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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.

Peak fall color in West Virginia: Bridge Day
Communities

WVU researcher explores ways to modernize road maintenance

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Motivated by extreme weather events, one West Virginia University researcher is looking to emerging technologies to reimagine how state and city agencies might maintain roads and other transportation networks. Kakan Dey’s expansive research will delve into a variety of ways a data-driven approach can enhance roadway maintenance operations — from modernizing maintenance vehicle … Read more

Cody Mullens in West Virginia
Communities

Glenville State U. forestry scholarship honors W.Va. firefighter

by David Sibray

GLENVILLE, W.Va. — Friends, family, and coworkers of Glenville State University graduate and West Virginia Division of Forestry employee Cody Mullens are working to establish a scholarship fund at Glenville State University in his honor. The scholarship aims to support a student interested in pursuing a degree in Forest Technology through Glenville State’s Department of … Read more

Beckley Mill Falls in West Virginia
Communities

Funding awarded for outdoor recreation site at Beckley Mill

by David Sibray

BECKLEY, W.Va. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $500,000 grant to the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority to remediate a former refuse dump adjacent to the historic ruin of the Stone ruin at Alfred Beckley Mill[/caption] “This initiative aligns with the region’s current comprehensive economic development strategy and will serve as … Read more

Communities

WVU transportation center will bring mobility to rural areas

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The upcoming launch of a new transportation center at West Virginia University will direct $1.5 million in federal funding toward the development of mobility solutions for transportation challenges faced by rural residents. Beginning this summer, the school’s Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility Regional Transportation Equity Research Center, also known as SMART, will position … Read more

Communities

WVU scientists study snowshoe hare, Appalachian cottontail

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two West Virginia University biologists are scouring the mountains for signs of rabbit and hare life. Amy Welsh and Chris Rota with the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design are studying the habits and habitats of two West Virginia lagomorphs—the Appalachian cottontail and the snowshoe hare. Their research team, which also includes WVU alumni Mack Frantz and Holly Morris, biologists with the West Virginia … Read more

Acid mine drainage pours out of a site on lower Deckers Creek.
Communities

WVU earns $8M for rare earth elements extraction facility

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University researchers will continue to develop and advance their pioneering method to extract and separate rare earth elements and critical minerals from acid mine drainage and coal waste, courtesy of $8 million in new funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The grant, part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will lead … Read more

"This program provides millions of dollars to make some of the best places in West Virginia more accessible, which will also enhance visitation throughout the state." (Photo courtesy Dmitry Schemelev)
Communities

W.Va. awards $9.7 million for pedestrian, recreation trails

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has announced the award of 38 Transportation Alternatives and Recreational Trails Program grant projects for the Federal Fiscal Year 2022, worth $9,734,552 for projects in 22 counties. Justice said during a press conference that the grant program gives communities throughout the state an economic boost where tourism … Read more