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. — Poison ivy is more than just a notorious plant and a source of good stories in West Virginia. It’s a leading cause of itchy, blistering rashes for hikers, gardeners, and outdoor workers. As the warm months usher in prime growing conditions for this infamous vine, Mountain State visitors are encouraged to learn … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is working with West Virginia youth to help restore stream habitat in the state and has completed two projects in Mercer and Pocahontas counties. The division recently hosted cadets from the Mountaineer Challenge Academy at Pipestem Resort State Park for a day of learning and activities. … Read more
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — While West Virginia is known for its scenic streams, dropping fresh in falls and chutes from the Appalachian Mountains, all is not necessarily well. When West Virginia University biology undergraduate student Isabella Tuzzio tested fish from streams in central Appalachia, her research revealed microplastics in every fish she sampled. Tuzzio said her … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The W.Va. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of the Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) in Berkeley County, marking the first detection of the invasive pest in West Virginia. Native to East Asia, the Box Tree Moth feeds primarily on boxwood plants (Buxus species), a popular ornamental shrub widely used in … Read more
CREDE, W.Va. — Spring and early summer are peak seasons for deer births, and it’s not uncommon for people to stumble upon a solitary fawn nestled in tall grass, under a tree, or even in their backyard. With no mother in sight, the instinct for many of us is to assume the fawn has been … Read more
GRANDVIEW, W.Va. — Two prominent species of rhododendron bloom in West Virginia in spring and summer, but only one bears the official state flower. Pale pink or magenta— which blossom is the official state flower? Flourishing from late May through July, no other flowering plant so vividly ushers in the transition between spring and summer … Read more
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
