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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.

Alpha Technologies has expanded its broadband business innovation at its offices in South Charleston, West Virginia.
Communities

Governor celebrates broadband expansion by Alpha Technologies

by Clyde Craig

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice congratulated the service-disabled, veteran-owned company Alpha Technologies for crossing the finish line on a major fiber expansion project in the Kanawha Valley. “I’ve said many times that broadband is monumental to our future in West Virginia,” Justice said Tuesday of the expansion, which was supported by his broadband initiatives. “Projects … Read more

A black bear pauses to investigate a photographer in West Virginia.
Communities

W.Va. DNR reports increased nuisance bear activity

by David Sibray

Due to an increase in nuisance bear activity being reported in West Virginia, biologists with the state Division of Natural Resources is asking residents to remove food and other attractants from around their homes to help reduce future incidents. The DNR has received more than 1,600 bear complaints in 2020, and bears have been spotted … Read more

Livestock should have access to safe areas during threat of inclement weather.
Communities

W.Va. warns farmers to prepare for Laura aftermath

by David Sibray

As the remnants of Hurricane Laura batter the southern U.S., the West Virginia Department of Agriculture is warning farmers to be proactive in the face of coming weather. Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt says his office expects that high winds and heavy rain could hit the state sometime this weekend. “As our state braces for … Read more

Pendeleton County, Potomac Branches Region
Communities

Forest Stewardship program announced in eastern panhandle

by Clyde Craig

The West Virginia Division of Forestry is announcing a sign-up period for the Forest Stewardship program counties in the Chesapeake Bay watershed in the state’s eastern panhandle. The program assists landowners with the management of forest on properties in Grant, Hardy, Morgan, Hampshire, Mineral, Berkeley, Pendleton, and Jefferson counties. According to a release from the … Read more

A horse-drawn carriage tours the historic ground of Capon Springs Resort.
Communities

Capon Springs offers 30-percent state resident discount

by David Sibray

Capon Springs Resort is offering a 30-percent discount on vacation packages for West Virginia residents in association with the state’s West Virginia Strong program, initiated by the governor in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The offer will provide the discount to guests who reserve lodging for at least two nights between August 3-September 2 … Read more

Seed packages received from unknown sources without solicitation should not be planted, says WVDA.
Communities

WVDA urges public to not plant foreign seed packets

by Clyde Craig

Officials at the West Virginia Department of Agriculture are urging state residents not to plant foreign seeds following reports of unsolicited seeds being received in surrounding states. Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt said seeds could pose an environmental threat. “Like other states, we have been made aware of reports from people in West Virginia that … Read more

The grant to will fund development of a comprehensive plan to connect the university to the Internet2 national backbone.
Communities

National Science Foundation awards Shepherd $100K

by David Sibray

The National Science Foundation has awarded a one-year $999,000 planning grant to Shepherd University to develop a comprehensive plan to cost-effectively connect the university to the Internet2 national backbone. “This planning grant will support Shepherd’s exploration of the feasibility to connect to Internet2,” said Dr. Robert Warburton, dean, College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. … Read more