STATE PROFILE
One of the most beautiful states in the nation, West Virginia lies in
the Mid-Atlantic region — the heart of the Appalachian Highlands
— and is known as the Mountain State. It encompasses an area of
24,087 square miles with its highest point at Spruce Knob (4,861 feet)
and its lowest point at Harpers Ferry (240 feet). West Virginia is home
to mostly rugged, hilly terrain interspersed with many small valleys.
The most extensive areas of level to rolling land are located in the Shenandoah
and lower Greenbrier Valleys. With its beautiful landscapes, relaxed lifestyle,
small population (1.8 million), and abundance of resources, West Virginia
is an ideal place to reside and conduct business. West Virginians enjoy
a low cost of living (7th in the nation), which translates into lower
costs for housing, property taxes, electricity, and goods and services.
Centrally located, West Virginia is within overnight trucking distance
of more than 60 percent of the U.S. population.
Area Code — 304
Sales Tax — 6 percent. Note, however, the sales tax on the sale, purchase, and use of food and food ingredients intended for human consumption is 5% (does not apply to prepared food, food sold in a heated state, or food sold with eating utensils provided by the seller).
Time Zone — Eastern Standard Time (Daylight Savings Time is observed)
Highway Conditions — 1-877-982-7623 (recorded messages)
Highway Emergencies — To report accidents, highway emergencies, and hazards, dial 9-1-1; mobile phone users may also dial *SP to reach the State Police.
Highway Courtesy Patrol — If you require roadside assistance between the hours of 3:00 pm and 7:00 am, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, you may contact the West Virginia Courtesy Patrol Communications Center toll-free at 1-888-359-3683. Courtesy Patrol drivers assist stranded motorists; help reduce the chance of secondary accidents; provide gasoline or directions; and, in general, enhance safety on the state's roadways. Drivers patrol 25 assigned zones on all WV interstates and highway corridors in well-marked white F-150 trucks. The West Virginia Courtesy Patrol is operated by the Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia via contract with the Division of Highways. Further details can be found at www.wvccc.com/courtesypatrol/courtesypatrol.htm.
Interstate & Other Speed Limits — 70 mph (unless otherwise posted) on interstate highways; speed limits on other major highways and smaller roadways vary; be alert to posted notices.
Seatbelts — Seatbelts are required by state law.
Motorcyclists — Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets and safety, shatter-resistant eye protection or face shield; headlights must be on at all times during operation.
CLIMATE
West Virginia enjoys four distinct seasons. Depending on where you visit,
the seasons can differ dramatically. In the low-lying areas and valleys,
including the western regions of the state and the Eastern Panhandle,
winters are quite mild and summers warm. In the central, more mountainous
areas of the state — particularly, the Potomac Highlands —
winters are much colder, with greater amounts of snow, and summers are
pleasant and mild. The statewide average high temperature in July is in
the high 70s, while in January, temps in the mid-30s are average. Precipitation
across the state averages 40 to 60 inches per year, and snowfall averages
20 to 25 inches per year in most of the state, except for the Potomac
Highlands region, which receives significantly greater amounts.
For a printable version of this chart, click
here. (.pdf)
REGIONAL PROXIMITY
West Virginia is located in the Mid-Atlantic region. The state's Northern
and Eastern Panhandles are in close proximity to the production hubs of
Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Washingt DC. The state's eight commercial airports
combine to provide non-stop service to Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati,
Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Houston, New York City (LaGuardia), Philadelphia,
Pittsburgh, and Washington DC (Dulles and Reagan).
AIRPORT MAP
West Virginia has 35 public airports and dozens of private airports and
landing strips. Of the state's 35 public airports, 8 offer commercial
airline service, with the remaining offering general aviation airfields,
among additional support services.
© 2005 WV Division of Tourism - Equal Opportunity Employer - Policy Statement
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