There is something special about growing up in a small town. There is a security you don’t get in the larger cities. Small towns are close knit and when one of their own is in need, everyone gathers together to help. Small town living is slower paced and a real taste of the simple life. Here is a look at 15 West Virginia small towns where life is still simple.
1. Glen Ferris, population 203
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Glen Ferris is a small town that rests on the banks of the beautiful Kanawha River in Fayette County. This small town is picture perfect because of the unbelievable views of the river. Fishing, boating and other relaxing things rule in this small town.
2. Richwood, population 2,051
Richwood was once a booming coal town whose population was over 10,000. Today just over 2,000 call this beautiful small town home.
3. Shinnston, population 2,186
Shinnston is a former coal town that rests on the banks of the West Fork River. I grew up in Shinnston and it is a close knit community where everyone knows your name.
4. Clay, population 491
Clay is the county seat of Clay County and rests on the banks of the beautiful Elk River. Clay is a rural town where the simple life is treasured.
5. Hinton, population 2,276
Hinton is the county seat of Summers County. It is situated near the New River. Hinton is a close knit community that is proud of its slow paced town.
6. Thomas, population 586
Thomas is a former coal town in Tucker County. Several of its buildings are on the National Register of Historic places. Life in Thomas is simple, just the way its residents like it.
7. Davis, population 660
Davis is a small town that rests on the banks of the Blackwater River in Tucker County. This small town is well known for its great bicycle trails.
8. Ceredo, population 1,450
The beautiful town of Ceredo is located in Wayne County along the Ohio River. It was named by its founder because it was bountiful in corn crops. its name comes from Ceres, the goddess of corn and harvest.
9. Charles Town, population 5,259
Charles Town is the county seat of Jefferson County. It is a small town filled with a lot of history where life is slow paced and enjoyable.
10. Ellenboro, population 355
Ellenboro is located in Ritchie County. The North Bend Rail Trail passes through this quaint small town.
11. Gassaway, population 901
Gassaway is a small town located in Braxton County. It was incorporated in 1905 and named after Henry Gassaway, who was a Vice President nominee in 1904. This close knit community enjoys the simple life.
12. Matewan, population 499
Matewan is a small town located in Mingo County. The Northfork Southern Railway runs through this small town. The total area of Matewan is 0.56 square miles. Now that is a small town!
13. Sutton, population 994
Sutton rests in Braxton County where it is the county seat. This small town is rich in history connected to the American Civil War.
14. West Union, population 825
West Union is an unincorporated small town located in Doddridge County. In 1858 the town was devastated by a fire, but as small communities often do, the residents came together to rebuild.
15. Pineville, population 668
Pineville rests along the Guyandotte River and is the county seat of Wyoming County. It is the hometown of two well-known sports stars: former NFL running back Kurt Warner and professional wrestler Heath Slater. Slater takes great pride in coming from this slow paced small town.
Did I miss a small town you think should have been on this list? If so, share it with me in the comment section.
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