Most people think of West Virginia as a friendly state, but some people may be afraid that kindness only goes so far. If you are LGBT and want to move to the Mountain State, it is very helpful to know which places are the most accepting. We have put together a list of the best West Virginia places for LGBT families.
Charleston
As the capital of the Mountain State, Charleston is a leader in making the city’s LGBT people feel welcome. The 51,000-person city passed a law that makes it illegal to treat people differently when it comes to housing, jobs, and public places. In the years since the crash, Charleston has been changing. It’s a buyer’s market, so you can choose between a loft or apartment downtown or a traditional house with a study and dining room. The West Virginia Symphony, the West Virginia Cultural Center, and the Clay Center are just a few of the cultural centers in Charleston. They host music, dance, theater, and art shows with artists and actors from all over the world. There are also great schools in the city. George Washington High School is ranked #1 in the state and #6 in the country. While the unemployment rate is only 5.4%, which is much lower than the government rate of 6.3%, the cost of living is also very low, making it worth a look. South Charleston and Teays Valley are both popular places to live.
Huntington
Not wanting to be left behind by its bigger brother, the city of Huntington also had rules against discrimination. There is a lot for the nearly 50,000 people that live in this city that is home to Marshall University’s Thundering Herd. The university’s art and design school regularly hosts shows by both new and experienced artists. The visual arts center, which is located downtown, is another great addition. The Huntington Symphony Orchestra, the Huntington Museum of Art, and Ritter Park are all in the city. Not only does Huntington have a low jobless rate of 5.4%, but it also has schools that are ranked among the best in the state and country. The housing market is similar to Charleston’s, but homes cost a little less.
Morgantown
This college town looks great and is home to the West Virginia Mountaineers. Along with the university’s culture and artistic offerings, its location near bigger cities like Pittsburgh makes it perfect for many reasons, including its commitment to not discriminating against anyone. Nearly 30,000 people live in this town in Monongalia County, and another 26,000 are college students. It could be your city.
Harpers Ferry
A lot of people know Harpers Ferry as the site of the “John Brown revolt,” but it’s also a cute little town where everyone is welcome. This small old tourist town has just over 200 people living in it, but it has a lot to offer. For people who love being outside, there are many things to do, such as fishing, boating, kayaking, walking and hiking paths, and zip lining. Harpers Ferry is beautiful, but it is also smart. Several schools in Jefferson County are ranked among the best in the country.
Lewisburg
People who live in the small town in Greenbrier County can enjoy a lot. The historic area in Greenbrier Valley shows how rich the town is in heritage and history. The 3800-person area also has a rich musical history. The American Heritage Music Hall has music from all over the area, such as bluegrass, country, and other styles. The county is also home to a number of high schools that are known across the country.
Athens
This small town is proud to be home to Concord University and takes equality very seriously. The small town of 917 people passed laws that make it illegal to treat people differently because of their sexual orientation. The town has beautiful scenery and interesting things to see, like Bush Creek Falls. There are many nature trails and places to hike. The University also hosts culture events. Take the family to the Pipestem Drive-In for a special treat. It’s one of the few drive-ins left in the state.
Thurmond
There were five people living in the brave little town, which was the smallest in the US to have rules protecting LGBT residents. One of the oldest train stations in the United States is still in use in Thurmond. Thurmond is known as the heart of the New River Gorge. This is the place to live if you really want to know all your friends.