement about if there wasn’t coal you wouldn’t have heat or electrical- well said and people need to quit stereotyping states such as WV. My heart goes out to people in West Virginia as they’re good hearted people and most are quite friendly. 👍👍👍👍
I am second Have been to West Virginia x2 to do volunteer work associated with the Southern Appalachian Labor School/Global volunteers to help with housing restoration Looking forward to this Already giving thumbs up as I like all of the videos. Beautiful state but poor in many areas. I hope to go back one day.
I was born and raised in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Wheeling was my high school stomping grounds. No, there's not a lot of diversity, mostly Caucasian with Irish, Polish and English roots. Hopefully, when the fracking is done, this area learns to diversify their local economy a bit more. When the steel industry busted, so did many lives. Would hate to see it happen with coal and gas.
I'm especially excited for this one. I really want to learn about this state, it seems so unfortunate and overlooked. I also want to go here, I've only driven through the flat panhandle lol
I live in Rocky Mount NC. I have witnessed the same drug problem here as well, Sam’s Club had to hire people out of state, because they couldn’t find enough people who could pass a drug test, I work for Bridgestone/Firestone and we had a massive amount of people who have retired over the past two years, We have the same problem hiring people, they can’t pass the drug test!! I pray people will stand up and say enough is enough!!
Decent state largely white population and at relatively low threat of being the target of forced third world migration 👍 Just make sure you work remotely.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I've been waiting for this "unboxing" ever since I discovered your series a month ago! I once spent 7 weeks in the "panhandle" and absolutely fell in love with the folks and my surroundings. #gomountaineers
Almost heaven, almost. An hour calls for a quintessential bag of Ole popcorn. Keep it up nick EDIT: WV has immense potential but modern media portrays them in a bad shape. We need to open up about the divisive media and take more initiatives for each state and weigh in what suits and what doesn't. Morons shouldn't have a say and shouldn't be able to divide America!
Nick I want start by saying enjoyed your content immensely. Your research and due diligence of the topic shows in each video. I am a Native West Virginian. In my travels around the state, I have interacted with the citizenry from all regions of our lovely state. The common denominator is kindness and a stronger sense of community due to the rural mentality. First hurdle to overcome West Virginian has quite the predicament Opioid, and Crystal Methamphetamine use keeps citizens from working. Industries over look our state because their algorithms inform them not enough PHD holders to invest for a return on investment. Second hurdle kids that are raised in the state with parents that are not lost to the distraction of drugs & alchohol. Those kids move out the state as soon as they graduate from High School, College or a Trade School. The rest are left to fill the parasitic class of working age citizen that are lost and become the tax burden on the several hundred thousand that are working. Third Hurdle widening our tax base. West Virginian has very narrow shoulders when it comes to carrying the load, that is why goods and services, commodities personal income is taxed. Thanks Nick Jeremy
Despite West Virginia being very republican, it has a democratic senator Joe Manchin. But unlike most democrats he’s a very conservative democrat. I guess red states would accept democrats who are more conservative.
I joined the Army at 19 in 2001 and got out of wv as fast as possible. 20+ years later after living in Hawaii, NC, and Florida I am back in WV. I grew up in the Coal Fields in Southern WV and at that time u could make 6 figures in the mines. Things have drastically changed! In a positive way to preserve the environment but there aren't many jobs. Purdue Pharma also helped destroy communities. Almost everything in my small town that once thrived us now closed with most moving away. That includes me, I live outside Huntington now. Most people here are just good hard working folks. I feel like Southern WV is a much different experience then up North in Morgantown. Great video
The Hatfield McCoy Trails are amazing! We got married in WVa and spent our honeymoon riding atv's. The people are truly welcoming and willing to lend a hand. Love it there!
@@jasonlipscomb123 See my separate comment. You're only 20 & you've already seen 30 states and you have a really good head on your shoulders and are so well-spoken. You can go really, really far in life. Wishing you all the best.
Lived here all my life. I'll never leave & it's not cause I can't afford it either. I live in the southern part, Monroe County & it's beautiful here. Drugs is a bad problem as it is everywhere. I can literally walk to the Appalachian trail. It's beautiful as well. Your also right about our guns, not getting them lol. I'm from the coal fields, Boone County. Charleston is worse than what you said, way worse. I used to live across the river from Huntington in Proctorville Ohio. Hated going into Huntington it's actually hell on earth honestly. The drugs has absolutely ruined this state. Lol, if you get caught cattle rustling in Monroe County the punishment is hanging. It's still on the books. They don't hang you tho lol.. And yes we love Trump. I guess I'll wait for the notifications of the Trump haters now. I know it's coming lol.
You have a good head on your shoulders and are an intelligent guy. Hope your new job is going well at Kroger's for now until you find a good truck driving job. In Pennsylvania there are a LOT of trucking companies who are constantly hiring drivers. They even pay for your training. You should be able to be driving soon and making a decent living. God Bless! PS nice leather jacket in the thumbnail!
Nicks a champ. Funny dude, informative, bridging gaps between dif parts of country. Great to hear what everyone else in the US is up to. Thanks from MA 👍
It’s a beautiful state with genuine people. As a native West Virginian, took my Chinese partner to my hometown and no one said anything to us. Just wish the people voted in their own interests.
We usually do on the national level, life got better here under Trump. It’s the local politics that’s the real problem. It’s a good old boys club through and through, with people staying in office for decades because anyone who can beat them just leaves to greener pastures. They all do “favors” for each other constantly and are either dirty or half senile.
@@rd24life No we believe in rights. It's people's right here to vote the way they choose regardless if anyone else likes it or not. I'm an Independent because I don't agree with things on either side.
@@rd24life As I said I don't agree with either side. Coal mining went down hill fast under Obama & I'm not saying it got any better under Trump. This state has lost so much money from the loss of severance tax alone. I saw so many people lose everything they had worked for & many left the state, under Obama. That is the facts.
In Fairmont, the best bread and fine pepperoni rolls were made at Country Club Bakery. Sadly that family owned business shut down @2 years ago after +50 years of operation.
West Virginia is beautiful. The people are kind, good hearted and would feed you if you were hungry. I would rather live there than any big city today. Shout out to Williamson WV. Proud to be a coalminers granddaughter.
Retired and moved from WV to Florida. Stayed for only two years and came back HOME to WV, bought a really nice house for a fraction of what Fla. was charging. Laid back living here and Wheeling is coming back. Total renovation underway.
I luv my State for the most part. It is so very beautiful, people are kind, hard working, God and family oriented. But there is the heartbreaking sides to it. I was born and lived in Huntington W.V. for most of my life. And what once was a beautiful little city has become really a heartbreaker. I just keep praying God will put his hand on our people.
Just when I was wondering if you would ever do an unboxing of WestVirginia and I was sooo lucckyy! I loved that state even if I am not an american because it resembles the most my eastern european country and area and aI am new to the channel. This was soo blessed to happen XD.
WV is a beautiful state, but unfortunately SOME of the people aren't so much. Part of the problem is that the remote working tech jobs they are trying to attract are full of non-white, non-christian, EV driving, progressives who are sometimes foreign born. They type of people that parts of WV show animosity towards.
Here is my entire Unboxing Series: ruclips.net/p/PLq-_cmf3H6yqgM1vGG305six5T7dqGURF
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!
Hell yeah!
Sounds like my mamaw. She came prepared to feed a small army everywhere she went 🤣
I love West Virginia. I've travelled all over this State, it's beautiful and the people are friendly
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.
Yeah. Ppl come into the crap hole areas and do a video SMH
FBI fingerprinting lab there so don't commit a crime.
Absolutely
Having lived in Florida, West Virginia, New York, and spent a fair bit of time in several others, I would note that it seems very obvious that there isn't enough opportunity or entertainment in West Virginia. I lived in Berkeley and Jefferson counties which, as he mentioned, are some of the more booming areas. I had friends in Morgantown that I'd visit as well. Even in these areas drug use was quite high, teenage pregnancy rates were high, alcoholism is rampant, and in order to make any real money you often had to leave the state. Yes, there are people there, and where there are people there will be some teachers, some doctors, and of course there will be f-ing lawyers, but the state is not strong in technology, arts/entertainment, quality of education, and so on. Since there isn't really any money there, it isn't an attractive place for investment and in turn there wasn't anything much to do; restaurants and bars only go so far (and the restaurants still don't have access to a lot of the same quality ingredients as states with more money so fine dining in West Virginia isn't that impressive to people who've had fine dining in richer places). There's a lot about West Virginia to love, but there's no denying it's in a state of rapid decline. The low quality of education is also not a good motivation for young professionals who want to start families and the like.
@@friendsinlowplaces619 Whatever you say...LOL 🤦♂️ 🤦♀️
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.
There are several possible etymologies.
@@mirzaahmed6589 No he got it exactly right. Research it. I live in the southern part of state where this happened.
So glad I'm not the only person that knows that! I have explained that several times to people but I guess they lack in comprehension skills.
Lol “redneck”came from the scotch irish revolutions where the Scots wore red rags on their necks. They all were sent up the rail lines to the mines after they immigrated here.
@@everythingisfunny6874 It was white, black and immigrant miners. There are plenty of pictures of them all with red bandanas. People have just turned the term in something to try to be derogatory but they are so wrong.
Democrats are for the working class? You obviously believe political ads. Neither republicans or democrats are for the working class.
Nowadays it seems like that for sure but I don't agree
@@NickJohnson Look at the history of some of these poor towns that you visit and ask yourself where did their jobs go, who sent them there and why. Look at the effects of NAFTA on the working class. NAFTA was passed by 132 republicans and 102 democrats in the house with only 26 Senators voting NAY and a democrat in the white house.
@@richmclean Trump has been railing against NAFTA for decades. He wasn't really a "Republican", remember.
@@oyotundookubegwa520 I agree. Trump was not a politician. He was a threat to politicians and their elitist allies in the bureaucracy, in corporations, in the media, in academics and in the world. Unfortunately, too many people think the tv is telling them the truth.
@@richmclean West Virginia was poor before NAFTA.
West Virginia gets a bad rap, but it's actually a beautiful state.
Everybody dislikes minorities
@@barrygregory913 that's a lie.
This video and those like it don't help either.
I am proud to have been born in WV. The mountains and rivers are beautiful. The people are friendly and many are Conservatives.
@@nadinedeberry6735 Amen
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.
I visit West Virginia every year.. my best friend lives there.. it's beautiful and relaxing
Charlston is beautiful
Pay no attention to wv. We’re full. Go visit another state or something
Yes please and keep yo high property taxes to yourself!
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!
Called this state home for 51 years alot of good people here
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!
So true scarlet
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.
West Virginia is a beautiful place with the most genuine, kind, and tough people I've ever met. I'd be proud too
Couldn't wait to leave, haven't been back since
@@charleswatts2503 thank you....
I'm very proud I've worked all over the country n wouldn't live anywhere else even if they bought me a house
West Virginia is awful.
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!
WV sucks and Raleigh County has the rudest people I've seen since NYC it deserves to be mocked I mock it and I live here
I completely agree with you on the people that live there will go e you the shirt off their backs. The residents here are much nicer and respectful than anywhere else.
Amen!! His sarcasm while touring through West Virginia really offended me. If you've never lived it don't judge it ‼️🤬
I am also from West Virginia. I wish Nick would stop saying West Virginie - it sounds so derogatory and demeaning. I dearly love and hold the small towns in West Virginia close to my heart!
Tell him
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.
Alot of states are being built up at an alarming rate it interrupts nature and looks congested and horrible
Well, compared to Jersey, Delaware is heaven! Lol Yeah, they have WAY overbuilt NJ. Pretty soon, the entire state will be consumed by New York and Philadelphia’s suburbs.
I'm in NJ ...its Fascist hell
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.
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.
This Mike's BBQ place is really getting popular... I hear they have restaurants in every state 😂
THEY DO
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 we got a Dee Willie's in san antonio
MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKES BBQ!!!!
@@jorgen1990 MIKEEEEESSSSSSSSSS
😂🍖🍗 They've got some good gator 🐊
West Virginia is one of my favorite states that i've ever visited.
But why?
@@f0ry0u81 I loved the nature and the hospitality of the people i have encountered
@@miangel02 Yeah, it is definitely beautiful in WV.✌️
I use to go every year to visit my friend who lives in Teays Valley. The place is beautiful, but one thing is to go for a holiday and another one is to live.
Hello, West Virginia! Due to my career, I currently live in the neighboring state of Virginia. I have been to your beautiful state a number of times, and I like it a lot!!! West Virginians, hold your heads HIGH!!
It's all mostly bullshit what people say
I live in West Virginia and love my state, there’s no where else I’d rather live.
@Bradley Cheese Pepperoni we have some bad weather in the winter but nothing like NY.
@Bradley Cheese Pepperoni I’m sure that place exists, you’d just have to look and do your research.
@Bradley Cheese Pepperoni isn’t Tennessee a good state where you don’t pay state taxes? I’m thinking it is but that would be a big plus.
@Bradley Cheese Pepperoni I'm a young person from West Virginia, and I'd say you'd have a lot better a time in Virginia or North Carolina. They have good economies, lots of jobs, and lots of fun. Here in WV, my friends and I have to go to the next state over in order to do anything fun other than thrift shopping and cooking, as it's become much more dangerous as of late in our town. People are getting hooked on drugs more and more and the violence coming as a result is making people afraid to go outside. I was eating at Burger King a night or two ago near Parkersburg and heard some shots being fired out in the parking lot during a drug dispute. They obviously ain't shooting deer. Needles and pills litter the streets and there's always some building burning because people get bored and set stuff on fire. Opioids hurt everyone here and everyone knows a score who've died. There's outdoor stuff to do, but there's only so much infrastructure to do so in an empty, isolated state. All of us want to leave. After college, I plan on moving out to British Columbia or Montana or Washington or some place far away.
Hello. We live in NYC as well. WV looks gorgeous. Can you recommend any good places to stay out there? Do a lot of people move out there?
Idk nick. John denver does sound more convincing than you when talking about west Virginia.
he was jaded
I see you are an outdoorsman. Have you ever came & rode on the Hatfield -McCoy ATV trails? People come from all over the world & they keep coming back. Probably because they enjoy being here.
😅
@@NickJohnson Someone jelly? Let me guess you live with a bunch of dudes because you can't afford a studio by yourself in your disease ridden city lol. This is why your girl left you for a black dude
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.
"It wasn't necessarily that they wanted to fight against the Confederacy"
This is completely false, the West Virginians were staunch Union loyalists. Robert E. Lee tried multiple times to quell them and he was continually defeated.
West Virginia was occupied constantly by the union. Union needed West Virginia for northern rail line. The eastern theater took place on border of now West Virginia, and Virginia. Union seen their chance to cut Virginia’s power in half and took it. Virginia was really only competitive state confederates owned. Also after civil war pro confederates and anyone related to confederate states was not allowed to vote rather West Virginia should remain a state or return to West Virginia.
I’m short, West Virginia was a political split. It helped Union then, but now West Virginia would obviously been better off overall to remain apart of Virginia.
Contrary to popular belief, the Civil War wasn't about slavery. It was about states' rights. Also, like other wars, there was a hidden hand behind the curtain. Elite bankers funded both sides, which made them indebted to the bankers.
WV is the only state made a state without yrs of waiting or making patitions to become a state. It became a state almost instantly. The people of WV at the time fought on both sides of the war.
country road take me home to the place i belooooooooong west virginia mountain moma country road, im from unkown country from the middel east calld "OMAN" and i know this state song and i feel im west virginian
🇴🇲
We welcome you anytime 😊
My Tuesday morning just got better , another great upload from Nick, keep up the awesome work.
😘
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
WV is one of my top faves too out of all the states I’ve visited- the history and nature are amazing and there’s pretty good hubs for tourism but really what earned my greatest respect for this state were its people… every single person I encountered there was really wholesome and kind. Can’t say that for any other state I’ve been to and I’m from PA. God bless West Virginians.
I have lived here in southern WV (the bad part of the state) all my life. I've got to say this is somewhat accurate but only to outsiders who don't have a clue about mountain life. I wouldn't leave this place for triple pay to try to live in some other areas.
Much rather live there than san francisco,Seattle and portland
West Virginia is so underrated you really have to see it to believe it, on a trip I took I went on US-35 and I-64/77 those views in Charleston were the best I’ve ever seen in my life! Being right in the middle of the Appalachians and going over beautiful bridges looking over the gorgeous kanawha river I wish that could be a drive I take every day you need to take that drive before you die it’s worth it!
I know right. That golden roof is beautiful from the highway heading toward the river
Went to college in West Virginia. Beautiful mountains. I could live there.
That interview at the end was really great. Rarely get to hear real stories from real people about West Virginia. Breaks my heart. But they still love it there.
Hey there!
Been hoping you'd do one on WV. Moved here from MA a few years back. It's amazing. If you don't like big cities and love isolation, it's the place to be. Cheap land too. Very cheap
Which part?
Left Vermont to enjoy low taxes and great real estate..the folks are friendly and the beauty is phenomenal
Just moved here from lakes region of NH in April, and we love it so far! Yes,we bought yes the properties are much cheaper, The real estate itself is alot cheaper. Especially since they think NH is the best place to be right now. It's ridiculously high! A house we were looking at last year for under a 100k just sold for over 235k plus 5k over asking price in Laconia 🙄. The Armpit of the state!! So yes,we took our savings and bought here for a 3rd of what we were paying before in rent!!
@@dicarroll Absolutely. 👍 NH here. Just bought in April. It's beautiful here
Isolation....a very nice word 🙂
I’m from Seoul Korea and I was heading to new river gorge national park , but took a wrong turn and accidentally went to Thurmond WV. On my way back, I met a random mountain person and we were both shocked to see each other.
Cool 🇰🇷
I'm from a little, rural community in WV. My next door neighbor was from Seoul originally.
I can understand him being shocked to see you but you were in the moutains of W.V who did you expect to see?
@@TheZigzach prob no one lol. I imagine he meant he was surprised to see a person at all!
The term " Wrong Turn " just gave me chills. I hope you are ok.
One of the fanciest hotels in the country is in WV. Check out the Greenbrier. :)
The Greenbrier is incredible - take the bunker tour if you can! If you can't afford to stay there (we certainly couldn't), check out Lewisburg. It's about 15 minutes away, and it's really charming. We went last year for the first time, and we're going back this summer.
I can tell you that there's a lot better hotels and resorts than the Greenbrier, it used to be a great resort but after 2009, I'd rather go to pipestem or capacoon
Yeah greenbrier is for rich kids
Just in time since WV got granted a national park last week ‼️
Yay!!
Where, what's the name of it?
New River Gorge is now a National Park.
Literally TONS of Churches for sure.. 👍
Pepperoni rolls, I've still yet to try them 😋
Thank for uploading Nick, my Tuesday Morning just got 100 times better
Sweet
Listening to you talk about West Virginia now I know why you don't want to tell me about Greenville Mississippi
Been there. It's beautiful. Some towns are run down but it's not as bad as you'd think
Why he said they voted against their own interests after Hillary made it clear she wanted to put them out of business.
WV looks beautiful in many areas. I like the laid back atmosphere. It’s another one of the states that relied on one industry like Michigan did with the auto industry. I hate that some areas have such a drug problem and the poverty. I hope it gets better.
I like how you interview the of the people who actually live in the state you feature your videos. Great job, Nick!
Not from West Virginia, just wanna say that your content is awesome and is really helping me feel like I need to get away from where I live
cool! I do consulting ya know :)
Funny you should say that,we literally just bought a house in Beckley. We love it here so far! Had come to visit a few times beginning of the year and just said screw it. While Real Estate is still good we gotta jump on it.. And we did.. Absolutely love it. Closed on the 26th of March 😁 No not the best job's at all though 👍
Where are you from? I came from NH
@@OllyOllyyyy420 congratulations 🎉
@@chelseagirl278 Thank you 😁
West Virginia, the Beauty and the Beast of the United States. My dad was from there and we took a few family vactions there when I was a kid in the 80's. Black Water Falls area, stayed at Canaan Valley, great memories. Went back 20 years later with my parents and brothers and sisters and stayed at the same place. Very cool to go back to a place as an adult that had such strong memories as a kid.
The beauty of the south
I'm from ga wv is our southern brothers
West Virginia deserves more attention
That was fascinating. I hope the bright young man you interviewed last has a wonderful future ahead of him. I'm delighted to learn you are offering your vast knowledge to people who want to relocate but aren't sure where. You're Perfect for that, and I hope that venture is a great success.
I'm that guy I thank you so much! I appreciate it!
This was a very well-rounded content on West Virginia. That young man was very well-rounded and he understands his state very well and seems open-minded.
I'm that guy. Thank you I appreciate it!
They like you!!
@@jasonlipscomb123 I loved your interview. I wish Nick would have put up your email contact because i want to move to WVA and would love to ask you more about the area where you live.
@@klwthe3rd I live in the central part of the state. What is it you like about WV?
@@jasonlipscomb123 I find the central and southern parts to be very secluded and private. The ablity to live away from the hustle and bustle of city life hence why i am drawn to the more secluded parts of central/southern WVA. IT's just so hard to find someone like you, who lives there, that can provide very accurate insight into the social/cultural dynamics of that area when you are an outsider like me. Exactly why i wanted to reach out to you.
I worked in WV for 12 years before moving to somewhere less desirable (Memphis). The state itself is gorgeous. I love the green mountains and the rolling hills. The small towns are fantastic and most of the people there are great people. However, when you get towards Charleston/Huntington, it gets a little rougher. If you can do remote work from anywhere in the state, you will find it is affordable and a lot of outdoors to explore if that is your thing.
You gotta be kin to Daniel!
Born and Raised in West Virginia . Grew up in Dunbar . Moved back in 2007 Currently living in Charleston. Not alot of jobs I'm a Disabled Veteran. It's a Beautiful State .
Hey Bryan!
I’ve been to WV a ton, and lived within a couple miles in both Virginia and Kentucky (I’m from and in VA). West Virginia is a mixed bag for me. The state is gorgeous, only rivaled by the connecting part of VA and TN (in my opinion). There’s decent places in parts of WV, but man that state is hurting. There’s jobs coming in but nearly as many go away, the coal industry is under constant attack, and some people are so poor they’ll never bounce back. There are entire towns that are virtually abandoned, outside of a few dying hold outs. I do hope WV finds a way. They’re trying to get more tech industry, but I don’t think that’s the direction. Due to the extremely low cost of living it’s entirely possible that manufacturing there would be cheaper than overseas manufacturing. Perhaps some companies will see that opportunity and draw back some manufacturing. The companies get cost efficient labor and distribution, WV gets jobs, and the US gets it’s manufacturing base started back up. Seems like a win win.
Edit: I will say this though. If you’re retired it’s a great place to go. Your dollars will go far in even decent parts of WV. They love veterans too, big time, so something to consider. It’s on my short list of places I’d go when I inevitably have to escape VA from all the BS laws being passed here.
all so true!!
@@NickJohnson Thanks for the reply! Did you know that Briggs recently referenced you in one of his videos? Very cool that he brought you up. Shows respect IMO. Been watching you both for quite a while, so I just thought it was interesting.
@@armyretguy7365
I stopped watching briggs because he hates on people in the comments for being Republican. Then he deletes some of his comments. I was shocked to see some of the words he typed towards people. It's ok to bring up politics but not throw hate towards someone for their affiliation especially if you're doing educational geography videos. Many have stopped watching him because of it. Nick brings up politics but doesn't respond with hate in his comments. Take care 👊
@@PAULY-P ahhh Never saw that myself. I’ve made some pretty conservative statements in his stuff. I’ll need to check that stuff out.
I work for an Oregon based company and was given the go ahead to work remotely. We're looking at WV for various reasons. I think that if remote work becomes more common, it could help places like WV. Maybe there aren't a lot of well paying jobs in the state, but people with well paying remote jobs could move there and bring their money with them. Seems like a good idea to me, but the WV natives may not like it.
I am from El Paso Texas, been living in WV for 10 years working in the mines. I live I a small town outside Charleston, people have never treated me bad, and my neighbors are good as can be. It will be hard if one day I have to go back to Texas..
Come on, Nick. Good video but this assertion that a blue government would solve the opioid crisis in WV is wildly off base. Go take a walk around Kensington Ave in Philly or 'Methadone Mile' in Boston and let me know how that's working out for them...The opioid crisis is the farthest thing from a left vs. right issue.
I didn't say they'd solve it I said they'd give them welfare
Oh, heavens. WV voted red in recent national elections, especially in coal country. The horror, after decades upon decades of being a solid blue state.
Maybe because the Democrats stopped supporting coal, after spending most of the 20th century hand-in-glove with the coal companies actively keeping any other major industries from starting up in the area. The Democrats loved the votes brought in by the unions, and the kickbacks from the coal companies. They had no interest in developing a balanced, long-term economy.
And with the national Democrats mocking "flyover" country, rural people, gun owners, etc., there is no love for that party in WV anymore, at least at the national level.
It's West Virginia University WVU has never and will never be referred to as the University of West Virginia!!
Nick called it "the University of West Virginia," but in the next breath he referred to it as WVU. You'd think he'd be able to put two and two together--but I guess not!
We are one state that if you break into our homes , you dont walk out,
I've visited the state a number of times, ranging from the EP to Charleston. The state is subliminally beautiful. The old coal mines in the deep lush forests. The deep reverence of veterans (I Seriously cannot think of any other State Capitols that have the monuments to veterans.). The people are, quite possibly the friendliest and most welcoming people in the US. I find myself talking to complete strangers about good fishin spots, the political climate, or just about the weather.
The young man, Jason, at the end, if he's ambitious enough, I feel like he could get in office and try to change. I also Find the first guy, Josh, quite informative. It's rare in my state of NY, to find people who care enough about their state to 1. stay, despite the negatives. and 2. Aspire to change how things are, for the better.
As someone who grew up in WV this video is spot on. I couldn't wait to turn 18 and move out of the state. The nature and mountains are beautiful. Not much to do though.
How is the weather down there useally
@@noahlyons4800 hot and humid in the summer mid to high 80s is normal with humidity the 90+% fall and spring cool and wet winter is mid teens to low singles snow fall dependent on elevation
You must've lived down South
@@dawnlove1014 nah up North in Massachusetts I wanted to know cuz I get seasonal depression a lot lol
@@noahlyons4800 swv is 90-100° summer with 80+% humidity. Winter ranges -5 (rare) up to 40. Usually hovers around 30 in the day. Teens at night.
In my younger days I used to take two weeks off of work every year and drive somewhere just to meet people and see different parts of the country. My experience in West Virginia was pretty damn good. I drove to Charleston and went to a self-service car wash and met a black dude name James there. I told him what I did for vacation and he thought it was pretty cool. He actually had me to his house where I met his roommate, we drank lots of beers and ate what he called “West Virginia cooking“. It was just barbecued chicken and collard greens, but I’m not one to scoff at a free meal. I was at his house sitting on his front porch until about midnight just shooting the shit. For me, that’s West Virginia hospitality.
......I have a great Harpers Ferry story too.
Scrum scree 4ever!!!!! 😂❤
"BUT" you're "not one to scoff at a free meal"? That's rude. BBQ chicken and collard greens sounds great to me.
West Virginia is this nation's hidden gem the truth of the matter is that you can live here cheaper survive here cheaper and play here harder for less than anywhere in America. I just hope it stays a secret because I love riding my motorcycle through the mountains and hardly ever seeing any traffic. The only place you get in traffic around here is at the capital or waiting in line to get your kids off School...
Have 4 years till retirement from southern michigan love riding my motorcycle love small towns good food just a working man here love nature and the outdoors really thinking about moving there when i retire
OMG-your WV song at the end of the video!😂
lets sing one together - wait you wont.
WV is perhaps the most underrated state.
More people who live in West Virginia are educated than not.
Not all people who eat coon for supper and what if they do.
And if was not for the Coal miners alot of you people would not have heat or electrical.
I’m proud of hard working people who live in WV and I completely agree with your statement about if there wasn’t coal you wouldn’t have heat or electrical- well said and people need to quit stereotyping states such as WV. My heart goes out to people in West Virginia as they’re good hearted people and most are quite friendly. 👍👍👍👍
I am second
Have been to West Virginia x2 to do volunteer work associated with the Southern Appalachian Labor School/Global volunteers to help with housing restoration
Looking forward to this
Already giving thumbs up as I like all of the videos.
Beautiful state but poor in many areas.
I hope to go back one day.
I'm from West Virginia born and raised I love it here
I was born and raised in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Wheeling was my high school stomping grounds. No, there's not a lot of diversity, mostly Caucasian with Irish, Polish and English roots. Hopefully, when the fracking is done, this area learns to diversify their local economy a bit more. When the steel industry busted, so did many lives. Would hate to see it happen with coal and gas.
Hope so!
I'd like to visit west Virginia someday
It’s a beautiful state with nice people however there isn’t much to do
You're more than welcome Luna, there's a plethora of activities and places to visit!
It's awesome if you love the outdoors and nice country folks.
Google Street View it.
I'm especially excited for this one. I really want to learn about this state, it seems so unfortunate and overlooked. I also want to go here, I've only driven through the flat panhandle lol
Hey bro the panhandle got hills tho lol wheeling the opposite of flat lol
@@reynardmoulton8691 I'm talking about the bigger panhandle between Virginia Maryland. Compared to the rest of WV, it felt like an extension of MD.
West virginia is one of the best
WV looks so freaking beautiful
People seem to forget the drug crisis is everywhere.
I live in Rocky Mount NC. I have witnessed the same drug problem here as well, Sam’s Club had to hire people out of state, because they couldn’t find enough people who could pass a drug test, I work for Bridgestone/Firestone and we had a massive amount of people who have retired over the past two years, We have the same problem hiring people, they can’t pass the drug test!! I pray people will stand up and say enough is enough!!
I know rocky mount. It is a shame you're right
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Decent state largely white population and at relatively low threat of being the target of forced third world migration 👍 Just make sure you work remotely.
Yeah you just have to worry about meth heads breaking into your house.
My wife is from West Virginia and she loving this video! Get me some Tudor’s biscuits...
Tell her hi mr t!
Tudor's is the best place to get biscuits on this planet.
Hey guys this is Jason from the last interview. I'd like to thank everyone for the nice comments.
Hope you are doing well and using your CDL 😊 We are moving from Florida to Mt Clare. WV is absolutely stunning.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I've been waiting for this "unboxing" ever since I discovered your series a month ago! I once spent 7 weeks in the "panhandle" and absolutely fell in love with the folks and my surroundings. #gomountaineers
Glad I could help Carlos :)
There are two panhandles. Which one do you mean?
Almost heaven, almost.
An hour calls for a quintessential bag of Ole popcorn. Keep it up nick
EDIT: WV has immense potential but modern media portrays them in a bad shape. We need to open up about the divisive media and take more initiatives for each state and weigh in what suits and what doesn't. Morons shouldn't have a say and shouldn't be able to divide America!
Proud to be a Mountaineer and I will die a Mountaineer in these beautiful mountains. God Bless West Virginia!!!
Nick I want start by saying enjoyed your content immensely. Your research and due diligence of the topic shows in each video. I am a Native West Virginian. In my travels around the state, I have interacted with the citizenry from all regions of our lovely state. The common denominator is kindness and a stronger sense of community due to the rural mentality. First hurdle to overcome West Virginian has quite the predicament Opioid, and Crystal Methamphetamine use keeps citizens from working. Industries over look our state because their algorithms inform them not enough PHD holders to invest for a return on investment. Second hurdle kids that are raised in the state with parents that are not lost to the distraction of drugs & alchohol. Those kids move out the state as soon as they graduate from High School, College or a Trade School. The rest are left to fill the parasitic class of working age citizen that are lost and become the tax burden on the several hundred thousand that are working. Third Hurdle widening our tax base. West Virginian has very narrow shoulders when it comes to carrying the load, that is why goods and services, commodities personal income is taxed.
Thanks Nick
Jeremy
Good stuff Jeremy!!
Despite West Virginia being very republican, it has a democratic senator Joe Manchin. But unlike most democrats he’s a very conservative democrat. I guess red states would accept democrats who are more conservative.
Unlike most Democrats in DC, Manchin isnt Hate the Constitution Unless We Can Use It To Destroy It
@@LeRoy313 you mean Manchin doesn’t hate the Constitution
Proud to be a WV Coal Miner's daughter & I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!
Yay🌸🌸
I joined the Army at 19 in 2001 and got out of wv as fast as possible. 20+ years later after living in Hawaii, NC, and Florida I am back in WV. I grew up in the Coal Fields in Southern WV and at that time u could make 6 figures in the mines. Things have drastically changed! In a positive way to preserve the environment but there aren't many jobs. Purdue Pharma also helped destroy communities. Almost everything in my small town that once thrived us now closed with most moving away. That includes me, I live outside Huntington now. Most people here are just good hard working folks. I feel like Southern WV is a much different experience then up North in Morgantown. Great video
Hi Aaron
@@NickJohnson hey what up
WV doesn't have food tax on groceries. The tax is on prepared food, like you would pay in a restaurant.
The Hatfield McCoy Trails are amazing! We got married in WVa and spent our honeymoon riding atv's. The people are truly welcoming and willing to lend a hand. Love it there!
That 20 Year old guy keep doing wat you doing...🙏
Thanks. I'm that guy
@@jasonlipscomb123 You have the right mindset, no doubt you'll be fine in life. Good luck with putting your CDL to work!
@@jasonlipscomb123 See my separate comment. You're only 20 & you've already seen 30 states and you have a really good head on your shoulders and are so well-spoken. You can go really, really far in life. Wishing you all the best.
I'm pulling for him too Bill
Lived here all my life. I'll never leave & it's not cause I can't afford it either. I live in the southern part, Monroe County & it's beautiful here. Drugs is a bad problem as it is everywhere. I can literally walk to the Appalachian trail. It's beautiful as well. Your also right about our guns, not getting them lol. I'm from the coal fields, Boone County. Charleston is worse than what you said, way worse. I used to live across the river from Huntington in Proctorville Ohio. Hated going into Huntington it's actually hell on earth honestly. The drugs has absolutely ruined this state. Lol, if you get caught cattle rustling in Monroe County the punishment is hanging. It's still on the books. They don't hang you tho lol.. And yes we love Trump. I guess I'll wait for the notifications of the Trump haters now. I know it's coming lol.
Hung???
Awesome video man! Thanks for featuring me in it!
You have a good head on your shoulders and are an intelligent guy. Hope your new job is going well at Kroger's for now until you find a good truck driving job. In Pennsylvania there are a LOT of trucking companies who are constantly hiring drivers. They even pay for your training. You should be able to be driving soon and making a decent living. God Bless!
PS nice leather jacket in the thumbnail!
@@ryanblack844 thank you I really appreciate it!
Dang jason you have fans!
I absolutely love your segments. As a Canadian, I love learning about interesting facets about the USA. Thank you!
Ok! ❤️
An unboxing video thats nearly an hour long? Yes please ❤️ do you know what you are going to do unboxing videos about once you run out of states?
retire
@@NickJohnson Then you can do unboxing videos about US territories.
State capitals & other cities plz! Oh and Puerto Rico!
@@NickJohnson no! Keep it up. Your videos are great!
If I don't move to the Dakotas, I'm going here, Kentucky, or Arkansas.
@Red Crimson it's beautiful here❤️
Go to Texas
@@NewHaven203 Too many californians 🤮
choose west virginia i think you will really like it . i know i sure do.
Nicks a champ. Funny dude, informative, bridging gaps between dif parts of country. Great to hear what everyone else in the US is up to. Thanks from MA 👍
It’s a beautiful state with genuine people. As a native West Virginian, took my Chinese partner to my hometown and no one said anything to us. Just wish the people voted in their own interests.
We usually do on the national level, life got better here under Trump. It’s the local politics that’s the real problem. It’s a good old boys club through and through, with people staying in office for decades because anyone who can beat them just leaves to greener pastures. They all do “favors” for each other constantly and are either dirty or half senile.
@@bigsloppy3267 Exactly!!
@@rd24life No we believe in rights. It's people's right here to vote the way they choose regardless if anyone else likes it or not. I'm an Independent because I don't agree with things on either side.
@@rd24life Yes, starting with Obama.
@@rd24life As I said I don't agree with either side. Coal mining went down hill fast under Obama & I'm not saying it got any better under Trump. This state has lost so much money from the loss of severance tax alone. I saw so many people lose everything they had worked for & many left the state, under Obama. That is the facts.
Pepperoni rolls!!! Yes! You mentioned pepperoni rolls! You did your research very well!
In Fairmont, the best bread and fine pepperoni rolls were made at Country Club Bakery. Sadly that family owned business shut down @2 years ago after +50 years of operation.
West Virginia is beautiful. The people are kind, good hearted and would feed you if you were hungry. I would rather live there than any big city today.
Shout out to Williamson WV. Proud to be a coalminers granddaughter.
Omg the last interviewee’s comments on the WalMart opening was shocking 🥺
Crazy
I have heard the same has happened in my state of Ohio too. Columbus :(
Unlike Idaho,Californians are welcome here!
Look up wind turbine graveyards. It's not very green. I LOVE WV.
Retired and moved from WV to Florida. Stayed for only two years and came back HOME to WV, bought a really nice house for a fraction of what Fla. was charging. Laid back living here and Wheeling is coming back. Total renovation underway.
I luv my State for the most part. It is so very beautiful, people are kind, hard working, God and family oriented. But there is the heartbreaking sides to it. I was born and lived in Huntington W.V. for most of my life. And what once was a beautiful little city has become really a heartbreaker. I just keep praying God will put his hand on our people.
And you didn’t mention Mothman??? How could you not talk about him? 😂
Is he stalking you?
@@NickJohnson Mothman is everywhere. There’s even a Mothman museum in Point Pleasant, WV. They also have a yearly Mothman festival in September.
Mothman doesn't officially exist until it has an emoji
Just when I was wondering if you would ever do an unboxing of WestVirginia and I was sooo lucckyy! I loved that state even if I am not an american because it resembles the most my eastern european country and area and aI am new to the channel. This was soo blessed to happen XD.
Germany reminded me a lot of WV. I wish more people had the opportunity to travel the world. It would help with perspective.
Hi dastan!
WV is a beautiful state, but unfortunately SOME of the people aren't so much. Part of the problem is that the remote working tech jobs they are trying to attract are full of non-white, non-christian, EV driving, progressives who are sometimes foreign born. They type of people that parts of WV show animosity towards.
Wow, I'm not sure this guy has ever been there. I love WV and only found about 10% of what he said to be true. I speak from experience.
I’ve been thinking of moving me and my daughter there, I’ve got a few friends that live out there. Looks very beautiful out there.
Being a resident of Pennsylvania, I always wanted to visit West Virginia. The scenery looks gorgeous.
Pipe Stem National Park
Well Done! I was after some info about WV. This was exactly what I was after. Wasn't expecting your video to be so thorough. Thankyou!