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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.

Communities

W.Va. wildlife initiative will enhance habitat, support local economies

November 26, 2024 by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has launched a ruffed grouse and wildlife restoration program, enhancing habitat by strategically planting soft mast-producing trees and shrubs on recently harvested private timberlands. This innovative program is designed to provide vital food sources for various wildlife species, including ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, and songbirds, while also benefiting landowners and local … Read more

Historic Level Tavern in Organ Cave, West Virginia

Communities

Greenbrier Valley in W.Va. was an early American resort community

November 19, 2024 by Clyde Craig

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va.— The scenic Greenbrier Valley in southern West Virginia was among the early large-scale resort communities in the U.S. and featured a state-supported road system designed to lead travelers from resort to resort. Though colonial farmers were the region’s first inhabitants in the 1700s, by the early 1800s, the area had become … Read more

Communities

A growing issue in W.Va.—painting old brick buildings can destroy them

November 15, 2024 by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Whether you think it looks good or not, painting a brick building can destroy it. Even if it doesn’t collapse the structure, maintenance will ever-after be pricey, as painters must return every several years to repaint. If your insurer doesn’t come after you first, the masons or demolitionists you may have to … Read more

Communities

Consultants, engineers find no need for New River Gorge demolitions

November 6, 2024 by Clyde Craig

THURMOND. W.Va. — Consultants employed by the National Park Service to evaluate the condition of nationally historic structures in the New River Gorge, which are now slated for demolition, instead recommend saving them. Despite recent proposals by park officials to demolish the buildings, professionals asked by the park service to weigh in on the matter … Read more

Moss grows thick on the north side of a tree in Wyoming County, West Virginia.

Communities

Forest lore: Is it true that moss grows only on the north side of trees?

November 4, 2024 by David Sibray

BARKERS RIDGE, W.Va. — You might have heard that moss grows only on the north sides of trees. That bit of lore originated as a way to help travelers navigate strange forests. The mossy north face of a tree, or so it was said, could serve as a natural compass. It is true that moss … Read more

Communities

Founding family of Alderson fights errant town to save historic landmark

October 26, 2024 by David Sibray

ALDERSON, W.Va. — Members of one of West Virginia’s founding families are fighting to save a commercial building on the National Register of Historic Places that consultants have determined to be viable as a new business location. Sarah Alderson, whose fifth great-grandfather established the town on the Greenbrier River, said she and her brother, Joe … Read more

Shepherd University With Blue Ridge In Distance

Communities

Amazon selects Shepherd University in W.Va. for career training program

October 25, 2024 by Clyde Craig

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University has been selected as an education partner by Amazon, which will provide its hourly employees access to more than 80 majors and concentrations through the school. University president Dr. Mary Hendrix welcomed the partnership and stressed the campus’s convenience to Maryland, Pennsylvania, and northern Virginia populations. “Amazon shares our commitment … Read more

Communities

Repair of historic forest pavilion at Blue Bend earns preservation award

October 25, 2024 by Clyde Craig

FRANKFORD, W.Va. — One of the most significant restorations underway in West Virginia has attracted the attention of state preservationists, who are awarding its developers and proponents for their efforts. The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia has awarded the repair of a log-built picnic pavilion and other structures at the Blue Bend Recreation Area with … Read more

Communities

Six tips for West Virginia students searching for off-campus housing

October 21, 2024 by Clyde Craig

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As students consider off-campus living in West Virginia’s college towns, an attorney at West Virginia University advises they and their families carefully consider lease agreements before signing. Patrick Brooks, managing attorney for the university’s student legal services department, said conditions and safety measures are important factors to consider when searching for a … Read more

Sibray And Burdette At Salt Sulphur Springs

Communities

Unusual springs a focus of research at resort for sale in Monroe County

September 1, 2024 by Clyde Craig

SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Members of the real estate brokerage engaged in selling a historic resort in scenic Monroe County have waded into the remarkable history of its mineral springs and discovered more than they expected. According to agents at Foxfire Realty, which is marketing the property for $1,795,000, one of the three “healing” … Read more

Rocket Boys event at Pipestem headlines kids’ day at seven W.Va. state parks

Monongahela National Forest acquires Cunningham Knob acreage in Randolph County

West Virginia originals, historic Mail Pouch barns added to national register

Green Bottom boat ramp on Ohio River near Huntington reopens

More Americans, notably Gen Z, are moving to West Virginia, new census analysis shows

Snowshoe Mountain announces 2026 summer events, launches new music fest

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

Appalachian medicinal plants and edibles can support rural economies, says WVU professor

West Virginia officials urge life jacket use during national boating safety week

Ancient stone walls on Armstrong Mountain are no old-timer’s tale

West Virginia bottler wins silver award at international water competition

Did Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis secretly meet in West Virginia?

South Branch ends mourning dove permits; controlled hunt begin at Stonewall Jackson

John Terry catches record-breaking tiger trout in lake at Seneca State Forest

Gravel, bikepacking network connects towns across Monongahela National Forest region

Horsepower restrictions removed on five small lakes in West Virginia

Communities

W.Va. wildlife initiative will enhance habitat, support local economies

Greenbrier Valley in W.Va. was an early American resort community

A growing issue in W.Va.—painting old brick buildings can destroy them

Consultants, engineers find no need for New River Gorge demolitions

Forest lore: Is it true that moss grows only on the north side of trees?

Founding family of Alderson fights errant town to save historic landmark

Amazon selects Shepherd University in W.Va. for career training program

Repair of historic forest pavilion at Blue Bend earns preservation award

Six tips for West Virginia students searching for off-campus housing

Unusual springs a focus of research at resort for sale in Monroe County