What Locals Know About Beckley
Think you really know Beckley? It's a small city with coal mine tours that might just turn you into an Appalachian history buff, homemade pepperoni rolls that you'll have to inhale to fully appreciate, and seasonal festivals that draw in locals and tourists alike for great music and a great time. Let's run through the facts, statistics, and underground oddities that showcase the heart of Beckley's mountain mystique and make it worth the winding drive.
Hannah, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Hannah is a born and raised West Virginian who briefly tested life across state lines before realizing the pull of the hills is undefeated. She has lived in both northern and south central West Virginia, moved more times than she can count during college, and knows Charleston well enough to give directions using landmarks instead of street names. She writes fiction, spins yarn into sweaters, drinks Charleston coffee like its a personality trait, and somehow keeps four pets fed. Editing West Virginia guides comes naturally when you know the people shine... even when the sun does not.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Makes Beckley Beckley?
The weird, useful, and surprisingly relevant facts that shape everyday life here.
Common nicknames for Beckley
The "Smokeless Coal Capital", and its motto: "The Gateway to Southern West Virginia"
Local Reality Check
People think it's all coal mines here, but today's Beckley is more tied to its medical and college campuses
You're most likely moving from
Elsewhere in West Virginia or returning from Florida after it didn't work out
Strangely large concentration of
Drive-thru everything - from banks to coffee shops, pizza parlors, and more
Music scene
Local music live at Jimmie's Place, The Raleigh Playhouse and Theatre, and other bars around town
You'll have to see it to believe it
The Exhibition Coal Mine, where you can ride through the passages of a no-longer-in-use coal mine and learn about its history
Unique Geography
Beckley is neighbored by Batoff Mountain to the northeast, Flat Top Mountain to the south, Scott Ridge to the southeast, and Lilly Mountain to the west
Beckley is home to
WVU Tech
Well known for its
Annual Appalachian Festival with live music
Fun history fact
Alfred Beckley, the founder, was the son of the first Librarian of Congress John Beckley
Celebrity sightings
Not many, but actor and voice actor Chris Sarandon was born here
Noteworthy Census stat
As of the 2020 census, there were 17,286 people
Most interesting sub-culture within Beckley
Daredevil climbers and whitewater rafters who visit the gorge every weekend
Population
9th-most populous city in WV
Beckley is roughly the same geographic size as
Santa Monica, California (but with significantly fewer yoga studios)
A Local Event Worth Experiencing Once
The Beckley Rhododendron Festival really exemplifies what makes Beckley special - and West Virginia in general. The rhododendron is the state flower. In May, this two-week festival features special events, live music, art, and more.
— Hannah Wyatt
West Virginia Local Expert
Ready to See If Beckley Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Beckley guide for the bigger picture.