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Best Places To Live in West Virginia

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Best Places To Live in West Virginia

Looking for an affordable lifestyle with lots of outdoor adventure? Escape to the Mountain State and discover the best places to live in West Virginia.

By Livability on January 12, 2024

West Virginia is an exceptional place to call home, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, affordability and a strong sense of community. Its stunning landscapes, from the rolling Appalachian hills to the lush forests and meandering rivers, create a rich backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The state’s lower cost of living enables residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. But what truly sets West Virginia apart is its tight-knit communities, where neighbors become like family, fostering a deep sense of belonging and support. With a rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions and a wealth of recreational activities, West Virginia offers an unmatched quality of life, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a fulfilling and enriching place to live.

Charleston

Sunset over the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston. Charleston is a best place to live in West Virginia.
©Journal Communications/Nathan Lambrecht
Sunset over the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston.

Why is Charleston a great place to live in West Virginia?

Tucked away amid the rolling hills and scenic Kanawha River, Charleston, West Virginia, boasts a wide range of recreational activitiesarts and culture and affordability. The city’s proximity to national parks and forests provides endless opportunities for adventures like hiking, biking and fishing, while downtown is ripe with arts and culture. Numerous events and festivals occur throughout the year, including the popular FestivALL, which celebrates everything from music and theater to visual arts. Locals also enjoy live performances at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences and delving into the city’s rich history at the West Virginia State Museum. 

With a seemingly endless increase in the cost of living, Charleston offers newcomers a nice change of pace. The affordable cost of living makes it an attractive destination for families, young professionals, and retirees. Housing costs are notably lower than in many major metropolitan areas, and the overall cost of living makes it an excellent place to get your foot in the door if you want to purchase a home. The city is also acknowledged for its steady economy, driven by industries such as healthcare, education and government and top employers such as The Charleston Area Medical Center, Kanawha County Board of Education and U.S. Postal Service. 

What things to do for families are there in Charleston?

Charleston is no stranger to family-friendly activities. Local families enjoy exploring the interactive science exhibits at the Avampato Discovery Museum, perusing the art displays at the Juliet Art Museum, and attending live performances at the Maier Foundation Performance Hall. Those with a heart for the outdoors appreciate the miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and nature center activities available at Kanawha State Forest. The Haddad Riverfront Park along the Kanawha River is perfect for family picnics, scenic walks, and seasonal outdoor concerts and festivals. No wonder so many people are choosing to live in West Virginia’s Advantage Valley.

Read more about living in Charleston, WV.

Huntington

A crowd gathers to listen to music during an outdoor concert series at Pullman Square in downtown Huntington, West Virginia.
©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins
A crowd gathers to listen to music during an outdoor concert series at Pullman Square in downtown Huntington, West Virginia.

Huntington is one of the best places to live in West Virginia.

With a strong sense of community and wealth of entertainment and gastronomic delights, is it any surprise Huntington is a great place to live? Residents are often described as warm and friendly, and the numerous community events, such as the annual Huntington Heritage Days and the Huntington International Festival, make it easy for newcomers to enter into the fold. The events calendar is a true gem of the community, brimming with everything from outdoor concerts to movie nights in the warmer months, as well as Marshall University Thundering Herd games at the Joan C. Edwards Stadium and theatrical performances at Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.  

While the city is undoubtedly bustling, Huntington offers an impressive array of outdoor recreational opportunities as well. Nestled along the Ohio River and surrounded by picturesque hills and forests, the city provides a beautiful backdrop for residents to explore. With its well-maintained walking trails, playgrounds, and rose gardens, Ritter Park is a local favorite, as is the nearby Beech Fork State Park with its camping, boating, and hiking options. Paired with the city’s affordability and low cost of living compared to many other urban areas, Huntington is an understandably attractive destination for families and young professionals looking to establish themselves in a welcoming community without breaking the bank. 

What is the job market like in Huntington?

Huntington offers a wide range of job opportunities across many industries. Because the city is home to numerous hospitals and medical centers, such as Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center, there are several positions for health care professionals, including doctors, nurses and administrative staff. Marshall University provides jobs in academia, while the city’s heritage in manufacturing and industry means there are often openings in sectors like steel production and chemical manufacturing. Retail, technology, and public services positions are common, too. 

Read more about living in Huntington, WV.

Morgantown

An autumn scene in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Why Morgantown is a best city in West Virginia. 

Because Morgantown combines the best of small-town life with the best of city life, many consider it an exceptional place to call home. But one of its most attractive features is its scenic surroundings. Tucked in the rolling hills of northern West Virginia, Morgantown is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Lush forests, scenic rivers and nearby state parks make it easy to enjoy everything from hiking and biking to camping and water sports without wandering far from home. Nearby Coopers Rock State Forest and Caperton Trail, which runs alongside the Monongahela River, are among local favorites. The changing seasons and vibrant autumn colors make it a particularly alluring place to be when summer winds down. 

Morgantown’s unique cultural landscape adds to its charm. The city is home to West Virginia University and boasts a dynamic arts and music scene. You can often spot regular performances, art exhibitions and cultural events on the events calendar, as well as the treasured annual West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival and the Morgantown Arts Walk. Many also suggest that the dining scene is worth its weight in gold, ranging from farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine. Combined with a welcoming and tight-knit community, Morgantown strikes a near-perfect balance between natural beauty and cultural appeal, making it an understandably attractive place to put down roots. 

What are the main industries in Morgantown?

Morgantown boasts a resilient economy that is spearheaded by the education, health care and technology sectors. West Virginia University, the state’s flagship institution, plays a crucial role in the community, providing positions in academia, research, and administration. Healthcare services offered by facilities like WVU Medicine also contribute to the local job market. Morgantown’s proximity to the Marcellus Shale natural gas fields has also led to a burgeoning energy sector and positions within the industry. 

Read more about living in Morgantown, WV.

Parkersburg

String lights hang across the streets in downtown Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Why Parkersburg is a top city to live in West Virginia.

Life in Parkersburg gives residents access to not only the charm of a small town and its accompanying strong sense of community but also to natural beauty. One of the city’s shining features is its location along the Ohio River. Locals can enjoy breathtaking river views and a plethora of outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, and picnicking in nearby parks like Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. The city’s well-maintained parks, including City Park and Fort Boreman Park, have plenty of green space, walking trails, and recreational facilities for families and nature enthusiasts to enjoy year-round. 

Parkersburg’s affordability is another significant draw for newcomers. The cost of living is notably lower than in many urban areas, which makes it a notably appealing choice for anyone who wants a comfortable but budget-friendly lifestyle. The city also has a strong sense of community, as seen by its numerous local events and festivals, such as the West Virginia Birthday Celebration and the Downtown Farmers Market. With a rich history, a welcoming community and stunning natural surroundings, Parkersburg is a strong contender for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful, affordable, and beautiful place to call home. 

What family-friendly activities are there in Parkersburg?

You’ll find no shortage of family-friendly events in Parkersburg. The annual Parkersburg Homecoming Festival is a local highlight, featuring live music, food vendors, and a carnival-like atmosphere. Downtown hosts regular events like the Downtown Farmers Market, where you can often find families shopping for local produce or enjoying live entertainment on a leisurely Saturday morning. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park offers riverboat rides, guided tours of the historic mansion and prime picnicking spots amidst its tranquil island setting. Throughout the year, you can also enjoy a variety of holiday celebrations, such as the Winterfest of Lights and Fourth of July fireworks.

Read more about living in Parkersburg, WV.

Wheeling

A view of neighborhoods overlooking the Ohio River in Wheeling, WV. Wheeling is one of the best places to live in West Virginia.
iStock/StanRohrer
A view of neighborhoods overlooking the Ohio River in Wheeling, West Virginia.

Why is Wheeling one of the best places to live in West Virginia?

Have you ever heard people talking about Wheeling and wondered what all the fuss was about? Residents will be quick to tell you that this scenic, former capital of the state is known as The Friendly City — and for good reason. The riverfront community boasts a storied past but has since transformed into a location that locals prize for its low crime rate, excellent schools, and wealth of family-friendly activities. 

Despite being home to merely 27,000 residents, Wheeling has a rich arts and culture scene that rivals metropolitan areas many times its size. Anyone who can appreciate a world-class symphony, a professional sporting team, and a stunning 1,600-acre park and resort will find it easy to live here. Paired with the beautiful architecture, convenient location along I-70, and short drive to the Pittsburgh International Airport, it’s easy to understand why people of all ages are eager to put down roots here. 

What is there to do in Wheeling?

Wheeling is a downright treasure trove of activities that cater to a wide range of interests. History buffs can step back in time at the renowned Victorian-era Centre Market, while the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge offers a glimpse into the city’s rich engineering heritage. Art and culture enthusiasts will enjoy the Capitol Theatre with its frequent live performances and shows or perusing the Wheeling Artisan Center with its array of local craftsmanship. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Oglebay Park with its scenic trails and beautifully landscaped gardens or bike along the Wheeling Heritage Trails. The Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum and Oglebay Good Zoo are beloved pastimes for families in the area, while many adults enjoy trying their luck at Wheeling Island Casino. 

Read more about living in Wheeling, WV.

Considering moving to West Virginia?

Finding a great place to live in West Virginia doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We have more resources for moving to West Virginia as well as other best places to live in the Southeast. No matter where you want to live, we can help you narrow down where to move and learn about the best places to live in the U.S.

Other great places to live near West Virginia

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