Clarksburg WV

Clarksburg – Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, Clarksburg blends small-town charm with rich Appalachian history. Known for its friendly community, scenic surroundings, and strong Italian heritage, this city is a hidden gem for those looking to slow down and explore a more relaxed way of life. Whether you're walking through its historic downtown, enjoying a local festival, or savoring classic comfort food, Clarksburg offers a warm and welcoming escape.

• Population: ~15,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold, snowy winters (20-40°F) and warm, humid summers (65-85°F).
• Places To Visit: Veterans Memorial Park, Watters Smith Memorial State Park, Clarksburg History Museum, Walnut Hill Historic District.
• Top Activities: Hiking local trails, attending the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, antique shopping downtown, enjoying live music and community events.
• Famous Food: Pepperoni rolls, homemade pastas, Appalachian-style barbecue, and authentic Italian pastries from local bakeries.

Clarksburg, West Virginia is a small but strategically located city known for its rich history, government services, and healthcare facilities. Its economy is supported by public sector employment, energy services, technology, and healthcare infrastructure. Here are five jobs that are in high demand in Clarksburg.

Top 5 Jobs in Clarksburg, WV

Clarksburg, WV offers a great mix of places where students can kick back, relax, and enjoy themselves. From cozy coffee spots to outdoor adventures, there's plenty to do to take a break from the books.

Stonewall Resort State Park – Just a short drive away, this park is perfect for a day trip with friends. You can enjoy hiking, paddleboarding, or just relaxing by the water.

Almost Heaven Desserts & Coffee Shop – This is the go-to spot for students who love a good coffee and sweet treats. It's the ideal place to hang out, study, or catch up with friends.

The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center – Catch a show or a live music performance here. It offers a variety of entertainment options right in the heart of Clarksburg.

Clarksburg Splash Zone – A fun place to cool down during the summer months. Enjoy the slides or just relax by the pool with friends.

Veterans Memorial Park – Whether it's a game of disc golf, a picnic, or a leisurely walk, this park provides a peaceful escape without leaving the city.

Italian Heritage Festival – If you're around during this annual event, don't miss it. It's a blend of great food, music, and a truly vibrant atmosphere celebrating Italian culture.

Clarksburg, West Virginia, is a historic town that places a strong emphasis on education. While Clarksburg itself is a smaller city, the surrounding region is home to several excellent colleges and universities that serve its students. These institutions provide high-quality programs in business, healthcare, technology, and liberal arts, helping students build meaningful careers close to home.

Top Public Colleges & Universities near Clarksburg, WV

Fairmont State University – Located just 20 miles from Clarksburg, Fairmont State offers more than 80 undergraduate programs and several graduate degrees. Known for strong programs in business, criminal justice, education, and aviation, the university blends academic excellence with real-world experience.

West Virginia University (WVU) – While WVU is based in Morgantown, about an hour from Clarksburg, it's one of the top public universities in the state. It offers nationally recognized programs in engineering, healthcare, journalism, and law. WVU also supports innovation and research at a high level, with resources that benefit students throughout North Central West Virginia.

Pierpont Community & Technical College – Sharing a campus with Fairmont State, this college provides hands-on training in technical and workforce-ready programs, including aviation maintenance, cybersecurity, and allied health. It’s ideal for students seeking a fast-track career path.

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (Martinsburg) – Though located a few hours away, this public college offers accessible online and in-person programs, making it a good option for Clarksburg-area students. Its programs in nursing, business technology, and industrial trades are especially respected.

Glenville State University – Roughly an hour’s drive from Clarksburg, Glenville State is known for its personalized education and strengths in teaching, criminal justice, and natural resource management. It’s a great fit for students who value small class sizes and strong community ties.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Clarksburg, WV

Alderson Broaddus University (AB University) – Located in Philippi, about 30 minutes from Clarksburg, AB University is a private institution with a strong reputation in healthcare, especially nursing and physician assistant studies. Offering a faith-based education, it also provides programs in business, education, and science.

West Virginia Wesleyan College – Situated in Buckhannon, less than an hour from Clarksburg, this liberal arts college is known for small class sizes and strong academic programs in nursing, biology, music, and education. The school provides a well-rounded education rooted in Methodist values.

Davis & Elkins College – Based in Elkins, Davis & Elkins is another respected private college in the region. It offers programs in business, nursing, art, and environmental science, with a curriculum that emphasizes leadership and civic engagement.

Ohio Valley University (formerly near Parkersburg) – Although it closed in 2021, this institution once served as an important private Christian college in West Virginia. Its programs in religious studies, education, and business left a lasting impression on the region’s educational landscape.

Salem University – Located just minutes from Clarksburg, Salem University is a private institution offering flexible programs in business, education, healthcare, and IT. With rolling admissions and accelerated courses, it’s designed for working adults and career changers.

Clarksburg and its surrounding region offer solid educational opportunities through both public and private institutions. Whether students are seeking technical training or a liberal arts foundation, they have access to high-quality programs that prepare them for personal and professional success.

Clarksburg, WV, is home to a number of reputable high schools that focus on academic achievement, career readiness, and personal development. Whether you're looking for strong public school options or private institutions with specialized programs, Clarksburg offers educational opportunities to suit every student's needs.

Top Public High Schools in Clarksburg, WV

• Robert C. Byrd High School – Known for its dedicated teachers and a solid curriculum that prepares students for college and technical careers. The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a variety of extracurricular activities.
• Liberty High School – A mid-sized public high school with a strong sports program and career-technical education paths. Liberty places an emphasis on community involvement and personal achievement.
• South Harrison High School – Located just outside Clarksburg, this school offers a close-knit learning community and personalized education. Known for its vocational training programs and teacher support.
• Bridgeport High School – Though technically in nearby Bridgeport, it serves many students from the Clarksburg area. Bridgeport consistently ranks high in the state for academic test scores and graduation rates.
• Lincoln High School – Another local option just a short drive from Clarksburg, Lincoln focuses on STEM and career readiness. The school has a variety of clubs, teams, and student support services.

Top Private High Schools in Clarksburg, WV

• Notre Dame High School – A Catholic college-preparatory school that emphasizes both academics and character development. Notre Dame offers AP courses, athletics, and faith-based learning opportunities.
• Heritage Christian School – Providing a faith-centered education, Heritage Christian supports students with small class sizes and a well-rounded curriculum that includes arts and athletics.
• Victory Christian School – A private Christian school that focuses on moral values, spiritual growth, and academic success. The school serves K-12 with personalized academic support.
• North Central Christian School – Though smaller in size, this school offers a supportive environment for students and families seeking Christian education with strong academics and spiritual guidance.
• Calvary Christian School – Located near Clarksburg, Calvary provides an affordable Christian education focused on leadership and lifelong learning skills. It’s known for its community feel and dedicated staff.

Clarksburg, West Virginia, is a small city known for its community spirit, natural beauty, and historical charm. Unlike major metropolitan areas, Clarksburg does not host any major league professional sports teams. However, West Virginia as a whole has a rich sports culture, with passionate fans and strong support for local and regional teams, especially at the college level.

🏈 Football – West Virginia Mountaineers (NCAA)

• West Virginia Mountaineers – While not a professional team, the WVU Mountaineers football program is the pride of the state. Based in Morgantown, around two hours from Clarksburg, this team competes in the Big 12 Conference. The Mountaineers have a storied history with multiple bowl game appearances and a loyal statewide fan base.

🏀 Basketball – West Virginia Mountaineers (NCAA)

• WVU Men’s Basketball – The Mountaineers men's basketball team has a long-standing tradition of success, including appearances in the Final Four and consistent performances in the NCAA Tournament. Legendary coach Bob Huggins helped steer the program to national prominence.
• WVU Women’s Basketball – The women's team has also made numerous NCAA Tournament appearances and continues to grow in talent and recognition.

⚾ Baseball – West Virginia Black Bears (MLB Draft League)

• West Virginia Black Bears – Though technically not in Clarksburg, the Black Bears play in nearby Morgantown. They are a member of the MLB Draft League, a summer collegiate baseball league that showcases draft-eligible players. This team gives local fans a chance to see future MLB prospects up close.

🏒 Hockey – Wheeling Nailers (ECHL)

• Wheeling Nailers – Located about two hours north of Clarksburg in Wheeling, the Nailers play in the ECHL, a professional minor league affiliated with the NHL. The team has a devoted regional following and offers an exciting hockey experience for fans in West Virginia.

⚽ Soccer – West Virginia United (USL League Two)

• West Virginia United – Based in Charleston, WV, West Virginia United plays in USL League Two, a developmental league for college-age players with aspirations for professional careers. The team gives soccer fans across the state a growing regional option to support.

While Clarksburg itself does not have major league teams, the city and surrounding region are full of enthusiastic fans who support college sports, minor leagues, and local teams. West Virginia’s deep athletic pride and passion for sports shine through in every game and every crowd.

Clarksburg, West Virginia, is a charming small city in the heart of Appalachia with a rich history and unique culture. From its tasty pepperoni rolls to Hollywood connections, here are some fun facts that make Clarksburg a hidden gem:

1. Home of the Pepperoni Roll – Clarksburg and the surrounding area are known as the birthplace of the delicious pepperoni roll, a favorite snack in West Virginia.
2. Bridgeport Is Its Neighbor – Just next door, Bridgeport shares many local events and activities with Clarksburg and adds to the area's community spirit.
3. Television Star Roots – Golden Globe-winning actor Jim Combs, known from TV and film, was born in Clarksburg.
4. The Quiet Dell Mystery – Clarksburg is linked to one of the most chilling crimes of the 1930s — the haunting Quiet Dell murders.
5. Italian Heritage Festival – Clarksburg hosts the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, one of the top 100 festivals in the U.S.
6. Historic Downtown – The city’s old buildings and brick streets make downtown Clarksburg a place full of classic charm and character.
7. A City of Music – Clarksburg celebrates its musical roots with live bluegrass and Appalachian folk music at local events and fairs.
8. Kennedy Connection – A young John F. Kennedy once campaigned in Clarksburg during his run for president in 1960.
9. Oldest Newspaper – The Exponent Telegram, Clarksburg’s local newspaper, has been publishing for over 150 years and remains a staple of the community.
10. Castle-Like Courthouse – The Harrison County Courthouse, built in 1932, looks like a European castle and is a must-see landmark downtown.