Fairmont, WV · The Friendly City

Moving to or from Fairmont?

A north-central WV city between Morgantown and Clarksburg — home to Fairmont State University, historic coal heritage, the High Technology Foundation technology incubator, and the Pepperoni Roll (a WV culinary icon that originated here).

  • 18,000 City population
  • 55,000 Metro area
  • 1820 Founded
  • North Central West Virginia / Marion County Region
What Fairmont Is Known For

Why people move to Fairmont.

  • Being the birthplace of the pepperoni roll (West Virginia's state food)
  • Fairmont State University
  • Historic coal-mining heritage
  • High Technology Foundation technology incubator
  • Prickett's Fort State Park (historic frontier fort)
  • Proximity to Morgantown (WVU)
Fun Fact

The pepperoni roll — a distinctive West Virginia food — was invented in Fairmont in 1927 by Italian immigrant Giuseppe 'Joseph' Argiro to feed coal miners who needed portable lunches. The bread roll with pepperoni baked inside has remained a WV staple ever since. Country Club Bakery in Fairmont claims to be the original creator; the pepperoni roll was officially designated the state food of West Virginia in 2023.

Neighborhoods

Where people live in Fairmont.

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

  • Downtown Fairmont

    Historic core

  • Central Fairmont

    Established residential

  • Fairmont State area

    Near campus

  • Watson

    Residential area

  • Marion County rural

    Surrounding rural character

  • Mannington (nearby)

    Small town

Things To Do

Where people spend their time in Fairmont.

  • Prickett's Fort State Park North Fairmont
  • Country Club Bakery (pepperoni roll origin) Central Fairmont
  • Fairmont State University Central Fairmont
  • Marion County Historical Museum Central Fairmont
  • Watters Smith Memorial State Park (nearby) Lost Creek
  • Palatine Park Central Fairmont
What To Know

Planning a Fairmont move.

  • Coal and manufacturing decline has affected the region
  • Morgantown (WVU) is 30 minutes north
  • Winter brings snow and ice in the Appalachians
  • Cost of living is extremely affordable
Common Questions

Moving in Fairmont: FAQ.

What's a pepperoni roll?

A soft bread roll with pepperoni (usually sticks or slices) baked directly into the bread — the pepperoni grease melts into the bread during baking, creating a distinctive flavor. Originally designed to be a portable, shelf-stable miner's lunch (no refrigeration needed), it's become West Virginia's defining food. Pepperoni rolls are sold at gas stations, bakeries, and restaurants throughout WV, and expat West Virginians notoriously miss them when they move elsewhere.

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