Moving to West Virginia? Pepperoni Rolls To New River Thrills
Last Modified: December 29, 2025
Are you interested in making a move to West Virginia but tired of reading state moving guides that feel more like geography textbooks, chock-full of data points and little to no personality? Here's the thing: life in West Virginia can't be summed up with charts showing weather trends (insider tip: you might just witness all four seasons before lunch) or mere demographics (since they'd obviously miss the nuance of what makes the state so well-known as "wild and wonderful"). If you love long rides on winding backroads, stargazing in off-the-grid campsites, ridgeline hikes that force you to silence your phone, and whitewater rafting trips that will baptize your sneakers, the Mountain State might just be calling you home. Our playful yet informative, no-frills moving guide will prepare you for the good (like neighbors who show up with a casserole before you've finished unloading your boxes) and the bad (cell service that vanishes around the second bend) so you'll actually know what it's REALLY like to live, work, and play in Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Snappy Summary: West Virginia gives you affordability, tight knit communities, and instant access to mountains and rivers, but you make a trade off for slower job growth, fewer amenities, frequent flooding, and spotty Internet in more rural areas, and challenges in accessing healthcare. Still, people flock to West Virginia for the scenery, slower way of life, and a real shot at affordable home ownership.
Hey, I'm Hannah
I am a born and raised West Virginian who briefly tested life across state lines before realizing the pull of the hills is undefeated. I have lived in both northern and south central West Virginia, moved more times than I can count during college, and know Charleston well enough to give directions using landmarks instead of street names. I write fiction, spin yarn into sweaters, drink Charleston coffee like its a personality trait, and somehow keep four pets fed. Editing West Virginia guides comes naturally when you know the people shine... even when the sun does not.
Hannah WyattWest Virginia Local ExpertThe Inside Scoop on West Virginia Cities
Major Cities In A Nutshell
Charleston
Charleston is perfect for: capital vibes with small town front porch energy
Best known for: state government jobs, live music on the levee with river sunsets, summer arts at FestivALL
If Charleston were a person, it'd be: warm and friendly, with a storied past
Locals live here because: government paychecks, family pace, Kanawha trail jogs
Locals swear by: Capitol Market Saturdays and the recently re-introduced Sternwheel Regatta
Housing vibe: brick foursquare, midcentury ranches, river cottages
Be prepared for: potholes and I-64 traffic
What you'll wear most often: business casual, simple and outdoor-friendly garb, hiking boots for the more adventurous
Morgantown
Morgantown, perfect for: college town buzz and suburbs
Well known for: WVU pride, research labs, traffic on game days
City as a personality: caffeinated grad student shouting "Let's go... Mountaineers!"
Move here if you want: career ladders, outdoor weekends at Coopers Rock State Forest, a quick drive up I-79 to Pittsburgh
Locals know best: thriving arts and music culture in south Park, recreational running on rail trails, and Sunnyside hills that may not be drivable when the first winter storm hits
Your housing options here are: student apartments, new suburbs, South Park historic homes, hillside cabins with porches
Don't say we didn't warn you about: game day gridlock and couch burning...
Local fashion forecast: hoodies, rain jackets, gold and blue everything for the 'eers
Huntington
Huntington is perfect for: riverfront fun, big-hearted neighbors, a surprisingly good food scene
Best known for: Marshall University spirit, healthcare jobs, local music
Huntington in human form is: a down-to-earth friend
Move here for: affordable mortgages, hospital careers with Marshall Health, quick Ohio commutes
Locals swear by: Herd game days and Ritter Park strolls
Home sweet home in Huntington is like: Victorian porches, newer constructions, duplexes and multi-family units for renters
The downsides are: potholes auditioning for craters
The dress code here is: green jerseys on campus, and when in doubt... keep it casual!
Wheeling
Wheeling, perfect for: river views, history buffs, newer breweries downtown
Widely recognized as the place for: Original West Virginia history and hockey nights
If Wheeling were a person, it'd be: retired steelworker turned craft beer snob
Move here if you want: easy Pittsburgh access and grand homes priced reasonably
Locals know best: Coleman's Fish Market, Center Market, Suspension Bridge
Home sweet home in Wheeling is like: Victorian houses, Mountain Style, and Ranch homes
Don't be surprised. We warned you about: I-70 construction that feels eternal
What you'll wear most often: Pens gear, fleece, boots for riverbank mud, and casual clothes for everyday attire
Parkersburg
Parkersburg is perfect for: modest budgets and those looking for Ohio border convenience
Well known for: chemical plants, industry, Mid-Ohio Valley pride
City as a personality: meticulous couponer with a fishing boat
Move here if you want: easy commutes, unique history, neighborly streets
Locals swear by: Friday fish fries and high school rivalries
Your housing options here are: historic architecture downtown, townhouses, duplexes, apartments, single-family homes in quiet neighborhoods
The downside to Parkersburg is: limited nightlife, slower pace of life
Local fashion forecast: team polos, camo-printed clothes, work boots, staple wardrobe items
Martinsburg
Martinsburg is perfect for: DC paycheck, WV mortgage, commuter rail convenience with MARC
Best known for: the Eastern Panhandle boom and weekend getaways to nature trails
City in human form is: federal contractor gardening tomatoes at dawn
Locals live here because: affordable property, train access, suburban schools
Locals know best: geocaching, history, Sheetz runs
Home sweet home in Martinsburg looks like: a mix of
Be prepared for: Interstate 81 backups and Maryland plates everywhere
The dress code here is: business casual up top, muddy boots below
Beckley
Beckley is perfect for: fans of art, history, and the great outdoors
Well known for: the Tamarack, coal mining heritage, highway crossroads
If Beckley were a person, it'd be: resilient and proud outdoorsman
Locals live here because: central to everything, reasonable mortgages, quiet evenings, simpler way of life, close to the New River Gorge National Park
Nothing's more Beckley than: Friday night football and church parking lot chatter
Your housing options here are: brick ranches, farmhouses, country acreage
Don't say we didn't warn you about: blankets of fog on the West Virginia turnpike, stubborn potholes
What you'll wear most often: casual wear, sneakers, church clothes on Sunday
Eat Like a Local
Everybody talks about pepperoni rolls when the topic of West Virginia food comes up. But there's so much more to enjoy - from springtime ramps to autumn pawpaw fruit, apple butter festivals, and more! In Helvetia - a Swiss-settled town in Randolph County - you can enjoy Swiss Appalachian cuisine in The Hütte.
Hannah WyattWest Virginia Local Expert
Fun Facts
Fun Facts You Might Not Have Known About West Virginia
Think you really know West Virginia? It's home to the New River Gorge National Park - with views that could outshine your drone footage any day, pepperoni rolls that you'll have to devour to appreciate, and whitewater rapids that are almost as lively and fun as the unique small towns that populate the state. Let's run through the facts, stats, and local specialties that showcase what makes West Virginia's country roads so legendary.
- Common nicknames for West Virginia: The Mountain State, Almost Heaven
- Local Reality Check: Think West Virginia is all coal mines and hollers? Try thrilling climbs at the New River Gorge, a subculture fascinated by local cryptids, and a surge of remote workers.
- You're most likely moving from: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland
- Strangely large concentration of: pepperoni rolls, Mothman merch, whitewater guides, ATV trailheads
- Music scene: Appalachian old time and bluegrass (catch some live at The Purple Fiddle in Thomas), indie at Morgantown's 123 Pleasant Street, NPR's Mountain Stage live in Charleston
- You'll have to see it to believe it: Bridge Day BASE jumps off of the New River Gorge Bridge
- Unique Geography: Rugged Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains, Monongahela National Forest, karst caves, endless hollows
- West Virginia is home to: Green Bank Observatory in the National Radio Quiet Zone, Harpers Ferry - where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers converge, Pocahontas County's own Cass Scenic Railroad
- Well known for its: die-hard WVU fans and Mountaineer football tailgates, kindhearted people, whitewater rafting in Gauley Season each fall, coal heritage, country roads
- Fun history fact: Became a state in 1863, separating from Virginia during the Civil War
- Celebrity sightings: Jennifer Garner in Charleston, Chelyan native and Lakers-famous basketballer Jerry West at WVU, Brad Paisley around Moundsville
- Noteworthy Census stat: One of only three states to lose population between the 2010 and 2020 Census
- Most interesting sub-culture within West Virginia: Helvetia locals and visitors who gather for the Swiss tradition of Fasnacht each each year, with handmade masks, dancing, and a burning of Old Man Winter
- Population: 39th by population, 41st by land size
- West Virginia is roughly the same geographic size as: Latvia
Locals Know Best
Keep your tires full of air and beware of rough roads, especially if you plan to travel West Virginia county routes. You don't want to hit a pothole and get a flat on a one-lane or narrow road, especially at night!
Hannah WyattWest Virginia Local ExpertMost Likely Personalities to Love (or Hate) West Virginia
Is West Virginia right for me? If you're an outdoor adventure junkie, avid hiker, fan of small town charm, or homesteader, you're likely to connect with the state's long history of unplugging and connecting with the natural world. What's more, thousands of college freshman choose Morgantown's West Virginia University to call home every year. On the other hand, if you're used to hanging ten in the waves, prefer a sunny forecast every day, or live for the excitement of a corporate life, you'll probably find West Virginia focal points like Summersville Lake and Pricketts Fort State Park fun, but not quite your speed.
Personality Fit Guide
| Personality | % | Recommended Cities | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventure Junkie | 95% | Fayetteville, Seneca Rocks, Snowshoe | New River Gorge Bridge Day, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, hiking, skiing, camping |
| College Student | 90% | Morgantown, Huntington | WVU gamedays and a growing local arts/music scene in Morgantown, Coopers Rock escapes, PRT rides, regular art walks and festivals for Marshall University campus-goers to attend |
| Homesteader | 88% | Moorefield, Union, Buckhannon | Monroe County hollers, WVU Extension workshops, the annual WV Strawberry Festival |
| DIYer | 86% | Beckley, Huntington | Tamarack inspiration, Huntington Habitat ReStore treasures |
| Garden Club Lifetime Member | 85% | Wheeling, Cheat Lake, Charleston | Oglebay gardens, WV Botanic Garden, Capitol Market |
| Farmer's Market Regular | 84% | Charleston, Morgantown, Lewisburg | Charleston's Capitol Market produce and indoor Purple Onion market, Morgantown Farmers Market Saturdays, Lewisburg Farmers Market |
| Dog Momma | 82% | Morgantown, Charleston, Parkersburg | Rails to Trails walking paths, Kanawha State Forest trails, pup-friendly patios |
| Craft Beer Fan | 80% | Fayetteville, Elkins, Morgantown | Fayetteville's Bridge Brew Works, Big Timber brewing Co. in Elkins, The Brew Pub in Morgantown |
| Foodie | 78% | Charleston, Lewisburg, Huntington | Delicious beers and burritos at Charleston's Black Sheep or Bridge Road Bistro nights; fine dining at Lewisburg's The French Goat; great bites at Huntington's Backyard Pizza and Raw Bar |
| Vintage Thrifter | 76% | Shepherdstown, Wheeling, Lewisburg | Shepherdstown antiques, Wheeling Centre Market, Lewisburg treasure hunts |
| Yoga Instructor | 72% | Fayetteville, Snowshoe, Morgantown | Fayetteville sunrise flows, Snowshoe retreats, WVU Rec Center wellness |
| Stay at Home Parent | 70% | Wheeling, Barboursville, Bridgeport, Hurricane | Oglebay's Good Zoo days, Barboursville Park playdates, safe suburbs |
| PTA President | 69% | Hurricane, Morgantown, Parkersburg | Strong academics in Hurricane schools, great education in Morgantown, lights at Parkersburg's Stadium Field |
| CrossFit Regular | 66% | Morgantown, Charleston, Beckley | Mountaineer CrossFit, CrossFit 304, plus Spartan races at Snowshoe |
| Gamer | 62% | Morgantown, Huntington, Charleston | WVU varsity esports, Huntington Old North Arcade Bar & Kitchen, Charleston's Board Room |
| Coffee Snob | 60% | Shepherdstown, Thomas, Charleston | Lost Dog Coffee, TipTop, Mea Cuppa |
| Hipster | 58% | Shepherdstown, Charleston, Fayetteville, Thomas | Shepherdstown poetry nights, annual West Virginia Book Festival, Fayetteville gear swaps, Appalachian indie shows |
| Retired Military | 55% | Martinsburg, Beckley, eastern panhandle | Martinsburg VA care, Beckley VA care, quiet Eastern Panhandle neighborhoods |
| Cowboy | 52% | Berkeley Springs, Fairlea | Horseback riding, State Fair rodeos |
| Minimalist | 45% | Charleston, Morgantown | Charleston's Capitol Street and Morgantown's college campus walkability help, but statewide car culture complicates it |
| Binge Shopper | 42% | Huntington | Huntington Mall scratches itch, but fewer luxury flagships than big metros |
| Retired Snowbird | 40% | Berkeley Springs | Winters bite, Berkeley Springs spas soothe, but Florida still wins |
| Tech Bro | 38% | Morgantown | Morgantown's startups exist, but it's no Silicon Valley |
| Surfer Dude | 32% | Summersville | Summersville Lake cliff jumps are awesome, but Atlantic waves are hours away |
| Beach Bum | 30% | Summersville, Morgantown | Soak up the sun at the Summersville Lake or Cheat Lake, but you won't find endless ocean views or a boardwalk |
| Wall Street Exec | 28% | Martinsburg | DC commute from Martinsburg works, but it's no Wall Street bustle |
What Makes West Virginia Feel Like Home
For me, West Virginia is so hard to encapsulate with one image or experience, but I'm always reminded of West Virginia as home when driving on I-79, when I can wind through the hillsides and see cows grazing.
Hannah WyattWest Virginia Local Expert
Things To Do
Fun Things to Do Around West Virginia
Have you been wondering how you'll spend your time if you live in West Virginia? Worry not. If you like the idea of hiking or backpacking along misty mountain ridges, rock climbing in state parks, kayaking the many streams and rivers that paint the state, and taking part in lively dancing at cultural festivals, West Virginia is calling you home! This list of WV adventures is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the fun the state has to offer, but it will give you a sampling of the unique landscape and lifestyle that you'll find when you choose to call the Mountain State your home.
- Go Outside & Hike: Hike the Endless Wall Trail at New River Gorge near Fayetteville
- Spend Time on the Water Cooling Off: Kayak and take in the clear water views of Pirate's Cove at Summersville Lake
- Underground Adventure: Take a Lost World Caverns tour in Greenbrier County
- Maybe You SHOULD Go Chasing Waterfalls: Tucker County, photograph Blackwater Falls and explore the area
- This Is the Scenic Ride for You: Cruise Highland Scenic Highway through Monongahela National Forest near Marlinton
- This Is the Iconic Road Trip to Take: Drive Midland Trail (US 60) from Charleston to Lewisburg and take in the gorgeous views in autumn
- This Is What Locals Do on the Weekends: ATV the Hatfield-McCoy Trails - southern West Virginia's favorite adrenaline rush
- For the Sports Fans: Catch a WVU football or basketball game at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, go to a Charleston Dirty Birds baseball game on a summer night
- Stargaze on Desolate Dark Nights: Watoga State Park is in a certified dark-sky zone in Pocahontas County
- During the Short Days of Winter: Ski at Snowshoe Mountain, then drink warm cocoa by the fire
Hidden Gem Spotlight
One of my favorite places to stop on West Virginia road trips is the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston. Aside from its impressive architecture and the tourist angle that's sold around Halloween, the historical tours of the grounds are super interesting and reveal a lot about the not-so-distant past.
Hannah WyattWest Virginia Local ExpertTaxes, Politics & People
The Essential West Virginia Trifecta
State Income Tax: Graduated rates, recently reduced, top bracket just around 5 percent
Property Taxes: Generally low statewide, Eastern Panhandle towns slightly higher, rural counties very low
West Virginia Politics Are: Deep red statewide, with Morgantown, Charleston, and Shepherdstown pockets of blue
West Virginians Are: Mountain proud, unfussy, neighborly, wave-from-the-porch friendly
The Religious Breakdown Is: Mostly Christian, strong Baptist and Methodist, notable Catholic in Wheeling
Weather
West Virginia Weather: All the Facts, None of the Stats
What are West Virginia storms like (snow, rain, ice)? The summers are typically sweaty and humid with cooler temps in the evenings, but watch out for summer floods. Beware of black ice in the winter, with stronger snowstorms landing in Randolph county and Pocahontas county. Here's what else is going on around West Virginia that will impact the time you spend outside.
- Summer temps be like: porch swing sauna (muggy in river valleys, pleasant and more breezy on high ridges)
- Winter lows are: flannel-mandatory, with the most frigid weather in higher-elevation counties like Tucker County, home to Canaan Valley
- The humidity feels like: a damp wool sweater on a clothesline
- Unique weather patterns: fog that sits in the holler till noon, upslope snow on the Alleghenies, pop up storms drench one ridge and skip the next, hurricane leftovers wandering up the valleys, occasional derecho storms
- Local weather fashion tip: it's always good to have layers year-round, and keep an ice scraper in your car when it starts to get cold
- Bugs be like: stink bugs on windows, river mosquitoes galore, ticks that won't quit
- You're stuck indoors again today because: the snow melted fast then re-froze the roads overnight
- Green thumb enthusiasts love: heirloom tomatoes, runner beans, Eastern Panhandle apples, spring ramp and morel hunts, pawpaw picking in autumn
- Your friend with allergies is always saying: spring trees own my soul, but ragweed collects the rent
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in West Virginia
Each summer, the color of west Virginia comes alive. There's a haziness to the trees and flowers, and driving down the Interstate, you can see rows of mountain ridges against the horizon. It's a special, natural beauty unlike anything you'll find elsewhere.
Hannah WyattWest Virginia Local Expert