Whether you are relocating for college or a career, retiring, or are simply trying to find the best places in West Virginia to live, you are in luck. With its low cost of living, beautiful scenery, and proximity to major metropolitan areas, West Virginia is an excellent place to live.
With approximately 1.8 million people, West Virginia ranks 41st in population. While West Virginia is not a heavily populated state, it is bordered by Kentucky and Ohio to the west, Pennsylvania to the north, and Virginia and Tennessee to the east and south. No matter where you live, you aren't too far from a major metropolitan area, including Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Columbus, Ohio, or Lexington, Kentucky.
Charleston is the capital and largest city with about 51,000 residents living within city limits and over 200,000 living in the metro area. Huntington lays along the Ohio River and borders Ohio and Kentucky and is the second largest city. Morgantown, the third largest city, is home to West Virginia University and is near the Pennsylvania border. If you are seeking a larger town, those are the best places in West Virginia to live.
The cost of living in West Virginia is one of the lowest in the country. Housing is especially inexpensive across the state with average home prices and rental prices nearly half the national average. The exception to this is in the far eastern panhandle where some of the Washington D.C. suburbs are located. Economically, the state is on an upswing, making the low cost of living even more attractive. Major industries in West Virginia include chemical manufacturing, biotech and pharmaceutical production, and coal mining. Tourism also plays a large role in West Virginia's economy.
With its gorgeous scenery and rugged terrain, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will have plenty to do. New River Gorge in Fayetteville is great for hiking, camping, rock climbing, and zip lining. Take a tram to nearby Hawk's Nest State Park for white water rafting. If you want to enjoy some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the eastern U.S., Pocahontas County is one of the best places in West Virginia to live due to its proximity to Snowshoe Mountain Resort. In the summer, hike the Appalachian Trail near Harper's Ferry or go tubing down the Shenandoah River. Other attractions in the state include the site of abolitionist John Brown's raid in Harper's Ferry, the gold-domed Capital Building in Charleston, and the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville which is thought to be haunted.
The climate in West Virginia has four distinct seasons with cold winters and hot, humid summers. The eastern side of the state with the highest elevations see the most snowfall and the lowest temperatures. Spring and fall are beautiful in the Mountain State with pleasant temperatures and incredible scenery.
If you are looking for the best places to live in "Wild, Wonderful West Virginia," we can help. Our search tools let you customize your search for the best places by population, housing costs, amenities, and other metrics to help you find the best places to live in West Virginia.