West Virginia (WV)

Nicknamed the "Mountain State," West Virginia is known for its breathtaking Appalachian landscapes, rich coal mining history, and outdoor adventures. With rolling hills, scenic rivers, and a strong sense of local pride, the state offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and warm hospitality.

• Population: ~1.76 million
• Weather: Warm summers (75-85°F); cold winters (20-40°F), with snowfall in higher elevations.
• Famous Sites: New River Gorge Bridge, Harpers Ferry, Seneca Rocks, Cass Scenic Railroad, Blackwater Falls State Park.
• Top Activities: Hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, scenic train rides, history tours, fishing.

West Virginia's job market is growing, with strong demand in healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and education. These industries provide stable careers with competitive pay. Here are the top five in-demand jobs in West Virginia based on salaries and job openings. Click on the job titles to see more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

West Virginia offers charming cities and close-knit communities, enriched by thriving college populations. The largest cities in the state attract many students thanks to local colleges and universities. Below, you will find information about the 10 biggest cities in West Virginia, their approximate populations, and college student enrollments.

West Virginia is home to several outstanding public and private colleges and universities, offering strong programs in healthcare, engineering, business, and the liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in West Virginia

• West Virginia University (WVU) – The state’s flagship university, known for its strong programs in engineering, business, healthcare, and law.
• Marshall University – A nationally recognized institution with strong medical, business, and education programs.
• West Virginia State University (WVSU) – A historically Black university (HBCU) offering quality programs in science, business, and the humanities.
• Shepherd University – A public liberal arts university with strong programs in nursing, business, and education.
• Fairmont State University – Known for its excellent programs in health sciences, business, and education.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in West Virginia

• Wheeling University – A private Catholic university recognized for its programs in healthcare, business, and liberal arts.
• University of Charleston – A well-regarded private university with strong business, healthcare, and leadership programs.
• Davis & Elkins College – A small liberal arts college offering quality education in the humanities, business, and healthcare.
• Alderson Broaddus University – Known for its health science programs, including nursing, physician assistant studies, and biomedical sciences.
• Bethany College – A historic liberal arts college with strong programs in business, communications, and the sciences.

West Virginia offers a variety of outstanding public and private high schools, recognized for their academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and commitment to preparing students for college and careers. These schools provide strong educational foundations that help students succeed in their future endeavors.

Top Public High Schools in West Virginia

• George Washington High School, Charleston – Known for its challenging academic curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, and high student success rates.
• Bridgeport High School, Bridgeport – Offers strong academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs that help students excel in multiple disciplines.
• Morgantown High School, Morgantown – Provides students with a range of AP courses, dual enrollment options, and strong arts and athletic programs.
• University High School, Morgantown – Recognized for its emphasis on college preparation and a variety of advanced academic courses.
• Cabell Midland High School, Ona – Offers robust STEM programs and outstanding extracurricular opportunities to enhance student learning.

Top Private High Schools in West Virginia

• Linsly School, Wheeling – A prestigious college preparatory school offering a rigorous curriculum with a focus on leadership and character development.
• The Highland School, Ellenboro – Known for its progressive education model, encouraging student independence, creativity, and critical thinking.
• Notre Dame High School, Clarksburg – A faith-based school providing strong academic programs and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
• Charleston Catholic High School, Charleston – Offers a challenging academic environment with an emphasis on service and leadership.
• Wheeling Central Catholic High School, Wheeling – Provides a faith-centered education with strong academics and athletic programs.

West Virginia does not have any major league professional sports teams (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL). However, sports still play a big role in the state, especially through college athletics. The West Virginia Mountaineers (West Virginia University) have a passionate following, and their football and basketball teams bring a high level of excitement. The Marshall Thundering Herd (Marshall University) also has a strong sports tradition, particularly in football.

Though there are no big four major league teams, West Virginia is home to several minor league and semi-pro teams in baseball, soccer, and hockey:

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in West Virginia

Baseball 🏟️

• Charleston Dirty Birds (Atlantic League – Independent Professional Baseball) – A team with a dedicated fan base that brings exciting baseball action to Charleston.
• West Virginia Black Bears (MLB Draft League) – A Morgantown-based team featuring top college prospects aiming for the majors.

Hockey 🏒

• Wheeling Nailers (ECHL – Pittsburgh Penguins affiliate) – One of the oldest minor league hockey teams with a strong local following.

Soccer ⚽

• West Virginia United (USL League Two) – A developmental team showcasing young soccer talent.

1. Only State Born from the Civil War ⚔️ – West Virginia separated from Virginia and became its own state in 1863 during the American Civil War, making it the only state to do so.
2. Home of the New River Gorge Bridge 🌉 – This engineering marvel is one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world and is celebrated every year on Bridge Day, when people BASE jump off it!
3. First Rural Free Mail Delivery 📬 – In 1896, the first rural mail delivery service in the U.S. started in Charles Town, making postal services more accessible for rural Americans.
4. The Birthplace of Mother's Day 💐 – The first official Mother’s Day was celebrated in Grafton, West Virginia, in 1908, thanks to Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her mother.
5. The State with the Most Ghost Towns 👻 – Due to its history of coal mining, West Virginia has more abandoned towns than any other state, making it a hotspot for ghost hunters.
6. A Giant Radio Quiet Zone 📡 – The Green Bank Telescope, the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the world, is in West Virginia. The area around it enforces strict rules on radio signals.
7. The Mystery of the Mothman 👀 – The small town of Point Pleasant is famous for the legend of the Mothman, a mysterious winged creature that supposedly appeared before major disasters.
8. Home to the First Federal Prison for Women 🏛️ – West Virginia opened the first federal prison exclusively for women in Alderson in 1927, housing some high-profile inmates over the years.
9. More Mountains Than Any Other State ⛰️ – With its rugged terrain, West Virginia is the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountain range, earning its nickname "The Mountain State."
10. The Famous Pepperoni Roll 🍞 – This delicious snack, made of soft bread stuffed with pepperoni, was invented in West Virginia as a meal for coal miners and is now a beloved state tradition.