11 Things You Never Expected to Miss After Leaving West Virginia

Here are 11 things people never expected to miss after leaving West Virginia:

1. The Mountain Views
   Leaving West Virginia’s iconic mountains means trading breathtaking landscapes for flatter scenery elsewhere.
2. Being Known (or Recognized) as a West Virginian
   Outside WV, people often don’t know where West Virginia is or confuse it with other states, making you feel anonymous.
3. The Southern Hospitality and Sense of Community
   West Virginians are known for their kindness and warmth, which can be hard to find in other places.
4. Pepperoni Rolls
   This regional food staple is difficult to find outside WV, and many miss these delicious treats.
5. Summer Swimming Holes and Rope Swings
   Natural swimming spots and carefree summer fun in scenic mountain ponds are uniquely cherished.
6. WV Football Culture
   The Mountaineers’ football spirit and community rallies don’t translate well outside the state.
7. Cornbread and Beans at Family Gatherings
   This simple traditional meal is special to WV culture and less common elsewhere.
8. Getting Stuck at Train Crossings
   While an annoyance, it’s a familiar and oddly missed part of daily life in many WV towns.
9. The Roads—Challenging but Character-Building
   WV’s winding, mountainous roads can feel frustrating but also uniquely memorable.
10. That One-of-a-Kind Fall Foliage
    The autumn colors in WV are stunning and evoke deep nostalgia for those who leave.
11. Sense of Home and Identity
    The mountains, people, food, and culture create a profound connection to WV that many realize only after leaving.

These aspects go beyond the physical to embody the spirit, traditions, and natural beauty that former residents carry with them no matter where they relocate.

SOURCES

[1](https://www.movoto.com/blog/leaving-west-virginia/)
[2](https://www.reddit.com/r/WestVirginia/comments/1m58iup/people_who_left_west_virginia_for_a_better/)
[3](https://firstascentwv.com/blog/2023/10/24/choosing-home-why-i-remain-in-west-virginia)
[4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6JJ7RtbPqY)
[5](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpiWnYKahpA)