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.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Although October is quickly coming to a close, trees across West Virginia continue their dazzling transformation into shades of gold, amber, and garnet, a show that will last into early November. Cool nights and bright sunshine have stretched this year’s fall color into a long and lingering show — one that has … Read more
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
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From the peaks of the Allegheny Mountains to the forested chasm of the New River Gorge, West Virginia is a destination built on adventure, heritage, and heart. It offers everything from small-town charm to rugged outdoor escapes—all within a day’s drive of more than half of the U.S. population. Whether you’re planning … Read more
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
FLAT TOP, W.Va. — With the exception of corn, perhaps no vegetable is as all-American as the pumpkin. Carved as a Jack-O’-Lantern or pureed into a Thanksgiving pastry, the pumpkin—and the pumpkin pie—are as American as, um, well, apple pie. In many ways, pumpkins are especially important in West Virginia, where they sustained families isolated … Read more
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The brilliant colors of chrysanthemums, or mums, signal the arrival of fall across West Virginia. But without the right care, these seasonal favorites can quickly dry out and fade before the season’s end, according to a West Virginia University plant expert. “Mums are cool-season flowers, so hot temperatures will cause them to … Read more
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
DAVIS, W.Va. — When the first sharp chill settles over the Allegheny highlands and the red spruce stands take on a bronze cast, peak fall color in West Virginia begins its slow, spectacular climb down the mountains. Across the Mountain State’s rugged ridges and deep river gorges, the landscape becomes a living map of chemistry … Read more
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
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
