7 Safest Small Communities To Settle In West Virginia
Life in the south comes with several perks, like milder temperatures, close-knit communities, and a more affordable cost of living. There is no doubt that living in the Southern United States can feel like a dream. West Virginia is an excellent place to put down roots. Rich in history, with vast and gorgeous scenery, good food, and, best of all, great vibes, the state is opulent in all the things that make life feel grand. In addition, West Virginia is a safe place to live, ranking much lower than other states in the US for crime. According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, these cities in particular are some of the safest towns in West Virginia to settle down, raise a family, retire, or simply enjoy adventures without fear of putting your safety in jeopardy.
Harpers Ferry
The tiny town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is a truly photoworthy destination to settle. Between the city’s unique position in the Blue Ridge Mountains and a wide array of gorgeous architecture and historical locations on display, the scenery is undoubtedly picturesque. With a notably low crime rate, Harpers Ferry makes for a fun and safe adventure to lose yourself in the past. History lovers will appreciate spots like the 1848 John Brown’s Fort, an engine and guardhouse. Another noteworthy historical site is the Boarding House, a museum showcasing depictions of different living quarters during the Civil War period. Harpers Ferry also offers more interactive historical activities, such as True Treats Historic Candy. The candy shop recreates authentic vintage treats from multiple eras, offering a real taste of decades long gone.
Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown is not only one of West Virginia’s oldest towns but also one of the safest places to live in the state. The town rests near the Potomac River, northwest of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Choosing to settle in this town provides you with a mix of opportunities to enjoy breathtaking scenery and historical sites to explore. Bask in the outdoor beauty with a bike ride or hike through the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The over 100-mile canal route provides views of the beautiful Potomac River. On the banks of the river stands a historical site, the Mecklenburg Tobacco Warehouse, with a storied history tied to Native Americans. In the heart of downtown is another historical site of note: the Shepherdstown Museum. The museum is located inside the Entler Hotel, which some folks say may be haunted by a resident ghost.
Berkeley Springs
Located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, Berkeley Springs is a charming place to live and enjoy some of the state’s distinctive landscape. This safe community is home to a natural mineral spring within Berkeley Springs State Park. Guests can relax in the soothing waters in the bathhouses and check out a historical monument on the grounds, George Washington's bathtub. The town features another incredible state park, Cacapon Resort State Park. Here, you can go fishing, hiking, or mountain biking across the over 6,000 acres of terrain. While the natural landscape is stunning, the human-made landscape in this town is equally eye-catching. The Berkeley Springs Castle, created by 100 German masons, is an impressive, over 9,000-square-foot display of silica sandstone.
Grafton
Grafton, on the Tygart Valley River in West Virginia, is a vibrant town with a wonderfully low crime rate, making it perfect for settling down with a family. An interesting aspect of the community’s history is that it is believed to be the origin of Mother’s Day. It is thought that the holiday began when Anna Jarvis commemorated the anniversary of her mother’s death in the early 1900s. You can learn more about the founder of Mother’s Day in Grafton’s Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum. Alongside its unique history, Grafton offers many great places to grab a bite. Biggie's Restaurant, a community staple, serves delicious comfort food, such as chili dogs and fresh-cut fries. Dessert is sometimes the best part of a meal. Summers Dairy King offers excellent banana splits and milkshakes to wash down those chili dogs. Best of all, the ice cream establishment is pet-friendly, which means you can enjoy your frozen treat with your beloved pup in tow. The beautiful outdoors are on full display in Tygart Lake State Park, where you can take your loved ones out for an afternoon of swimming, kayaking, boating, and fishing.
Wellsburg
The quaint town of Wellsburg is an oasis set along the Ohio River, offering a safe place for settlement. It provides a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture within West Virginia. A unique aspect of the town’s history is that it is the original place of the Grimes Golden apple, one of two apple species native to the state. Every year, Wellsburg celebrates all varieties of apples during Apple Fest, a festival where you can buy apple cider by the glass or gallon, partake in apple butter making, bite into candy apples, and so much more apple-related fun. For some historical adventures, the Brooke County Historical Museum is a rich source of local history, displaying artifacts from 1780 to the 1900s. A fun fact: the museum is West Virginia’s first county museum. The great outdoors of Wellsburg are truly picturesque, and you can enjoy much of the scenery at Brooke Hills Park, a place where you can golf, fish from the catch-and-release ponds, and swim laps in the pool.
Kenova
Small town charm overflows in Kenova, West Virginia. Safe, historic, and scenic, this town is a great place to call home. Go with friends and family to Virginia Point Park for boating and fishing activities. The park provides access to the Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers. Try a treat from the Griffith & Feil Soda Fountain on Chestnut Street. Since the late 1800s, the pharmacy and soda fountain have served the community of Kenova. Enjoy some exercise by swimming laps at the Dreamland Pool, an Olympic-sized pool that first opened in 1926. At the time of opening, the pool was the largest swimming pool in the US east of the Mississippi River. Make sure to bring your little ones for some fun splashing around, as there is a shallow kiddie pool as well.
Hurricane
Find a safe haven in Hurricane, West Virginia, a beautiful place to live, play, and raise a family. There is never a shortage of things to do in Hurricane, with hiking trails, golf, and water slides waiting for you. Meeks Mountain Trails provide a vast network of hiking trails to get out and breathe in the fresh air. Different trails are available to meet a variety of skill levels. If you enjoy a round of golf during your leisure time, the Sleepy Hollow Golf Club has you covered, with an additional option for golfing indoors via a top-notch golfing simulator. Also, the golf course features a restaurant, the 1955 Restaurant and Bar, which is a great place to further unwind after completing the course. From Tuesday to Sunday, the restaurant serves a myriad of appetizing dishes and beverages. Over at Valley Park, you can enjoy more outdoor fun. With water slides, playgrounds, and mini golf, the park is a great spot to bring your kids.
West Virginia is a wonderful place to live and play. No matter if you are a resident seeking new spots to explore or a visitor looking to make the most of a vacation, there is something for everyone. Nature is practically on your doorstep, between the state’s position on the east coast of the US and the mountainous terrain. In some areas, the history is so lush it can feel like you have stepped into a different decade. There are plenty of places to relax with activities like golfing, or hang out with your kids and go boating or swimming. Dining is undeniably next-level comfort food. Daily living in the small towns of West Virginia can truly feel like a vacation you never want to leave.
