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.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Autumn has arrived in West Virginia, and state officials say the Mountain State is gearing up for one of its most colorful fall foliage seasons in years. The W.Va. Department of Tourism, in partnership with the W.Va. Division of Forestry, released its 2025 Fall Foliage Projection Map this week, giving travelers a … Read more
MULLENS, W.Va. — Nestled deep within the wooded hollows of West Virginia, where trout streams meander through rhododendron and ridgelines roll like waves, a 33-acre parcel of land quietly epitomizes the region’s past. Here, on a gentle rise overlooking the clear waters of Barker’s Creek, the McKinney homeplace is perhaps more than just a home. … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Explorer, the state’s most comprehensive online guide to travel, history, and culture, is celebrating a major milestone. According to Google Analytics, the publication hosted more than 3.3 million users in August, marking one of the highest traffic surges in its 25-year history. The record-breaking numbers reflect recent strategic investments and … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Cases of hemorrhagic disease in deer have been confirmed in Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Wood counties in West Virginia, officials with the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced. According to Brett McMillion, director of the division, the West Virginia counties are near counties in Ohio, where the Ohio Department of Natural Resources … Read more
PINEVILLE, W.Va. — Once a gathering place for miners and families on the Guyandotte River, a vintage curb-service restaurant, service station, and boarding house is attracting the attention of ATV entrepreneurs looking to offer tourists an authentic experience. The retro landmark near Pineville is filled with mid-century kitchen and service station items, complete with oak-paneled … Read more
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Have you noticed Halloween merchandise appearing earlier on racks and shelves at national retail chains like Lowe’s, Walmart, and Family Dollar? A West Virginia University professor who studies supply chain economics says there’s a reason summer is getting spookier. It’s partly because sophisticated tools for predicting consumer behavior are driving he creep … Read more
LOGAN, W.Va. — Now that the majestic elk has been returned to the mountains of West Virginia (the last known native elk in the state was killed in 1875), tours of the management area for the herds are becoming more popular than ever. Officials at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources have announced dates … Read more
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Many of the most photographed places in West Virginia are, perhaps not surprisingly, among the most photographed places in the entire world. It’s little wonder the state is known as “Almost Heaven.” Her countless waterfalls and forested mountains change dramatically with the seasons, offering photographers fresh inspiration year-round. From vibrant autumns through … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State biologists will conduct spotlight surveys across the Mountain State in August and September to monitor white-tailed deer populations, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The surveys are a critical part of the agency’s deer management plan and help wildlife managers estimate local deer numbers, track population trends, and … Read more
SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — Devoted fans of scenic Summersville Lake in central West Virginia are being invited to volunteer for a litter clean-up there in late August. The Plateau Action Network will host a community clean-up at Summersville Lake on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will gather at the Salmon Run … Read more
