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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.

Tourists explore the restored Martinsburg Railway Station in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Communities

W.Va. secures funds for eastern panhandle train service

by David Sibray

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced today that the state has reached an agreement with Maryland to continue the Maryland Area Regional Commuter Train service to the Eastern Panhandle. Justice made the announcement while visiting the Martinsburg Railway Station—the westernmost terminal of the MARC Train system—and joined other state and local government leaders who helped … Read more

The Coalfields Expressway is one of several projects that benefited from the governor's Roads-to-Prosperity initiative.
Communities

Second bond sale complete, will generate $700 million plus

by Clyde Craig

West Virginia has sold $600 million in general obligation road bonds and generated more than $746.5 million in proceeds to be used for highway, bridge, and secondary road construction projects, Governor Jim Justice announced. “This program is truly bringing prosperity to West Virginia in many ways and today’s sale of these bonds is going to … Read more

The historic jailhouse at Beverly, West Virginia, is being restored to its original appearance.
Communities

Alliance launches new micro-loan for historic W.Va. buildings

by Clyde Craig

The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia has unveiled a new loan program to provide capital, technical assistance, and development expertise to property owners who are renovating historic buildings in West Virginia. The Historic Preservation Microloan will help property owners save endangered historic properties and develop commercial properties to create or retain jobs, housing, or heritage-related … Read more

Specialty crops reach the market in West Virginia.
Communities

WVDA accepting requests for specialty crop block grant applications

by Bianca Bosworth

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is now seeking requests for applications for 2020 specialty crop block grants. Funds awarded are used to enhance the production, processing, and consumption of specialty crops in West Virginia. State Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt called the capital access program vital. “One of the largest barriers to small business … Read more

Taylor Mazelon records herself teaching in her pre-K classroom.
Communities

New technology helps WVU Online train much-needed teachers

by Bianca Bosworth

New technologies are helping pre-K teachers studying online at West Virginia University to complete student teaching in their home communities. With a new “virtual” system, professors are now using video to observe student teachers in classrooms and employing computer technology to meet them remotely to discuss their methods. WVU professor Ashley Martucci, the coordinator for … Read more

The Mountaineer Marching Band performs during pregame of a WVU football game.
Communities

West Virginia University to build marching band facility

by David Sibray

An institution itself for more than a century, the Mountaineer Marching Band at West Virginia University will soon have a home of its own in Morgantown, West Virginia. Dedicated alumni and university officials are working together to pursue a practice facility for the 330-member band, which currently practices in the parking lot at the WVU … Read more

The campus at West Virginia Wesleyan welcomes another fresh winter snow.
Communities

W.Va. Wesleyan kicks off winter with concert series

by David Sibray

West Virginia Wesleyan College is welcoming winter in north-central West Virginia with a series of nine free musical performances in November and December, including a celebration of 50 years of jazz at the school. Including four large hallmark performances, the public series is being held principally at the school’s campus in Buckhannon, West Virginia, and … Read more

A spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) adult winged.
Communities

Spotted Lanternfly confirmed in Berkeley County

by Clyde Craig

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of a new invasive insect, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycormia delicatula), in West Virginia. A small population of spotted lanternflies was detected in the Bunker Hill area of Berkeley County on October 30, and the findings were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The spotted … Read more