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Look for Jobs in the Best Places to Live in West Virginia

By Dillon Price, Monster Contributor

Have you ever wondered why West Virginia is known as the Mountain State? The answer can be found in the rolling Appalachian Mountains that encompass the state, lending West Virginia its characteristic rugged landscape and lush green forests.

West Virginians love their state for its strong sense of community, friendly people, and low cost of living. Want to become a part of the Mountain State’s workforce? Explore some of the best places to live in West Virginia.

Here are some excellent reasons to consider moving to West Virginia:

  • West Virginia is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities.
  • It’s where bluegrass music began.
  • It has a lower crime rate than the national average.
  • West Virginia is centrally located between major cities such as Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Washington, D.C.
  • The cities are small but offer tons to do.
  • West Virginia experiences all four seasons.
  • There is very little traffic congestion here.

Thinking about moving to West Virginia? Find out what the best places to live in West Virginia have to offer people looking for jobs.

Charleston

Charleston is West Virginia’s capital and largest city, with a population of over 48,000 residents. What makes Charleston one of the best places to live in WV? For starters, residents love the central location between Interstates 64, 77, and 79, the city’s dense suburban atmosphere, and its historic infrastructure. Plus, those who prefer quieter neighborhoods can find them in the outskirts of Charleston.

The quaint downtown area has everything you’d expect from a big city with a ton of small-town charm. You’ll find tons of places to dine, including Italian restaurants, steakhouses, Thai cuisine, fine dining, sushi, and American fare. If you’re looking for boutiques and mom and pop shops, downtown Charleston is packed with them. After a long day of shopping and dining, you can walk along the Kanawha River at Haddad Riverfront Park or go hiking or mountain biking in nearby Kanawha State Forest.

Charleston is also one of the best cities to live in West Virginia because of its low cost of living and numerous job prospects. The city’s top employers include Charleston Area Medical Center, Kanawha County Board of Education, and Thomas Memorial Hospital. Charleston’s prime location makes it a great place to find jobs in transportation and logistics. Plus, the city’s chemical industry supports many local manufacturing jobs.

Find Charleston jobs on Monster.

Huntington

Huntington is located about an hour west of Charleston near the Ohio and Kentucky borders. Locals call it the “Jewel City” because of its vibrant downtown area, beautiful surrounding scenery, and educational opportunities.

The city is home to Marshall University, the Museum of Radio and Technology, and the Touma Museum of Medicine. The historic downtown is small but crammed with restaurants and boutiques. Plus, you can catch live indoor and outdoor concerts at V Club or performance art at Ritter Park Amphitheater.

What else places Huntington among the best cities in West Virginia? The cost of living here is much lower than the state and national average. The city also has a strong healthcare sector, with St. Mary’s Hospital, Cabell-Huntington Hospital, and VA Medical Center among its largest employers. Marshall University provides lots of higher education and life science jobs—it’s home to the region’s largest biotech research and development facility. Plus, you can find tons of jobs in transportation, professional services, hospitality, and manufacturing.

Find Huntington jobs on Monster.

Morgantown

Morgantown is situated in northern West Virginia, about 75 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This small city is home to West Virginia University (WVU), which has about 30,000 students. It’s also known for its quaint downtown area lined with taverns, pubs, small shops, and restaurants. Looking for a place to buy local goods and produce for a home-cooked meal? You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, cheese, and honey at the Morgantown Farmers Market.

The downtown area isn’t the only thing that makes Morgantown one of the best places to live in West Virginia. The surrounding area offers plenty of spots to go hiking, biking, or disc golfing, including Dorsey’s Knob Park and Caperton Trail. Or you can dive into history or art at the Art Museum of WVU, the Morgantown History Museum, and the Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum.

WVU is a significant driver of Morgantown’s economy and is one of the city’s top employers. Healthcare is also a major sector, with WVU Hospitals, University Health Associates, and Monongalia General Hospital among the city’s leading employers. Morgantown is also a manufacturing hub, where pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and glass and glassware are produced. You can also find jobs in food services, education, technical services, and construction here.

Find Morgantown jobs on Monster.

Find Jobs in the Best Places to Live in West Virginia

There’s a mountain of job opportunities awaiting you in West Virginia. Just set up your free profile on Monster to find jobs in the best places to live in WV. We’ll simplify your search by sending you job alerts that are tailored to your career goals and location. And once you upload your resume, job recruiters in West Virginia will be able to connect with you.