Communities in West Virginia offers 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, along with 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.
WHEELING, W.Va. — Once rare in many parts of West Virginia, black bears are now found in all counties, and officials are reminding residents that interactions increase in spring, when care should be taken to secure food. Even in suburban areas, residents should bring food indoors in spring and summer, according to Colin Carpenter, black … Read more
RENICK, W.Va. — Ferns may be among the most overlooked plants in the West Virginia woodlands, though more than 50 species thrive in its mountains, according to native plant expert Barry Glick. “I can’t claim to be an expert in fern identification, and that’s not because they’re complicated, it’s just that I haven’t had the … Read more
SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — Want to increase your property value? Plant a shade tree. Want to charge more for goods and services in your shop or restaurant? Plant a shade tree. Especially in West Virginia, where tourists come for shade in summer and color in autumn, shady lawns and gardens, even shady parking lots, can increase … Read more
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — To help farmers and ranchers incorporate agritourism into their business models, a West Virginia University researcher is gathering a team of national experts to develop guidelines for generating agritourism revenue. Agritourism is boosting the economy in West Virginia and providing an additional revenue source for farmers. In 2022, direct sales on U.S. … Read more
SANDYVILLE, W.Va. — Seasons can come and go in the temperate regions of the world with many false starts, but in the Appalachian Mountains, folks know spring has arrived when the tiny white flowers of the Sarvis Tree blossom. When the tree’s blossoms appeared in early spring, settlers in Appalachia knew it was time for … Read more
SAINT ALBANS, W.Va. — Four prehistoric trails once converged where the Coal River joins the Kanawha River, and this lesser-known fact helps set the stage for the 11th annual wildflower walk at Saint Albans City Park. Long ago, Native American warriors and, later, Virginian pioneers passed through the valley at a natural crossroads. Moundbuilders raised … Read more
HINTON, W.Va. — Blossoming across the eastern U.S. in spring, redbud trees were notably important during the settlement of the Appalachian Mountains, where they indicated the presence of some of the best soil for farming. Today, the pink-blooming trees, which also thrive in urban settings, provide an opportunity for city dwellers to experience a natural … Read more
LEWISBURG, W.Va. — The West Virginia woodlands burst into color in spring. During that brief period, wildflowers put on a colorful show, attracting bees and butterflies before the trees leaf out and the sunlight dims. Native plant specialist Barry Glick has identified the five early-blooming wildflowers common along woodland trails. While their presence is fleeting, … Read more
WHEELING, W.Va. — Hosted by the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, the West Virginia Historic Preservation Conference, to be held May 1-3 in Wheeling, will feature tours, speakers, demonstrations, and educational sessions designed to help community leaders, preservation professionals, and owners of historic properties. Danielle Parker, executive director of the organization, said the 2025 event will … Read more
ELKINS, W.Va. — Two “irreplaceable” historic buildings in West Virginia are facing the possibility of demolition, which the state’s preservation board is working to prevent. The towering middle school in Mannington and the courthouse annex in Roane County have been added to the West Virginia Endangered Properties List, a registry maintained by the Preservation Alliance … Read more
