Why Work Here

In addition to the many benefits offered by the state, such as generous annual leave, flexible work hours/schedules, and a retirement program, West Virginia is a great place to work and live. 

Check out some of the many reasons West Virginia might be the right place for you. 

 

Four Cities in WV with Cost of Living Text Overlay with text: Cost of Living

 

Cost of Living 

West Virginia offers an overall lower cost of living compared to the national average.* This overall cost includes housing, groceries, utilities, and lifestyle. 

Cost of Living Around the State  

  • Charleston is 16% lowerthan the national average. 
    • Housing in Charleston is 39% lower than the national average. 
       
  • Clarksburg is 5% lowerthan the national average. 
     
  • Martinsburg-Berkeley County, WV is 9% lowerthan the national average. 
    • Housing here is 23% lower than the national average. 
       
  • Morgantown is 8% lowerthan the national average. 

 

 

 

collage of outdoor activities with text: Outdoor Recreation

 

Outdoor Recreation

West Virginia is an adventure wonderland for those looking to get outdoors. Whether you want to hit the trails to birdwatch or ride an ATV, West Virginia is ready for you! Here are just a few highlights from around the Mountain State.  

  • ATV and Off-Road Adventures: There are 1,000+ miles of trails ready for ATV vehicles. This includes the popular Hatfield-McCoy Trail System which is the longest trail system on the east coast. 
     
  • Hiking: From leisure strolls to extensive hikes, there is no shortage of hiking opportunities in West Virginia. The Department of Tourism also offers unique trail challenges such as its 'Waterfall Trail' that gives you an opportunity to seek out beautiful waterways around the state.  
     
  • Hunting and Fishing: The natural lands of West Virginia offer unique fishing opportunities and the opportunity for both small and big game hunting. 
     
  • Night Sky Speculators: Dubbed by Travel + Leisure as “the most under-the-radar stargazing destination in the U.S,” take advantage of designated dark sky areas for views of the milky way and stars galaxies away. 
     
  • Rock Climbing: West Virginia offers rock climbing opportunities suitable from beginners to experts. Don't forget to check out climbing the famous Seneca Rocks.
     
  • White Water Rafting: See why the rapids on the New River are considered some of the best in the world. They were even named one of National Geographic's "20 of the Coolest Travel Adventures for 2024." 
     
  • Winter Sports: What better way to experience West Virginia than by skiing or snowboarding down one of its many mountains? If that is a little too extreme, snowshoeing and tubbing are also a great way to enjoy some winter sports.  


 

 

collage of tamarak, outdoor concert, building, and people playing music with text: Culture and Crafts

 

Culture and Crafts 

The rich Appalachian culture and craftsmanship are ready to be shared with you. From innovative new foods to traditional crafts, West Virginia has it all. 

Art and Crafts: Iconic shops such as the Tamarack feature handmade artesian crafts that are steeped in tradition. Some larger makers such as Blenko Glass offer tours and classes. Speaking of classes, many festivals and maker groups will invite you to learn crafts such as blacksmithing, quilting, stained glass, and wood carving. 
 

Food: West Virginia is home to crafters of unique, artisanal cooking ingredients, countless distilleries, and a recent James Beard Award winning chef. No matter if you prefer to eat at home or are looking for a farm-to-table dining experience, the food scene in the state will leave you satisfied and wanting seconds. 
 

Music: Whether you play an instrument or just enjoy listening, there are plenty options that are pleasing to the ear. Join a jam band or learn to play with one of the many groups throughout the state. Several music festivals also celebrate traditional old-time and bluegrass music that the region is known for. Many of the state's large stages also bring in top talent and touring groups from a variety of music genres. 
 

Theatre: With a Carnegie Halls of its own in Lewisburg, the newly restored Spanish Baroque design of the Keith-Albee Theatre, and the longest continuously operating theater in the country at Spencer's Robey Theatre, all the world's a stage in West Virginia. Whether you want to see a Broadway tour on the main stage or head into the woods of a state park to see outdoor community theater, it is showtime in the Mountain State. 

 

 

collage of historic WV buildings with text: History

 

History 

As the only state created during the Civil War, West Virginia has a rich history to explore. Here are some ways to connect to our historical areas. 

  • Living History: See how settlers worked and lived at living history sites throughout the state. Try to churn butter or listen to a talk from actors to learn what life was like for across multiple time periods of the state's history.  
     
  • Museums: From art to historical homes, West Virginian museums such as Henderson Hall, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, and the Museum of American Glass will help you appreciate the deep history of the region.
     
  • Landmarks: Iconic sites around the state will put you back time and connect to the world around you. Some of the many landmarks to check out are John Brown’s Fort at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the New River Gorge Bridge, and, of course, the historic State Capitol Complex. 

 

 

Think West Virginia might be the place to live and work for you? Contact a recruiter to learn about employments opportunities in state government. 

 

*Statistics from Redfin/Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) and Sperling’s Best Places Index.