Happy 156th! Celebrating the Best of WV
As we commemorate West Virginia's 156th birthday on Thursday, June 20, West Virginians have a lot to celebrate. Here's a snapshot of some of our state's biggest draws for West Virginians of all ages to live, work and play:
- WV has the highest home ownership in the U.S.
- WV has a loyal workforce with only an 8.8% employee turnover rate
- WV cost of living is 14% below the national average
- WV is 7th best in the U.S. for cost of doing business
- WV has the 19th top business tax climate in the U.S.
- WV is within a day’s drive of 75% of the U.S. population.
- WV is within a 6-hour drive from 12+ major metropolitan areas
- WV offers world-class whitewater rafting adventures
- WV is home to the world-renowned Summit Bechtel Reserve
- WV has an #AlmostHeaven landscape:
- 164,000 acres of public land
- 1,500 campsites
- 1,000 historic sites
- 600 miles of ATV trails
- 450 fairs and festivals
- 130 golf courses
- 100 museums
- 40 breweries, wineries and distilleries
- 40 bed and breakfasts
- 24 lakes
- 36 state parks
- 6 major ski areas
- 9 state forests
- 3 scenic trains
- Miles and miles of ziplines