CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Remote workers looking for a new home with equal parts city energy and mountain calm will find it in West Virginia’s capital.
Ascend West Virginia—the nation’s leading talent attraction and retention program—announced that Charleston, West Virginia, has officially joined its lineup of communities welcoming newcomers with incentives and opportunities to plant roots in “Almost Heaven.”
Founded by Brad and Alys Smith, the program has already drawn nearly 1,000 new residents to West Virginia since its launch, boasting a retention rate of more than 96 percent.
Participants report average annual salaries above $97,000 and typically relocate with nearly two additional household members, multiplying the program’s impact on local economies.
Why Charleston is an ideal city for remote work
Charleston’s inclusion marks the program’s sixth expansion, alongside the New River Gorge, Greater Elkins, Morgantown, the Eastern Panhandle, and the Greenbrier Valley.
But for Brad Smith, a West Virginia native, former executive chairman of Intuit, and the current president of Marshall University, Charleston holds special significance.
“Charleston represents the heart of our state—a place where innovation, culture, and adventure thrive together,” Smith said.
“We’re excited to see new residents discover what makes our capital city, and West Virginia as a whole, an extraordinary place to live, work, and play.”
Applications for Charleston opened Friday. The city offers a mix of historic charm and modern growth—the gold-domed State Capitol presides over a downtown filled with locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries.
Summers bring live music on the riverfront, while the Clay Center anchors the arts scene with concerts and exhibits. Just beyond city streets, the Kanawha River flows past biking trails and climbing routes, reminding residents that adventure is always close at hand.
Alys Smith said Charleston is the ideal destination for so many remote professionals, telecommuters, and virtual employees.
“Ascend WV is about more than just relocation—it’s about building community, fostering connections, and empowering people to create fuller, more meaningful lives,” she said.
“Charleston’s vibrant culture and natural beauty make it a perfect fit for our program.”
Remote work incentives in Charleston
The program offers more than $20,000 in incentives to those who relocate. Funded by a $25 million gift from the Smiths to West Virginia University’s Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, Ascend WV is the only initiative in the nation that pairs relocation support with outdoor recreation.
Participants receive $12,000 in cash over two years, two years of free outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting and ziplining, a coworking space, $1,200 in outdoor gear rentals, professional development through WVU, and curated social and outdoor events designed to help them connect with their new neighbors.
For state and local leaders, bringing Ascend WV to Charleston is about more than numbers—it’s about momentum.
Chelsea Ruby, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism, said Charleston is an ideal location for residents who desire city conveniences alongside outdoor recreation.
“Our capital city offers the best of both worlds—vibrant arts, culture, and dining along with quick access to incredible outdoor recreation,” Ruby said.
Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin echoed the sentiment, calling the program “an incredible opportunity to strengthen our economy and support local businesses,” while Kanawha County commissioners said it would help retain young professionals and reverse population decline.
The program has already generated more than $500 million in economic impact statewide, according to the Charleston Area Alliance.
With Charleston’s addition, Ascend WV is now accepting applications across all six of its communities, each offering a unique slice of West Virginia life—from cliffside adventure along the New River to historic towns in the Eastern Panhandle.
A remote work lifestyle in Charleston
But in Charleston, the appeal is especially clear. It’s a city where remote workers can start their morning in a coworking space downtown, take a midday run along the river, grab dinner at a locally owned restaurant, and end the night with live music—all without losing touch with the mountains just beyond the skyline.
Applications for six Ascend WV areas
Ascend West Virginia is accepting applications for remote workers in six communities.
Each location offers a distinctive mix of urban amenities, outdoor recreation, and cultural experiences designed to attract remote professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Charleston Area
West Virginia’s capital city blends vibrant urban living with outdoor adventure. Remote workers will enjoy nearly 90 mountain bike trails, more than 40 climbing routes, a thriving arts and music scene, and a growing hub for innovation, dining, and history along the scenic Kanawha River.
Greenbrier Valley
For remote workers seeking laid-back living, the Greenbrier Valley offers life along the idyllic Greenbrier River, with 203 mountain bike trails, 2,325 climbing routes, 138 paddling runs, and a flourishing arts scene.
Morgantown Area
A lively college town brimming with culture and innovation, Morgantown provides ample space to roam for remote professionals. The area features 94 paddling runs, nearly 200 mountain bike trails, and 1,400 climbing routes, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Eastern Panhandle
Historic small towns with easy access to the nation’s capital make the Eastern Panhandle perfect for remote workers who value both culture and convenience. The region boasts 197 mountain bike trails, 1,684 climbing routes, 90 paddling runs, and adventures along the Appalachian Trail.
Greater Elkins
Small-town charm, live music, and abundant outdoor recreation define Greater Elkins. Remote workers can explore 176 mountain bike trails, 626 climbing routes, 123 paddling runs, West Virginia’s highest mountains, world-class fishing, and the Monongahela National Forest.
New River Gorge
Loved by both avid adventurers and newcomers, the New River Gorge area is an ideal remote work destination. With 142 mountain bike trails, 1,693 climbing routes, and 111 paddling runs on the New and Gauley Rivers, residents enjoy a mix of scenic mountains, local restaurants, and recreational opportunities. The area has been recognized as one of the coolest small towns in America.
Why West Virginia is an ideal remote work destination
At the very center of the eastern U.S., West Virginia has emerged as an attractive destination for remote workers seeking both affordability and quality of life. The state boasts a low cost of living compared to many urban hubs, allowing remote professionals to enjoy spacious housing, lower taxes, and a slower-paced lifestyle without sacrificing modern conveniences.
From hiking and mountain biking to river sports and scenic drives, West Virginia offers ample opportunities for work-life balance, making it easier for remote workers to recharge and maintain productivity. Additionally, recent investments in broadband infrastructure have significantly expanded high-speed internet access across the state, ensuring that connectivity—a crucial requirement for remote work—is no longer a barrier.
Charleston, the state’s capital, exemplifies the advantages of relocating within West Virginia. The city combines small-town charm with urban amenities, including diverse dining, cultural attractions, and co-working spaces that cater to a growing remote workforce.
Its central location provides easy access to both natural retreats and regional travel, while local initiatives support entrepreneurship and tech development, creating a collaborative environment for professionals. With a tight-knit community, affordable housing, and a slower pace that fosters focus and creativity, Charleston offers remote workers a balanced lifestyle where career and personal fulfillment can thrive in harmony.
Click here to learn more and begin your ascent.
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Yesterday's noontime event was very interesting to experience and be exposed to the ASCEND program. With much fanfare about, economic development, in actuality it was a program about population recruitment into West Virginia. The Capitol Market was filled to capacity and overflowed with local citizens. Much focus was on remote employment (working from home). One element I thought should have been highlighted was safety. Our state is a fairly safe place to live.
Besides the plethora of outdoor activities, hunting, fishing, hiking, it provides opportunities for families to enjoy themselves. Activities such as stargazing, photography, picnicking, archery and camping.
A lifelong West Virginia resident who is aware loves his 'Mountain Momma'.
Too bad they don't want to help the people who have already been living in, loving, and working in our state and struggling to make ends meet their whole lives. Screw all the native WV citizens, let's bring in some out of staters, who have no respect for our communities and natural resources and throw their litter everywhere, and help their lives instead. What a joke!
I must agree with you. I grew up here and unfortunately was taken away by a parent to another state many years ago. Upon returning I found the wages for me were too low to continue working as a nurse. It made it easy for my husband to convincevme to retire. I see what many people do to try to make their lives better, but it means a 2 job family, sometimes more than 2 jobs just to make ends meet. Maybe Ascend WV needs to offer jobs for those here already and are willing to work jobs with the same incentives.
What could go wrong? Bringing in people from around the world with no respect for our communities or our culture and who are only interested in making lots of money and freebies? We could be just like LA, Chicago, or NYC!! On nominally worse roads. Although, their roads ain't all that great, either.
My personal opinion is that Southern WV, especially, should be DEpopulated. In particular, due to unmanageable, flood prone, isolated land....most humans simply arent designed to survive in that environment. Certainly, there's a handful of survivalists, people that are seeking the isolation...and, agreed, individual rights and freedoms are sacrosanct.....
I advocate financial incentives for WVians to abandon living in these incredibly harsh conditions and moving to the more "civilized" areas of the state......my personal recommendations are:
1. Ohio River Valley....ie Huntington, Parkersburg, Vienna, etc.
2. Kanawha River Valley.....Charleston, Teays Valley, Pt Pleasant.
3. Monongahela River Valley.....Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg.
And yes, there are other towns and settlements that could also be added to this list.
(financial advisement/assistance for new housing, job training, etc?)
I honestly think "stirring up the pot"(ie CHANGE....not "more of the same") creates the economic opportunities that will make WV a better place.
Exactly same thoughts myself especially in this economy.
I was thinking the same thing!! What a slap in the face to us!!
👎👎💃🏼I was thinking the same thing, WOW! Let's help out-of-towners first? Probably illegal aliens too, over our own West Virginia Citizens!?!
👎👎👎 Shame on our Governor,
fix the F'n roads! A-hole! If we got so dam much money🙄🙄🙄😱
FYI, ALL the roads are off roading roads🤣🤣🤣👎
We always need incentives for people to move here. The event sounded wonderful
We also have to take care of our state and be more competitive. That takes many baby steps, and lots of brain-storming using capable people, who think outside the box.
My mother was born and grew up here and that's why I'm here. We are from Florida. I've been here since February 2024. There's are no remote positions available for the people that are here already. I've worked with staffing services and many people who can't find work here and when you do the pay is really low.
Exactly WV wages are stuck in the late 70 s,it's horrible has not budged
I'm actually having to move to Georgia because of no work here
What about the citizens? I have a masters degree in social work, licensed, and have a working on a certification. I cant get a job because this state is so prejudice against disabled people. Charleston needs entertainment; something to do other than drink at scrappy bars or smoke meth. We dont even have a mall anymore let alone entertainment. People are bored of the once a year Rhegatta, clay center, and market. You go once, you've seen it.
I'd feel alot better if we'd take care of our southern coal field residents and fix up our infrastructure first. With our existing infrastructure, we can't handle a big influx of new people, businesses, or anything else. The bridge over the Atchafalaya swamp was built in 2 yrs in the early 70's. We're STILL working on just adding extra lanes to I-64 in Barbouursville area. Then, you have to look at all the back country roads leading to our natural wonder sites. Our roads are
Not good. Let's fix our own house first, and THEN work to attract newcomers!
Not good. Let's fix up our own house a bit, and THEN invite others in...
The curse of WV roads was established when the RRs commandeered all the river bottoms and creek bottoms for right-of-way. Back then it was important for RRs to use the "natural grade", RRs cant climb mtns....they have to use the lowest grade possible, which is always the waterway. And besides....nobody drove cars back then.
ITs the 21st Century now.....and everyone in the MIning Industry knows....we have "sandworms" now......those giant tunnel boring machines that can bore holes in Mtns incredibly fast.
I think its about time the WV Dept of Hwys pulled its collective head out of its backside and applied new thinking to the challenges of WV road building......usurp some of that abandonned or misused RR bed and re-routed roads along the "natural grades" using SandWorms to bore hole through the really contorted sections......make the Guyandotte River a corridor.....make the Tug Fork a corridor......make the Coal River a corridor.....instead of the current contorted mess of irrational up and down twisting turning death traps people are still dealling with to this day.
Not good. Let's fix up our own house a bit, and THEN invite others in...
One quick comment about Ascend WV's move to incorporate Charleston, WV into its incentive plans.....
"'Bout Dang Time!!"
Ascend WV is on a noble mission....I applaud it.....but I've always had the uncomfortable thought that they were missing the mark. They've spent a number of years attracting people to the Wilderness Areas or the "Fun Zones"(think Motown and WVU)....
In my mind, what really powers WV is Industry.......and that is concentrated in Charleston and Huntington and Parkersburg(OK,OK...Mon Valley too). Each of these small cities has been decimated by the misguided economics of the Post-Reagan Years. Each is like Detroit's mini-Me. BUT....just like Detroit.....each of these cities has Tremendous Advantages......housing, education, advanced medicine, urban infrastructure......AND easy access to all that Wilderness that makes WV "almost heaven".
So.....thank you, Ascend WV with this new project to attract good people to Charleston!