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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.

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Communities

More seniors engaging in W.Va. farmer’s market program

by David Sibray

Participation in the USDA’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrient Program increased in West Virginia in 2007, underscoring the value of farmers markets in terms of health and economics, says the state’s commissioner of agriculture. “Farmers markets are about more than just supporting your local farmer. They are viable options to distribute healthy food to citizens,” commissioner … Read more

Bald eagle populations are growing in West Virginia
Communities

Eagle population in West Virginia growing

by Will Reedy

West Virginia’s eagle population is growing, according to a spokesman for the state’s “Eagle Brigade,” which is conducting a survey of eagles and other raptors in the southern and north-central state on Jan. 6. Fifty bald eagles and a golden eagle were counted in January 2017, and 40 bald eagles were counted in March, according … Read more

Skiers cavort at Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia
Communities

Sign up for WVExplorer Newsletter to win free ski getaway

by Will Reedy

Sign up for the West Virginia Explorer newsletter by January 15, 2018, and be entered to win a two-day, two-night ski getaway at Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center. The drawing is one of many annual drawings offered to recipients of the West Virginia Explorer newsletter, according to publisher and editor-in-chief David Sibray. “Once you’re … Read more

Monster Trout Stocking
Communities

With changes, W.Va. trout stocking begins Jan. 2

by Will Reedy

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will start its 2018 trout stocking season January 2, though two stocking locales will be added to the schedule and one will be removed, according to Paul Johansen, chief of the division’s wildlife resources section. The 2018 stocking schedule contains several changes, Johansen said. The Greenbrier River in Pocahontas … Read more

Vacationers arrive at cabin near Fayetteville., West Virginia
Communities

West Virginia’s New River Gorge an ultimate winter retreat

by Will Reedy

Though whitewater rafting on the New River may have ended for the season, winter in the New River Gorge is an ideal time for woodland retreats, says a spokesman for one of the region’s chief outdoor-recreation resorts. Dave Arnold, vice-president of Adventures on the Gorge, says focus naturally shifts to growth and introspection during what … Read more

Anthony Scott, a shop foreman at Richwood Creations
Communities

West Virginian independence fueling crafts industry

by Will Reedy

The spirit of West Virginia independence is helping fuel its growing crafts industry, says an online merchant and the founder of Our-WV.com. Paul Thompson, of Buckhannon, who launched the site that represents more than 110 Appalachian artisans six years ago, says more West Virginians are turning to the Web to market arts and crafts when … Read more

White-tailed Buck
Communities

West Virginia’s buck, antlerless-deer seasons open Nov. 20

by David Sibray

West Virginia’s traditional buck firearms season will start Monday, Nov. 20, 2017, and run through Dec. 2. Hunters should see plenty of deer this year due to the season opening close to the “rut,” or, mating season. November firearms deer season traditionally opens the Monday before Thanksgiving, so the season can start as early as Nov. 19 and as late as Nov. … Read more

Communities

Alliance urges Manchin, Capito to support preservation incentives

by Will Reedy

The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia is urging U.S. Senators Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., to support the availability of historic tax credits utilized to attract investment in small towns nationwide. Many developers, property owners, and members of the alliance are concerned that tax reforms being proposed by Congress could eliminate credits … Read more

A black bear hides in a thicket in rural West Virginia
Communities

State to poll residents regarding black bears in W.Va.

by Will Reedy

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is conducting a study of state residents’ opinions on and attitudes toward black bears and black bear management. According to Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the division, residents may receive a phone call from Responsive Management, a research firm contracted to conduct the study, asking them … Read more