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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.

Preservation grants are being employed to restore the historic Tyree Tavern at Ansted.
Communities

West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications for economic development grants to support and maintain historic properties, particularly those in historic districts across the state. Funded through the National Park Service, the funds are appropriated by the U.S. Congress to support preservation efforts vital to the economic well-being of communities. Applications must be … Read more

Because fireflies communicate through light signals, Heitzman cautioned that flashlights, car headlights, and phone screens can interfere with their mating patterns.
Communities

West Virginia University insect tracker says light pollution threatens rare fireflies

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — While rare “synchronous fireflies” are becoming a tourist attraction across Appalachia, a West Virginia University researcher is reminding visitors to enjoy the spectacle responsibly and without disrupting the insects’ delicate mating rituals. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are known for their remarkable ability to coordinate their flashes of light in unison, a natural … Read more

Michael T. Benson highlighted the profound power and potential of WVU during his first State of the University address.
Communities

WVU president urges university to ‘think big’ in first State of the University address

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Michael T. Benson, new president of West Virginia University, urged faculty, staff, students, and alumni Monday to “think big” as the university works to strengthen enrollment, expand research, and raise its national profile. Delivering his first State of the University address at the Fitzsimmons Event Hall in the WVU College of Law … Read more

Condé Nast Traveler has recognized The Greenbrier, Stonewall Resort, and Snowshoe Mountain in its 2025 awards. (Photo courtesy West Virginia Tourism)
Communities

Three West Virginia resorts ranked among best in U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Top travel destinations in West Virginia are once again receiving national recognition, with three of the state’s premier resorts named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The Greenbrier, Stonewall Resort, and Snowshoe Mountain all earned high marks from readers in this year’s rankings, underscoring West Virginia’s growing reputation as a … Read more

Specialty Crop Block Grants
Communities

Five West Virginia organizations receive $302,000 in specialty crop block grants

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Five West Virginia agri-businesses, organizations, and agencies will share more than $300,000 in specialty crop block grant program funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administered through the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. The grants will support marketing, education, and research initiatives that strengthen West Virginia’s specialty crop industry. The U.S. Department … Read more