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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 Broadband
Communities

More than $17 million in funding approved for broadband in W.Va.

by Clyde Craig

Gov. Jim Justice today announced the preliminary approval of more than $17.4 million in Line Extension Advancement and Development program funds for broadband infrastructure projects throughout the state. This announcement marks the first round of grants awarded as part of the governor’s Billion-Dollar Broadband Strategy, also known as the West Virginia Broadband Investment Plan. Grant … Read more

Expansion of broadband will help grow the paddling economy along West Virginia water trails.
Communities

Broadband will help boost paddling safety, economy in W.Va.

by Amanda Larch Hinchman

The expansion of broadband and cellular access in West Virginia will notably improve safety and economics along its water trails, say officials with the state flatwater trail commission. Bill Currey, president of the commission, says expanding access won’t just bolster tourism—it could save tourists from potentially dangerous situations. “Flatwater trail areas need broadband badly. We’re … Read more

The Nucor Steel plant at Berkeley, S.C. employs 900. The W.Va. plant will employ 800.
Communities

Sheet steel mill to bring 800 jobs to Mason County

by Clyde Craig

Gov. Jim Justice announced today that Nucor Corporation has selected Mason County in western West Virginia as the location for a state-of-the-art sheet steel mill. The record investment will exceed $2.7 billion, making it the largest in West Virginia history, as well as the largest single investment Nucor has ever made, Justice said. “This is … Read more

The West Virginia revenue growth rate was the highest on-record for a December in West Virginia since at least the 1970s.
Communities

Revenue growth in West Virginia continues to set records

by Clyde Craig

West Virginia’s general revenue collections for December 2021 came in at $506.8 million—a “staggering” $124.4 million above estimates and 32.6 percent ahead of prior year receipts, according to the office of Gov. Jim Justice. This revenue growth rate was the highest on record for December in West Virginia since at least the 1970s. “We really … Read more

Central to the eastern U.S. but refreshingly rural, West Virginia continues to attract small businesses in record numbers.
Communities

SBA W.Va. seeks nominations for Small Business Week 2022

by David Sibray

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia district office is accepting nominations for its 2022 National and West Virginia Small Business Week Awards, including its annual Small Business Person of the Year award. Do you know of a business you’d like to nominate? Visit sba.gov/nsbw to download forms, criteria, and guidelines for submitting a nomination. … Read more

Ramps in southern W.Va.
Communities

Ramp harvesting ends in national parks in southern W.Va.

by Clyde Craig

Due to an observed decline in their population, ramps may no longer be harvested on properties managed by the National Park Service in southern and south-central West Virginia. Harvesting will no longer be allowed within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the Gauley River National Recreation Area, or the Bluestone National Scenic River, effective … Read more