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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.

West Virginia Commerce Secretary Matt Herridge addresses award recipients. (Photo: W.Va. Dept. of Commerce)
Communities

Thirty-three West Virginia companies receive award for global exports

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Thirty-three West Virginia companies that export goods and services have been recognized for expanding into new international markets, according to officials at the West Virginia Department of Commerce. Seven of the businesses honored with the “Governor’s Export Award” were first-time recipients of the award, which is presented to companies that made their … Read more

Waterparks in West Virginia
Communities

Splash into Fun: The Six Best Waterparks in West Virginia (2025 Guide)

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s natural beauty is world-famous, but when summer heat hits, the state’s waterparks become top destinations for families and thrill-seekers looking to cool off with some splashing fun. Whether you want a giant inflatable obstacle course or a classic wave pool, the Mountain State offers some truly memorable aquatic escapes. Here’s … Read more

Commercial real estate near New River Gorge National Park
Communities

Federal downsizing creates real estate opportunity near new national park

by Clyde Craig

MOUNT HOPE, W.Va. — Federal downsizing has created a remarkable commercial real estate opportunity in southern West Virginia near the nation’s newest national park—an opportunity that’s attracting plenty of attention after a price drop. Once home to the U.S. Bureau of Mines, a 34,568-square-foot office complex and large maintenance garage offers a rare blend of … Read more

The Guyandotte River hosts a lone kayaker.
Communities

The Guyandotte River rediscovered as a destination for angling, paddling

by David Sibray

GUYANDOTTE, W.Va. — Rivers in West Virginia have gained enormous popularity as travel destinations, thanks to cleaner water and better highway access. Yet the Guyandotte River, winding through the state’s southwestern mountains, has remained largely unknown, and that’s precisely what many anglers and paddlers love about it. From its headwaters to its mouth, the Guyandotte … Read more

Deer crossing rural road in West Virginia
Communities

West Virginia leads the nation in deer-vehicle collisions

by Clyde Craig

DEERWALK, W.Va. — Vehicle collisions with deer in West Virginia are more than just a nuisance. They’re a statistical certainty. For more than a decade, the mountainous Appalachian state has ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for deer-vehicle collisions. Drivers on West Virginia roadways in 2023 reported wrecks involving more than 10,000 deer, according to … Read more