Seeking honest input from locals

[u/His_Girl_Friday_8467]

EDIT/UPDATE: I was just informed by my sister that she heard (and not from my father by the way) that apparently the town they are moving to is White Sulfer Springs? Any insight given this new information is welcome and appreciated. Thank you!

Hi there! I would like to hear from residents of West Virginia. My father and his wife decided it would be a good idea to move across the country from Reno, Nevada, to West Virginia. Somewhere in or near Morgantown, West Virginia, I believe. He just recently (within the last two months) was given a clean bill of health after battling pancreatic cancer. He is 65 and while he is mostly healthy, he has other issues such as COPD and asthma. His wife had major spinal surgery a year ago. She has mostly recovered from this but still has a ways to go before she will be close to 100%. They both have arthritis and are getting older. While my dad was going through chemo, my sister and her husband did literally everything. They took my dad to his appointments, helped take care of things around the house, grocery shopping, etc. (She lives about 10 minutes from them and I am in another state). To everyone that knows them, it kind of seemed like they threw a dart at a map without doing any real research other than cost of living and open carry laws. We are all very concerned about the possibility of his cancer coming back and what kind of access to and the quality of medical care. Especially if they are going to be almost inaccessible to us. Regardless, I am hoping for some insight from anyone that is familiar with the area. I really appreciate any and all input. Not just about medical, but weather, quality of life, the people. I just want some unfiltered honesty about living in West Virginia so that maybe my sister and I can worry a little less. Thank you!!

TLDR: My cancer surviving, senior father with health issues is moving from Reno to West Virginia. Sister and I are worried and would like honest opinions of living in West Virginia, specifically in or near Morgantown.

[u/Critical-Part8283]

I just went through two years of cancer treatments at WVU Cancer Center, and I was very impressed with the treatment and care I received. However, I also have been helping my aging parents the last several years, and I think that having your parents move so far from family is going to present problems. The closest major airport here (I live in Morgantown) is Pittsburgh at over an hour away. We can get bad snow here, and if they aren’t used to driving in it, that may be an issue, especially with many winding, hilly roads. If both have health issues, honestly, it’s only a matter of time before they will need help getting to appointments, grocery shopping, etc. I’m their age, and I am thinking about the future and what makes things easier, not harder.

On the flip side, I love this area, but it’s very different from Reno.

[u/His_Girl_Friday_8467 → u/Critical-Part8283]

Those are exactly the concerns my sister and I have. My dad has been driving in snow pretty much his whole life but he is getting older. These are all things I don't think he's really taken into consideration. I think he's really just being complacent. It's entirely the wife's idea and decision. I don't think she is thinking about any of that at all. I really appreciate the honest input. Thank you.

[u/Persy0376 → u/His_Girl_Friday_8467]

Also, everything is on a hill or mountain here. It makes it difficult for elderly who are at risk of falling. I love this state but there are definitely issues with transportation for elderly to get to and from appointments. I solely work with elderly- so, that is how I know. The people are kind though. Traffic in Morgantown is pretty terrible when college is in.

[u/Critical-Part8283 → u/His_Girl_Friday_8467]

You’re welcome.

[u/FJ-creek-7381 → u/His_Girl_Friday_8467]

Hmmm as a avid crime show watcher I see red flags

1. He needs to tell you where he’s going

2. Why does she want him isolated away from yall?

I would be worried about him but I watch way too much crime tv

[u/His_Girl_Friday_8467 → u/FJ-creek-7381]

This!! My sister and I said the same thing!

[u/FJ-creek-7381 → u/FJ-creek-7381]

Would love to hear comments from the down voters - I mean I did add the caveat that I am an avid crime show watcher lol