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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.

A West Virginia Division of Natural Resources wildlife biologist examines a harvested white-tailed deer during field surveillance. Wildlife officials are proposing updates to disease management regulations intended to help slow the spread of chronic wasting disease and other wildlife illnesses. (WVExplorer Image)
Communities

West Virginia seeks public comment on new wildlife disease rules affecting deer feeding

by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia wildlife officials are proposing new regulations to slow the spread of diseases such as chronic wasting disease, with changes that could affect how hunters, landowners, and even backyard wildlife enthusiasts feed wildlife and transport harvested deer. The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through July 27 on … Read more

Construction crews build new homes in West Virginia, where communities are working to expand affordable housing and meet growing demand for workforce housing and rural economic development.
Communities

West Virginia affordable housing group expands team as demand for rural development grows

by Bianca Bosworth

ELKINS, W.Va. — As communities across north-central West Virginia continue working to address housing shortages, strengthen downtowns, and support locally owned businesses, Woodlands Development and Lending has expanded its leadership team to meet the growing demand for affordable housing and rural economic development. The Elkins-based nonprofit announced the hiring of McLain Saba as deputy director … Read more

Streams like this one may appear insignificant, but researchers say small mountain headwaters collectively play a major role in supplying and protecting Charleston's drinking water. (WVExplorer Photo)
Communities

Charleston’s drinking water depends on thousands of small mountain streams

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Perhaps most people think of Charleston‘s drinking water as beginning in the Elk River, though researchers point out that it actually starts much farther upstream. According to a new analysis by scientists at Yale University and the University of Massachusetts, thousands of small mountain streams flowing into the Elk River watershed contribute … Read more