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.
Fraternity and sorority life might be perceived as a distraction, but West Virginia University has announced that members of such organizations show higher academic performance than students at large. The fall 2019 average for such students was 3.240 compared to 2.969, according to Matthew Richardson, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. “The … Read more
With more than 400 million maple trees, it’s no wonder maple syrup is one of the fastest-growing industries in West Virginia. To help keep the momentum and overcome challenges, a team of West Virginia University experts wants to educate landowners, foresters and loggers on the nuances of southern sugarbush management. According to Jamie Schuler, lead … Read more
The Shepherd University Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities is accepting applications from teachers and community leaders in Jefferson and Berkeley counties for a new community leadership institute. Titled “Voices from the Misty Mountains, Reclaiming Our Story for a New Appalachia,” the institute will take place will take place February 4-April 28 on Tuesdays from … Read more
The five-county area comprising the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia could improve economically by embracing and promoting its regional identity, according to a new study published by three West Virginia University centers. After a year and a half of research, the plan, which recommends several strategic actions to promote economic prosperity in the region, will … Read more
As many as 80 travel writers from across North America will explore southern West Virginia in May during a meeting of the Freelance Council of the Society of American Travel Writers. During its winter meeting last month in Japan, the society unanimously voted to accept a itinerary proposed by Adventures on the Gorge, the West … Read more
Governor Jim Justice has announced an agreement with Ramaco Carbon to open a new research facility in West Virginia to pursue research related to the use of coal as the precursor for advanced carbon products and materials. “I am excited beyond belief to welcome Ramaco Carbon’s next incredible research facility to our great state. It’s … Read more
The National Coal Heritage Area Authority is seeking proposals for funding for projects that support community efforts to interpret, preserve, and promote coal heritage resources in southern West Virginia. Projects must be located within the National Coal Heritage Area in Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, Wyoming counties and the … Read more
Log cabins in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia have a story to tell: when people leave, the forest takes over. Researchers at West Virginia University are using tree-ring dating to determine not only when trees were cut down to build historic log buildings in the region but also what the forests were like before … Read more
The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia is seeking endangered historic properties in Preston, Monroe, Randolph, Greenbrier, and Pocahontas counties in need of technical assistance from licensed professionals to aid in revitalization efforts. Assistance will be provided to low-income individuals who own a historic building or serve on the board of a nonprofit organization that will … Read more
Entering 2020, Governor Jim Justice reported today that December 2019 revenue collections were $6.9 million above estimates, which was 1.2 percent above prior year receipts. December also marks the end of the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2020, which cumulatively is 1.4 percent below the record-breaking prior year receipts. After a disappointing two months that … Read more
