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Communities in West Virginia offer residents a welcoming atmosphere, affordable cost of living, and a strong sense of connection to nature and neighbors alike. From charming small towns to vibrant cities like Charleston and Morgantown, West Virginia communities provide friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and access to outdoor recreation right at your doorstep. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life, surrounded by the state’s beautiful mountains, rivers, and forests, as well as rich local culture, historic sites, and community events that bring people together.

 

With safe streets, local businesses, and a true spirit of Appalachian hospitality, living in West Virginia communities means enjoying a high quality of life and a supportive, tight-knit environment where everyone feels at home. Be sure to visit our Communities Travel Guide for information about communities in West Virginia.

Research supports the idea that destinations benefit when businesses remain open during peak visitor periods.
Communities

West Virginia experts say tourist towns lose money when businesses close on Sundays

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As West Virginia communities increasingly invest in tourism and outdoor recreation, industry leaders say many destinations are missing opportunities to capture visitor spending when businesses close during weekends, particularly on Sundays. Tourism professionals across the state say travelers are more likely to spend money in communities where shops, restaurants, and attractions remain … Read more

The program creates incentives for private investment funds and financial institutions to direct capital into qualified small business growth.
Communities

Applications open for West Virginia First small business growth program

by Bianca Bosworth

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The W.Va. Department of Commerce is officially accepting applications for the newly established West Virginia First Small Business Growth Program, a major economic development initiative designed to expand access to private investment capital for small businesses. Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the launch of the new program, part of his promise to build … Read more

Each spring, officials field calls about young wildlife that may appear abandoned but in most cases are behaving as they should in the wild.
Communities

Biologists in West Virginia warn the public to leave young wildlife alone

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources are reminding the public to leave young wildlife alone, noting that handling wild animals can harm them, spread disease, and violate state law. Brett McMillion, director of the Canada geese groom at the McClintic Wildlife Management Area. (Photo courtesy West Virginia Dept. of Commerce)[/caption] … Read more

Officials say spring and early summer are periods of increased bear activity as bears emerge from winter dens, search for food, and move through the habitat with cubs.
Communities

Bear activity increasing in national parks in W.Va. as officials urge visitors be ‘Bear Aware’

by Clyde Craig

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — As bear activity increases across national parks and public lands in West Virginia this spring and summer, state and federal wildlife officials are urging visitors to take extra precautions while hiking, camping, and exploring the Mountain State’s forests. The National Park Service recently issued a nationwide reminder encouraging visitors to practice bear … Read more

Snowshoe Mountain has unveiled its 2026 summer events calendar.
Communities

Snowshoe Mountain announces 2026 summer events, launches new music fest

by David Sibray

SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Officials at Snowshoe Mountain, in Youth compete in summer biking events at Snowshoe Mountain. (Photo courtesy Snowshoe Mountain)[/caption] “Summer is probably the mountain’s best-kept secret, but with events like 4848 and Ballhooter, the secret is getting out,” Duncan said. “We have world-class mountain biking and hiking trails, activities at Shavers Lake, one … Read more

Memorial Day weekend travel in West Virginia
Communities

Memorial Day weekend travel in West Virginia expected to surge as summer begins

by Clyde Craig

BECKLEY, W.Va. — Memorial Day weekend this year is expected to bring record travel across the U.S., and West Virginia officials, tourism businesses, and travelers are preparing for crowded highways, full campgrounds, and busy outdoor destinations. The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during … Read more