Beckley, WV · The Smokeless Coal Capital of the World

Moving to or from Beckley?

Southern West Virginia's regional hub — historically 'The Smokeless Coal Capital' for its distinctive low-sulfur coal deposits, now a gateway to New River Gorge National Park (America's newest national park, 2020) and Theatre West Virginia's outdoor summer productions.

  • 16,000 City population
  • 115,000 Metro area
  • 1837 Founded
  • Southern West Virginia / Raleigh County Region
What Beckley Is Known For

Why people move to Beckley.

  • Being 'The Smokeless Coal Capital of the World' historically
  • Gateway to New River Gorge National Park (America's newest NP, 2020)
  • Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
  • Theatre West Virginia (Hatfields & McCoys outdoor drama)
  • Tamarack Marketplace
  • Being southern WV's regional medical, retail, and commercial hub
Fun Fact

Beckley's Exhibition Coal Mine lets visitors take a tour of an underground coal mine — riding a motorized 'man car' into the mine, seeing original equipment, and hearing stories from retired miners. It's one of very few US coal mines open for public tours. The town's coal heritage is deep, and the New River Gorge National Park (30 minutes away) preserves former coal towns like Thurmond and Nuttallburg as historic sites.

Neighborhoods

Where people live in Beckley.

A quick guide to Beckley's most moved-to neighborhoods.

  • Downtown

    Historic core

  • Central Beckley

    Established residential

  • Crab Orchard

    Residential area

  • MacArthur

    Small community adjacent

  • Shady Spring (nearby)

    Small community south

  • Mount Hope (nearby)

    Small town north

Things To Do

Where people spend their time in Beckley.

  • Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Central Beckley
  • Tamarack Marketplace Central Beckley
  • Theatre West Virginia (Hatfields & McCoys) Grandview State Park
  • New River Gorge National Park (30 min) Glen Jean
  • Youth Museum of Southern WV Central Beckley
  • Grandview State Park Beckley
What To Know

Planning a Beckley move.

  • Coal-industry cycles continue to affect the region
  • Winter can bring significant snow and ice
  • WV has state income tax; cost of living is among the lowest in the US
  • New River Gorge tourism brings summer traffic and visitor activity
Common Questions

Moving in Beckley: FAQ.

Is New River Gorge really a new national park?

Yes — New River Gorge National Park was established on December 27, 2020, making it America's newest national park. Previously it was a National River (designated 1978). The 73,000-acre park preserves one of the oldest rivers in the world (despite the 'new' name), spectacular sandstone cliffs, whitewater rapids, historic coal-town sites, and the famous New River Gorge Bridge. Beckley is the closest mid-sized city to the park.

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