West Virginia is a state of extreme beauty, including 2,032 miles of whitewater (the greatest density of whitewater in the country), 1.5 million acres of public land (state parks and forests and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve), and 4000+ roped and bouldering routes.  There may be no better place for an outdoor enthusiast than West Virginia.  Beyond the natural beauty of the state, you’ll find amenities and institutions usually identified with larger metropolitan areas.  The state boasts historic resorts like the Greenbrier and is home to a variety of arts and culture (local galleries, museums, and performing arts venues).  It is known for authentic mountain music with a distinct Appalachian sound that owes to influences from folk, bluegrass, gospel and more.  There are one-of-a-kind historical destinations and 44 colleges and universities of varying sizes and types.

The state of West Virginia is leading the way in recruiting remote workers seeking a lifestyle steeped in outdoor recreation and adventure with a sense of community connection and shared purpose.  If this sounds appealing to you, look no further.  The program is described below and in the individual offer pages for specific regional areas.

“Ascend WV is a talent attraction and retention program designed to support remote professionals and their families as they relocate to West Virginia in pursuit of high quality of life and an outdoor-driven lifestyle. Experience work-life balance through community, purpose, and the outdoors in the mountains of West Virginia.”

Ascend WV was founded with a “shared vision for innovation and a deep love for the mountains of West Virginia.”  In 2022, Brad D. Smith returned to his mountain home after a very successful career in Silicon Valley.  He became the 38th president of Marshall University while he and his wife Alys, an accomplished attorney, undertook significant philanthropic work that includes this recognized talent attraction and retention program.  Mr. Smith credits West Virginia as the foundation for his own success and wants to share the place he loves with others.  As Ascend WV says, “let our country roads take you home to the place you belong.”


Charleston


West Virginia is a state of extreme beauty, including 2,032 miles of whitewater (the greatest density of whitewater in the country), 1.5 million acres of public land (state parks and forests and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve), and 4000+ roped and bouldering routes.  There may be no better place for an outdoor enthusiast than West Virginia.  Beyond the natural beauty of the state, you’ll find amenities and institutions usually identified with larger metropolitan areas.  The state boasts historic resorts like the Greenbrier and is home to a variety of arts and culture (local galleries, museums, and performing arts venues).  It is known for authentic mountain music with a distinct Appalachian sound that owes to influences from folk, bluegrass, gospel and more.  There are one-of-a-kind historical destinations and 44 colleges and universities of varying sizes and types.

The state of West Virginia is leading the way in recruiting remote workers seeking a lifestyle steeped in outdoor recreation and adventure with a sense of community connection and shared purpose.  If this sounds appealing to you, look no further.  The program is described below and in the individual offer pages for specific regional areas.

“Ascend WV is a talent attraction and retention program designed to support remote professionals and their families as they relocate to West Virginia in pursuit of high quality of life and an outdoor-driven lifestyle. Experience work-life balance through community, purpose, and the outdoors in the mountains of West Virginia.”

Ascend WV was founded with a “shared vision for innovation and a deep love for the mountains of West Virginia.”  In 2022, Brad D. Smith returned to his mountain home after a very successful career in Silicon Valley.  He became the 38th president of Marshall University while he and his wife Alys, an accomplished attorney, undertook significant philanthropic work that includes this recognized talent attraction and retention program.  Mr. Smith credits West Virginia as the foundation for his own success and wants to share the place he loves with others.  As Ascend WV says, “let our country roads take you home to the place you belong.”


Martinsburg

Picture a mountain retreat with proximity to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland.  Nestled along the Potomac River, the Eastern Panhandle offers an array of outdoor activities, including a chance to hike the Appalachian Trail as it passes through Harpers Ferry, to ski in one of seven ski areas, to paddle down the river on over 100 paddling runs, or to mountain bike the many trails.  The area boasts international cuisine and local favorites including craft breweries and artisan pizza.  There are several long standing farmers markets and the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival that has taken place every October for decades in celebration of the apple harvest.  The Eastern Panhandle also has a rich mix of cultural assets and activities, including Civil War history and arts of all kinds (music, dance, film).  So much to do and to see – it would be hard not to settle right in.

You’ll be welcomed by local ambassadors who can point you to the best places to work remotely (coworking spaces and other public areas with internet access) and connect you to established professional development and entrepreneurial assistance opportunities.  The Eastern Panhandle puts you right in the heart of beautiful surroundings with welcoming neighbors, yet close enough to metropolitan areas that you won’t ever feel you’re lacking for anything.


Move to the Eastern Panhandle

Free Outdoor Recreation Experiences and Gear Rentals

Professional Development and Entrepreneurial Assistance

Greenbrier Junction

Beauty abounds in Greenbrier Valley.  There’s no better place for the outdoor enthusiast than one with a free-flowing river, one of the largest cave systems in North America, hiking and biking trails galore, rolling farmland, and mountain slopes.  The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the Greenbrier State Forest, and the one-million-acre Monongahela National Forest each offer opportunities for any outdoor adventure one might conjure up.  Couple the beauty of the great outdoors with small town charm and a premier resort that draws people from around the world, and you have found a home in Greenbrier Valley.  

You’ll be welcomed by local ambassadors who know the food scene that includes special farm-to-table dinners, can point you to the best places to work remotely (coworking spaces and other public areas with internet access), and connect you to established professional development and entrepreneurial assistance opportunities.  The communities of Greenbrier Valley are close-knit places with loads to offer and a desire to share what makes this such a special area to put down roots.


Greenbrier Valley

Morgantown

The Morgantown Area really has it all.  Enjoy all the positives of a college town, with the energy and activities of the West Virginia University campus in Morgantown, located in one of the fastest growing counties in the state.  The Monongahela River and Cheat Lake offer fishing, water sports, and beaches for relaxing.  Hiking opportunities are everywhere with hundreds of miles of trails.  You can walk, run, bike, or even in-line skate for 48 miles on Morgantown’s acclaimed “Rail Trail.”  The area has a great education system, highly rated healthcare, and scores of different housing options, from single family homes with acreage to more urban spaces.  Everything you need is right here in the Morgantown Area, with a high quality of life for a low cost of living, and yet it is a quick hop to five major metros when you yearn for the big city.

If you choose the Morgantown Area, you’ll be welcomed by local ambassadors who know the local food scene, can point you to the best places to work remotely (coworking spaces and other public areas with internet access), and connect you to established professional development and entrepreneurial assistance opportunities.  It won’t take long to settle in to an area with such warmth and vibrancy to share.


Move to Morgantown

Hi I have put in a couple applications for West Virginia make my move, do you send out a letter to let us know we are accepted or not?

We are disabled but have a guaranteed monthly income

How is Healthcare access? Are there facilities and specialized care or does it require traveling to nearby larger cities. Same question for pet care

So I noticed that it is divided into regions? Is this the whole state? My family is from the Nicholas County area, and I would like to move there. 

Texarkana, a unique city that straddles the border of Texas and Arkansas, offers a rich blend of Southern charm and modern convenience, making it an ideal place for those looking to relocate. Here are several compelling reasons why moving to Texarkana could be a great decision:

: Texarkana stands out for its remarkably low cost of living. Housing is particularly affordable, with options ranging from charming historic homes to modern developments, all at prices significantly lower than the national average. This affordability extends to general living expenses, such as groceries, utilities, and transportation, making it easier for residents to enjoy a higher quality of life without the financial strain.

: The city’s unique position, straddling two states, provides residents with the unusual advantage of drawing on the benefits from both Texas and Arkansas, including diverse educational resources, varied healthcare options, and dual employment opportunities. The city's location also offers easy access to major highways and is a gateway to exploring the broader region, including nearby lakes, state parks, and cultural sites.

: Texarkana has a burgeoning job market with opportunities expanding in sectors like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail. The presence of a large industrial park and several educational institutions means there are opportunities for professional growth and economic advancement.

: Despite its growth, Texarkana retains a tight-knit community atmosphere. The city celebrates its unique culture through various events and festivals that highlight its musical, culinary, and artistic traditions. The Perot Theatre, a historic venue, regularly hosts concerts, plays, and other cultural events that enrich the community’s social life.

: For outdoor enthusiasts, Texarkana is a treasure trove of activities. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, from the tranquil Wright Patman Lake to numerous parks and recreational areas. These spots are perfect for fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking, offering residents a refreshing escape into nature.

Discover Texarkana: Where two states meet to offer you unparalleled opportunities! Thrive in a diverse economy, immerse yourself in a vibrant arts scene, and celebrate a unique dual-state lifestyle. Texarkana is not just a place to live, it's a place to prosper!

Texarkana

Move to Texarkana

$5,000 cash for relocation funded by the Patterson Troike Foundation

25% Tuition Discount and First Class Free at Texas A&M Texarkana

First Class Free at University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

1 Year Membership to The Assembly Line, Texarkana’s Creator Space (opening in 2025)

Leadership Texarkana Preferred Membership

Membership to the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council

2 Tickets to the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra

Breakfast with the Mayors and City Managers

1 Year as a City Guest to all After Hours Events by the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce

Nestled in Western Arkansas along the picturesque Arkansas River, Fort Smith serves as a hub of business, industry, and community for the surrounding 300,000-plus people living within its metropolitan region. Fort Smith is the state's third-largest city and offers a blend of rich heritage, natural beauty, and trailblazing community spirit. 

Discover year-round entertainment at venues and attractions like the Fort Smith Convention Center, Riverfront Amphitheater, Museum of History, and the newly constructed U.S. Marshals Museum, and explore recreational parks including a diverse trail system, skate and bike park, golf courses, the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, and inclusive play spaces for children of all abilities. 

Booming with new development, Chaffee Crossing is Fort Smith’s fastest-growing area, featuring unique dining, shopping, and recreational experiences. Nearby, the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education welcomes new residents pursuing medical occupations in osteopathic medicine, occupational and physical therapy, and biomedicine, and the Peak Innovation Center equips career and college-bound students with real-world skills and industry-specific certifications. Each year, thousands of visitors gather in Fort Smith to attend the Steel Horse Rally, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the region, and Peacemaker, an outdoor music festival that highlights the best country, rock, and blues acts touring today. 

Blaze your own trail in Fort Smith, Arkansas! It’s super affordable, rich with history, and surrounded by stunning natural spots. It's the perfect place for a fresh start among friendly neighbors. Come see why we love it here!

Fort Smith

Move to Fort Smith

$10,000 cash for relocation if purchasing a home OR $5,000 cash for relocation if renting

50% Off a 6 Month Membership to The Mill Coworking Space

1 Year "Special Deputy" Membership to the US Marshals Museum

1 Year Membership to the Fort Smith Museum of History

4 Season Passes to Parrot Island Water Park 

Season Tickets to University of Arkansas Fort Smith Athletics

For many decades, the Red River Gorge was a hidden gem, known mainly to avid rock climbers. The secret’s out! This stunning 45-square-mile geological wonder draws outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe, and it's easy to see why. Natural Bridge State Park offers a more polished outdoor adventure, the Clifty Wilderness area of Red River Gorge lets you embrace your wild side, with over 100 natural arches, jaw-dropping cliffs, and countless rock shelters. There's endless beauty waiting to be discovered. Whether you want to kayak underground, zipline over the mountains, or seek beautiful waterfalls, there’s no better place to live and explore.

The eligible counties include Breathitt County, Lee County, Menifee County, Morgan County, Powell County, and Wolfe County. 

The Red River Gorge, once a hidden gem for climbers, is now a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning 45 square miles, it offers natural arches, cliffs, and rock shelters. You can enjoy activities like kayaking, ziplining, and exploring waterfalls, making it a prime spot for adventure!

Powell County

Move to Red River Gorge, Eastern Kentucky

$250 Tailored Eastern Kentucky Welcome Package*

$2,500 Bonus for any remote worker that relocates and brings a spouse that will work locally in education or healthcare

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Questions & Answers

Hi I have put in a couple applications for West Virginia make my move, do you send out a letter to let us know we are accepted or not?

Is this only for employed people? We are disabled but have a guaranteed monthly income

How is Healthcare access? Are there facilities and specialized care or does it require traveling to nearby larger cities. Same question for pet care

Hello, So I noticed that it is divided into regions? Is this the whole state? My family is from the Nicholas County area, and I would like to move there.

the villages florida

Get Paid to Live in West Virginia

Move to Morgantown

$20,000