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.
HELVETIA, W.Va. — History will tell you the name Helvetia is derived from the Helvetii, a Celtic tribe that once peopled the region now known as Switzerland. But here in the mountains of West Virginia, where fact and folklore mingle, Helvetia simply means “Little Switzerland.” It’s a small hamlet, tucked away in a remote corner … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As West Virginia employers continue to navigate a tight labor market, WorkForce West Virginia will host a statewide virtual hiring event on Wednesday, Feb. 4, to connect businesses with job seekers across the Mountain State. The online event will run from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and is open to employers and job … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — For many West Virginia communities, outdoor recreation is no longer a quality-of-life extra. It’s the new economic infrastructure that’s attracting private investment, supporting small businesses, and helping retain and attract a workforce. That shift in thinking is the driving force behind the inaugural West Virginia Outdoor Economy Summit, which will bring civic … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the calendar passes Midwinter Day on Jan. 15, forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say late winter in West Virginia is likely to lean milder than average overall, even as the Mountain State remains vulnerable to periodic cold snaps and snowstorms through the end of February. According to the … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As remote work reshapes where Americans choose to live, small-town housing in West Virginia has emerged as a central issue in the state’s economic revival. Communities once defined by vacant upper floors and underused downtown buildings are seeing renewed interest from remote workers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Translating that momentum into lasting … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Ahead of the start of the 2026 legislative session, Gov. Patrick Morrisey has awarded $2.1 million in grants aimed at preparing “business-ready” development sites across 23 counties in West Virginia. In an announcement released Monday from Charleston, the governor said the funding will support early-stage site development, enabling companies to move more … Read more
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two West Virginia University experts are warning residents and visitors that ticks are more prevalent than ever, and encounters with them are increasingly causing serious health risks. According to Timothy Driscoll, an associate professor of biology in the university’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences in Morgantown, changing environmental conditions are driving … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Homeowners, local historians, and community members interested in historic homes in West Virginia will have an opportunity later this month to learn how to research the history of their properties through a free, beginner-friendly webinar hosted by state preservation agencies. According to Lauren Bodnar, director of public relations and strategic partnerships for … Read more
BECKLEY, W.Va. — They’re hard to miss in downtowns and along highway strips in West Virginia with their neon-bright window graphics, flavor names splashed across posters, and glass cases filled with sleek devices and colorful packaging. Over the past decade, vape shops have spread from big cities into small towns and rural communities across Appalachia, … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In the late 19th century, as West Virginia was still defining itself as a young state, Morris Harvey placed his faith not in coal seams or rail lines, but in education. A descendant of one of the region’s first families, he may be best remembered as the benefactor whose name was given … Read more
