2023 Best Places to Live in West Virginia

Current Resident: I have lived in Star City for four years now and it is an excellent place to live in the Morgantown area. Great schools in the neighborhood. Close to the university town center. Close to ALDI and Kroger grocery stores. There is a public bus that comes through. There are several bars, restaurants, and cafes close by. It is close to the river and rail trail. There are also a couple of parks. It is a quiet neighborhood which is great for families but there are also things to do close by. The only negative thing is that they can take a while to repair the roads and traffic can get backed up during rush hour.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 2,012

Current Resident: Great neighborhoods with lots of local flora and fauna, quiet and respectful neighbors, lots of hiking, places to eat, and outdoor activities at the lake.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 10,187

• Town in West Virginia

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  Rating 4.67 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: I have grown up in Athens my whole life. Athens is one of those towns where it is large enough to where you don't know everyone but small enough to have a small-town feel. The town has provided me with a safe environment to grow up in while providing many opportunities for myself and others to get engaged in our community. The town also is home the Concord University, a small university that has brought many unique and intelligent individuals to our small town. The University provides every citizen with a common subject as we all want our town to grow and succeed.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 1,142

• Town in West Virginia

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  Rating 4.1 out of 5  40 reviews

Works Here: I live near by and travel to the area for work. There is a growing number of restaurants and othe options, like companies, shopping, etc being added to the area. There is many parks and outdoors activities to do like hiking dirtbike/atv riding, fishing and others.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 9,165

Current Resident: The neighbors are nice, the town is quiet and the views of the hills are pretty. It is close to shopping and the schools are good... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 2,559

• Town in West Virginia

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  Rating 3.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Williamstown is safe and very friendly. The community really cares about the high school when it comes to sports, music, etc. I would recommend moving here if you have a family.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 2,994

Current Resident: I believe Winfield is a great community. Winfield isn't very big, but the town consists of many things. We have the basics: gas stations, fast-food, sit-down food, a police station, neighborhood, and more. Overall, Winfield is a clean and safe place to be.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 3,140

Current Resident: Everyone is friendly in Teays Valley. The community is great, with a lot of activities to participate in. There is hardly any crime.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 13,805

• Town in West Virginia

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  Rating 3.87 out of 5  266 reviews

Current Resident: I was raised in Morgantown, West Virginia. The people here are friendly and warm. We will always help a neighbor in need. We host a local farmer’s market every Saturday except for the winter season. Downtown is lively; with multiple late-night establishments for dancing, drinks, and food. Our mountains are glorious- there’s really nothing like them! Beautiful hues of greens and blues cover the landscape in the spring and summer, and an assortment of red, orange, and yellow colors burst from the leaves of our forests. In winter, we see snow, a perfect amount around the holidays. We love to call this place home. Higher pay and more opportunities in the job market for the residents here would certainly make a positive impact on our economy. West Virginia has the potential to soar to new heights, granted we all work together and stay positive.... Read 266 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 29,316

• Town in West Virginia

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: Shepherdstown, WV, is a wonderful historic town about 75 miles west of Washington, DC. It is also a short distance to two other historic towns - Harpers Ferry and Charles Town which were made famous by the raid and trial of John Brown, the American abolitionist leader. The downtown shops are small and unique, many selling items by local merchants. For the history of Shepherdstown, stop by the museum on downtown German Street where you'll find relics, and facts dating back to the early 1700s and the Civil War era. For diverse entertainment, Shepherd University, located in Shepherdstown's downtown section, offers a variety of cultural events including live plays, concerts, recitals, different genre of music, and other artistic expressions, which are open to the public. Shepherdstown also offers diversified dining experiences with many fine dining options - American, Thai, French, German and Chinese restaurants. With a short walk across the bridge, you're in the State of Maryland.... Read 19 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 1,529

Niche User: The people in town are great. You get to know a lot of people because it's a growing city with a small town feel despite that. I would definitely choose to live here again. It is a growing city with increasing potential. I see it being even more of a thriving area in the future.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 6,606

Current Resident: Hurricane is a nice area. I feel very safe living here, especially when there is a police station down the road. There are cute little shops and restaurants you can visit in either direction. There is an assortment of food, whether it be fast food or dine in. There is also either a Walmart or Kroger in at each end- Hurricane or Teays Valley. The parks are also another addition as to why Hurricane is a nice area. The parks have a wave pool, basketball courts, baseball field, playground, tennis courts, walking trails and more! The schools in the area are safe, and the best in the state! Academics are well known and make all the living in Hurricane worth it!... Read 53 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 6,901

• Town in West Virginia

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  Rating 3.61 out of 5  179 reviews

Former Resident: Charleston is the capital of WV. The downtown east end was always my favorite because of all the stores, malls, and tall buildings. There was plenty to do, and you could walk everywhere and have public transportation. I love riding the KRT bus; it would take you all over Charleston and through all the outskirts. I would have to want to change how the city approaches the homeless community. There are many resources to help, but they turn a blind eye, much like other big cities. I rate a 4 out of 5 overall.... Read 179 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 49,055

• Suburb in West Virginia

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  Rating 4.44 out of 5  18 reviews

Current Resident: Barboursville, WV is a small town but it has a variety of business and commerce. There is an abundance of chain stores and restaurants combined with locally owned businesses. We are also in close proximity to a State park that offers hiking, fishing, tennis, disc golf and sports fields. I love Barboursville because it gives you a small town feel with all the conveniences of a mid-sized city. If I could change something about Barboursville, I would like to see it promoted more as a tourist attraction. The town could use the revenue made from tourists to invest in future growth.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 4,280

• Town in West Virginia

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  Rating 3.7 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: My family friendly town in the Midwest is clean, safe and fun to live in. We are centrally located to be within a 3 hour drive of 5 major cities in 3 states. People walk their dogs and say hi when passing on the street. There are parks, skate parks, theatres, a mall, great hunting and fishing spots, the Ohio River provides space for boating or kayaking on the water and the people are good people. Many large businesses are located near my hometown providing jobs and wealth. If you want a safe space for your family with plenty to do nearby, come to Vienna, West Virginia!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 10,676

Former Resident: Westover is a nice town near Morgantown WV. The commute into town can be as little as 5 mins and the housing variety is nice.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 4,085

• grade A minus

• grade B minus

• Population 1,674

• Suburb in West Virginia

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: I have just moved here, but it seems to be a nice neighborhood. I wouldn't change anything right now.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 6,783

• Town in West Virginia

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Peaceful and manicured WV community close to I-79 making commute smooth. Happy that we have a wonderful retirement here with lovely house and very low taxes.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 3,460

Current Resident: I love how close I am to everything, it usually takes about 5 mins to get to places. Second, I love my street and how nice everyone is towards each other. Something I do not like about South Charleston is the drug problems that are shown on the streets. Lastly I love my church community in South Charleston WV, and how much they do for our community. I am so blessed I get to be apart of helping our city be a better place for the future generations.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 13,595

• Town in West Virginia

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  16 reviews

Nearby Resident: Lewisburg is a really cool small town that is rich in history. Downtown there are a lot of small businesses!... Read 16 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 3,923

• Town in West Virginia

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  Rating 3.7 out of 5  57 reviews

Current Resident: Wheeling is a very beautiful area and feels very safe. I feel sometimes however that it can be difficult to find things to do, there are activities in Wheeling, but it can be hard to stay entertained sometimes.... Read 57 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 27,142

Current Resident: The community is rather small and quiet. When you do run into someone, they are often very polite and freindly. This is a safe place to live.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 1,667

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 3,820

• Town in West Virginia

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  47 reviews

Former Resident: I lived in Charles Town for 10 years on the same property overlooking the beautiful Shenandoah river. I absolutely loved West Virginia for many reasons; some of which are very near and dear, such as its historically rich background - take a stroll through Harper's Ferry and read some of the historical plaques that honor both its tremendous heritage, current culture, and the brave West Virginians who decades ago gave their lives to protect the freedom of the rolling hills and plains you see today. Secondly, the scenery is absolutely spectacular - not as many states can boast at the minimum 5 different species of pine trees in your backyard! And last but not least, the community. During my time I lived in this beautiful state,I realized not only that I lived in a state with rich history and beautiful scenery, but also, a tight-knit and supportive community. Two of my siblings attended Shepherd University (30 minutes from Charles Town) and truly enjoyed both the community and academics.... Read 47 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 6,373