6 Best Small Towns to Live in West Virginia

West Virginia has no shortage of small mountain towns. After all, the state only has 1.7M residents to start with, and the most populated city of Charleston has just 47,000 residents! That’s more a large town than a city! Factor in the challenging mountainous terrain, and it’s no wonder the state’s residents end up in isolated pockets of mountain hamlets. 

The point is, if you’re on the hunt for small-town living, West Virginia delivers abundant options. Not only are they small, but they’re most often mountain towns. That means you’ll have stunning views of those Appalachian peaks and prime access to recreation in a state already prized for activities like hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing. 

Here are a few top choices for small-town living in West Virginia.

Morgantown

Population: 30,000

Region: Northern West Virginia

Starting off with the largest “small” town on our list, Morgantown is West Virginia’s third-largest city by population but still sparse enough to have that laid-back feel you’re likely looking for.

But, by choosing a larger town like Morgantown, you’ll gain perks like a larger job market and more access to quality education for families with children. Sports-loving Morgantown is home to West Virginia University, creating an energetic college-town atmosphere with die-hard loyal football fans. 

And it’s large enough to have lots of fun amenities. It nurtures a creative arts scene with multiple museums, crafts fairs, and a performing arts center. Morgantown has one of the more diverse culinary scenes in West Virginia. Downtown has cool cafes, farm-to-table restaurants, some bars, and craft breweries, while a few wineries dot the surrounding countryside.

The town’s earned accolades like “best town in West Virginia” by Money Magazine, which cited its nightlife and music culture, and one of Livability’s “Best Places to Raise a Family.”

Morgantown is also waterfront, thanks to the Monongahela River. The result is a Wharf District, the miles-long Mon River River Trail, and riverfront parks that give locals access to kayaking, canoeing, and water sports. 

Out the door from Morgantown awaits Cheat Lake, one of the largest in West Virginia available for boating and waterfront living, a Civil War battle site, and multiple forests for hiking, biking, and more outdoor recreation.

If all that sounds appealing, check out our guide to learn more about living in Morgantown.

Harpers Ferry 

Population: 286

Region: Eastern Panhandle

Heading east from Morgantown, you’ll find the charming National Historical Park town of Harpers Ferry. The tiny village has just 300 residents but often feels larger thanks to constant visitors. About 400,000 people pass through the iconic stone bridge each year.

The Victorian-era town is at the confluence of the beautiful Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, giving it a unique vantage point to some of West Virginia’s most stunning scenery. It also provided it with a contested history. The town’s strategic location made it home to an arsenal starting in 1799. During the Civil War, it changed hands fourteen times. 

It packs in attractions like the Appalachian Trail trailhead, Civil War battle sites, wineries, river rafting on the Shenandoah River, and more. Harpers Ferry marks the “halfway” point for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers in their journey between Georgia and Maine.

With everything to do, Harpers Ferry has been named “the Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel Magazine. And since it’s about an hour from Washington DC and Baltimore, Harpers Ferry is a popular weekend getaway from either city.

By living here, chances are you’ll be buying a historic home with a mighty story. Many business and town activities cater to the tourism industry, so you must be ready for that.

Shepherdstown 

Population: 1,500

Region: Eastern Panhandle

Just up the road from Harpers Ferry is the oldest town in West Virginia, Shepherdstown, established in 1730. With a full-time population of about 1,734, this quaint town, about 90 minutes from Washington DC, has been named one of the best small towns in America by the Smithsonian Institution Magazine. 

Shepherdstown is home to Shepherd University, which offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in over 80 fields of study. Around 3,000 students enroll in the liberal arts college, which has sports in NCAA Division II.

Thanks to the college and its historical attractions, Shepherdstown attracts visitors and feels slightly larger than it is. The foot traffic supports a charming downtown with a fair assortment of artisanal shops and restaurants, including an independent bookstore with rare finds, a sushi bistro, and a craft gallery. Shepherdstown has neat quirks like the oldest continuously operating theater in the country, which hosts a New York Times-acknowledged “top essential theater festival.” 

If the theater doesn’t add enough culture to your life, attend one of the popular events in town, like the annual Fourth of July celebration, the Contemporary American Theater Festival, or the Shepherdstown Music and Dance Festival. 

As you might expect, outdoor recreation is plentiful in Shepherdstown. You can take a scenic drive to nearby Harpers Ferry National Historical Park or explore Antietam Battlefield State Park for Civil War history. The Potomac River is a few minutes away, giving you access to great fishing spots and boating areas. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails for the whole family to get outdoors.

White Sulphur Springs

Population: 2,200

Region: Greenbrier Valley

White Sulphur Springs awaits at the heart of West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley. This stunning area is known for its rolling hills and mountain views, plus its award-winning Greenbrier Resort, which draws visitors worldwide to play golf and visit the spa. The opulent white columns and gardens stand out in what is otherwise a quiet, rural small town. It was used by the wealthy as a retreat from the muggy summers, which is how the town came to be.

Initially home to Native Americans, settlers from Pennsylvania and Virginia moved in during the late 1700s. The mineral hot springs supposedly cured ailments, which drew visitors seeking their healing properties. The resort grew around the hot springs. 

Growth is slowly happening as people fall in love with the valley’s beauty and small-town charm. Visitors come to access the hiking trails in the gorgeous Monongahela National Forests. The Greenbriar Valley’s outdoor activities include white water rafting, horseback riding, fishing, downhill skiing, biking trails, and more. A 78-mile trail includes scenic covered bridges, waterfalls, and mountain views.

White Sulphur Springs stays busy with events like the annual Arts Festival and Appalachian Trail Days. The Dandelion Festival kicks off in the spring, the annual Civil War reenactment takes place in the summer, and the Freshwater Folk Festival is an autumnal highlight. 

Plus, the town has monthly farmers’ markets for local produce and handcrafted items. Unique boutiques, restaurants, craft breweries, and art galleries are available in downtown White Sulphur Springs, with its 1920s character.

Lewisburg 

Population: 3,900

Region: Greenbrier Valley

Lewisburg is just ten miles from White Sulphur Springs, but this town’s claim to fame is its artistic vibe and antique shops. This mountain town is popular for a weekend getaway or an extended stay. 

The town was established in 1782 as the county seat for Greenbrier County, but overshadowed by the opulent Greenbrier Resort, it didn’t become a tourist destination until the 1980s. That’s when it started gaining attention as a charming getaway, landing on the best small-town lists by Southern Living and USA Today.

Now, it’s one of the most popular towns in West Virginia. The brick-lined sidewalks and stately old homes and buildings add to its charm. Many homes are walkable to the downtown district, which has antique shops, galleries, and restaurants. 

Lewisburg has multiple historical sites like the Carnegie Hall, built in 1902 by industrialist Andrew Carnegie as a community theatre and music hall. It’s one of just four in the world. 

You can also head down to the annual State Fair of West Virginia, held every August. Visitors from all over come for the fair delights, like concerts by famous musicians that don’t often stop in the state, livestock contests, and horse racing.

The town is near the Greenbrier River Trail, a 78-mile-long stretch that passes through some of the best wilderness areas in the state. You can also visit nearby Lost World Caverns to awe at the 80-foot tall stalagmites or join the kayakers fishing on Lewisburg’s Greenbrier River.

Hinton

Population: 2,300 

Region: Southern West Virginia

Hinton is at the crossroads of two major highways in the southern part of West Virginia. The scenic New River, which is actually the “second oldest river” in the world, runs through town.

Originally settled by Native Americans, Hinton grew as a riverport town in the 19th century. However, it wasn’t until the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) railroad was built that Hinton began to experience its real growth and development. You can still travel to the town by rail. 

Hinton still sparkles with small-town charm but also has an eye on the future and is trying to encourage entrepreneurs and growth in technology. In the historic downtown district, you’ll find a restored movie theater, quirky shops full of antiques, and vintage clothing stores. Find local cuisine at coffee shops, authentic Italian restaurants, farm-style diners, and a craft brewery. 

Its growth seeks to leverage its location near America’s newest National Park, the New River Gorge. Hinton is a short distance from the Bluestone National Scenic River and Park. As it is at the confluence of New and Greenbrier Rivers, locals have prime access to canoeing, kayaking, and some of the best smallmouth bass fishing. You can also drive to Pipestem State Park for hiking trails, waterfalls, and panoramic views. In the winter, hit the slopes at Winterplace Ski Resort.

Small town living in West Virginia 

From Harpers Ferry’s Civil War history to Lewisburg’s quaint charm, something is appealing about West Virginia’s small towns. Each resonates in its own way, encapsulating a unique culture and lifestyle.

No matter where you end up, the Mountain State delivers big on outdoor recreation. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to escape city life and enjoy the slower-paced life of small towns. If you want to soak in the beauty of West Virginia and make it your home, explore more of the state’s interesting small towns with a local real estate agent.