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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.

Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, quail, pheasants, and backyard mixed flocks are highly susceptible to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. (Photo courtesy Ditya Tma)
Communities

West Virginia confirms new avian influenza in backyard flock in Jackson County

by David Sibray

RIPLEY, W.Va. — State officials have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock in Jackson County. However, it’s only the third detection in domestic birds in West Virginia since the global outbreak began in early 2022. The diagnosis was confirmed following a field investigation, sample collection, and testing at the department’s … Read more

Woodburn Hall History: Holiday carolers sing outside the entrance to Woodburn Hall.
Communities

WVU revives Woodburn Hall lighting, illuminating legacy of higher ed in West Virginia

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As dusk settles over the Monongahela River valley on December 2, a crowd of students, faculty, alumni, and families will gather at a place where West Virginia University began, where the institution’s history, architecture, and spirit converge. Just after 6:30 p.m., beneath a tower long considered the university’s most recognizable symbol, the lights … Read more

The artificial intelligence ChatGPT platform has evolved from a curiosity to a trusted coworker, according to WVU professor Joshua Meadows.
Communities

WVU Professor: After three years, ChatGPT has become a coworker—not a boss

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As ChatGPT turns three, a West Virginia University professor says the artificial intelligence platform has evolved from a curiosity to a trusted coworker that’s reshaping how people work, learn, and communicate at a pace few anticipated. Joshua Meadows, an assistant professor and director of “Data Driven WV” at the WVU John Chambers … Read more

Tourism officials say the expansion is aimed at meeting growing demand from local makers and retailers who want to feature the Almost Heaven brand.
Communities

West Virginia tourism office launches “Almost Heaven” brand licensing program

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has launched an Almost Heaven brand licensing program—an initiative officials say will give businesses new opportunities to tap into one of the state’s most recognizable marketing campaigns. The program will permit the licensed use of its “West Virginia” logo, “WV” icon, the “Almost Heaven” and “Country Roads” … Read more

Seasonal affective disorder, or "SAD," affects millions of Americans each year and is a form of depression that deserves serious attention.
Communities

Don’t ignore the winter blues: Seasonal affective disorder is a serious form of depression

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As the days grow shorter and sunlight becomes scarce, a West Virginia University clinical psychologist is reminding people not to dismiss the “winter blues.” Seasonal affective disorder, or “SAD,” affects millions of Americans each year and is a form of depression that deserves serious attention. Stephanie Cox, professor in the Department of … Read more