8 Charming Small Towns in West Virginia You’ll Want to Call Home
3 weeks ago
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If you’re thinking about moving to West Virginia, bustling cities like Charleston or Huntington might come to mind. However, this state has much more to offer. From quaint downtowns to festivals that bring the community together, West Virginia’s small towns are perfect for anyone looking to experience what life is like in its quieter corners. In this Redfin article, we’ll discuss 8 charming small towns in West Virginia, each with their own unique character and plenty of reasons to call home.
Elkins, located in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, is surrounded by natural beauty and renowned for its music and Appalachian culture. The town is famous for the Mountain State Forest Festival, one of the largest and oldest festivals in the state. The event celebrates the region’s forestry industry with craft fairs, parades, and outdoor activities. Elkins is also home to the American Mountain Theater, where visitors can enjoy live performances of bluegrass, country, and folk music—a true nod to the town’s Appalachian roots.
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Kingwood is a quiet town in northern West Virginia. The town is home to the annual Preston County Buckwheat Festival, which has been celebrated since 1938 and draws visitors with its buckwheat cakes, arts and crafts, and livestock shows. Kingwood’s downtown is filled with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, reflecting its roots as a bustling center for local farmers and artisans. For history buffs, the James Clark McGrew House, a Victorian-style mansion and museum, provides a glimpse into the life of one of the town’s prominent early citizens.
Buckhannon is located in central West Virginia with a lively arts scene and fun annual festivals. Each spring, the town hosts the famous West Virginia Strawberry Festival, celebrating the state’s agricultural heritage with parades, live music, and delicious strawberry treats. As the home of West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon buzzes with student-led events, art shows, and sports. The downtown area is lined with unique shops and galleries, like Artistry on Main, where local artists showcase their work.
Marmet, a small town along the Kanawha River. The area has an interesting history tied to West Virginia’s coal mining and river transportation industries. The town’s location along the river made it a vital spot for transporting coal, and it still holds traces of its industrial heritage. Nearby you can see the Marmet Lock and Dam, one of the major river locks on the Kanawha. It’s a unique local site where visitors can watch barges pass through and get a feel for the town’s history in shipping and trade. The nearby Coal River is popular with paddlers, offering kayaking trails that let people explore the beautiful landscape.
Bridgeport is a growing town in northern West Virginia. For those interested in aviation, the nearby Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex can give you a look into the town’s role in aerospace development. Bridgeport’s Charles Pointe area features shopping, dining, and events throughout the year. This gives residents and visitors plenty of entertainment options. The town’s Benedum Civic Center hosts local theater productions, art classes, and community events, enriching Bridgeport’s cultural scene.
New Martinsville sits along the Ohio River and is loved for its scenic river views. The town’s riverfront area is a popular spot for community events, including the New Martinsville Regatta, where high-speed powerboats race along the river. History lovers can explore the downtown area, filled with historic buildings like the Wetzel County Courthouse, a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. Additionally, New Martinsville’s proximity to the Ohio River also makes it ideal for fishing and boating.
Ravenswood is another town located on the banks of the Ohio River. The town’s riverfront park has a beautiful spot to relax and is a favorite for events like the Ohio River Festival, which includes boat races, live music, and local food vendors. Ravenswood’s historic district showcases well-preserved buildings from the 19th century, reflecting its role as an early river trade hub. Looking for more to to? Head to the center of town where you can see the Ravenswood’s Community Clock. The clock stands as a beloved local landmark worth seeing.
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Moundsville is known for its ancient burial mounds and unique cultural landmarks. The town’s namesake, the Grave Creek Mound, is one of the largest conical burial mounds in the United States. Dating back over 2,000 years, the site gives people a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric Native American culture. Moundsville is also home to the former West Virginia State Penitentiary, an imposing Gothic-style prison turned museum that hosts tours and ghost hunts, drawing visitors interested in the paranormal. With its combination of ancient history, haunted sites, and community events, Moundsville provides an unforgettable experience for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike.
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