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Okay, So we have done some more research on the areas of West Virginia that SEEM to be close to what we would want in terms of climate, population, topography, etc. I applied for some jobs and got really good feedback with some preliminary interviews lined up in Clarksburg, Beckley, Ronceverte, and maybe Elkins. Clarksburg and Beckley are bigger cities (around 16,000) while Elkins and Ronceverte are smaller. If any of you live in these areas, I am now looking for some local perspective on what you like about where you live, what kinds of things you like to do there, what you don't like, how you view the actual crime scene as opposed to just the numbers that are shown on C-D, and maybe even some pictures would be great!! Thanks in advance for the info. We are at 43 days and counting!!!
Okay, So we have done some more research on the areas of West Virginia that SEEM to be close to what we would want in terms of climate, population, topography, etc. I applied for some jobs and got really good feedback with some preliminary interviews lined up in Clarksburg, Beckley, Ronceverte, and maybe Elkins. Clarksburg and Beckley are bigger cities (around 16,000) while Elkins and Ronceverte are smaller. If any of you live in these areas, I am now looking for some local perspective on what you like about where you live, what kinds of things you like to do there, what you don't like, how you view the actual crime scene as opposed to just the numbers that are shown on C-D, and maybe even some pictures would be great!! Thanks in advance for the info. We are at 43 days and counting!!!
Elkins is a large town but offers the amenities of a small city. It's located in the Tygart Valley and on the fringes of the highest mountain range in West Virginia. If you want to be in an that is closely tied to the environment and outdoors this is the place for you. There area is known for its fishing, camping, swimming, clean rivers, fresh air, rock climbing, and the natural attractions like Blackwater Falls and Seneca Rocks.
Crime in Elkins is basically nonexistent. There are rarely violent crimes, the most common crime is probably a DUI or two on the weekends. People are very friendly, they'll say hello to you on the street and help you if you need it. The area is making strides to preserve its history and culture by revitalizing the downtown and expanding its tax base and city limits. 1/2 of the actual population of Elkins lives outside of the city limits.
Health care, education, tourism, and wood products, are big employers in the area. Elkins is easily accessible to the rest of the state via 4 lane US. 33 which connects to I-79. You can be to Morgantown in an hour and half by taking rt. 119 or Clarksburg and Fairmont within an hour via I-79.
I've lived in Fairmont and Huntington as well, while I enjoy(ed) living in the other places I'm always excited to be going home to Elkins. The mountains just east of the city are beautiful. I really like that Elkins has a vibrant downtown with shops that aren't all boarded up.
I'll leave you with some links you might be interested in, and some pictures I took on my property about 14 miles east of Elkins. If you have any specific questions or anything feel free to ask me anything.
Elkins, West Virginia (http://www.cityofelkinswv.com/index.html - broken link)
These are pictures I've taken just east Elkins. I don't have any actual picture of downtown on this laptop and I can't take any pics because I'm in Europe for two more weeks. I need to do that again when I get back. But here are some pictures I've taken.
Wow! Beautiful land! Thank you for taking the time to post all of that. And thanks for the links. I can't wait to get down there and explore!! Your land is wonderful!
Beckley is the largest city on your list and has all of the typical retail, service, and entertainment amenities you'd think it'd have. Its also convenient to outdoors activities being adjacent to the New River Gorge and Little Beaver SP with other state parks and recreation areas not too far away. I don't know your budget, but the better places to live in town are Woodcrest, Woodlawn, and Maxwell Hill.
Traffic can be a bit of a hassle at times, but residential areas are pretty quiet.
Elkins is a beautiful place, and it is also near the Greenbank Radio Observatory and many other nice venues. Chris mentioned that if you take 119 it's an hour and a half to Morgantown, and that's true, but if you go via I-79 from the south it only takes 1 hour 15 minutes. You really can't go wrong any place in North Central West Virginia including Clarksburg, which is home to outstanding Italian food.
I do not live there but I will agree that Elkins is a great city. It's a beautiful area with a lot to do if the outdoors is your thing and crime is very low.
Ronceverte is a "dead town". I grew up there and left in 1986. It used to be an important lumber depot, but now most of it is boarded up. The employment center of the area is now in Lewisburg.
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