West Virginia’s 50
Top Cities for Fit Lifestyles

2020

Known as one of the most scenic states in the country, West Virginia is home to incredible mountainscapes and rolling hills perfect for the fitness guru seeking adventure. West Virginia’s lands present the best skiing opportunities, mountain biking, rock climbing, and kayaking to energize any workout routine. The state encourages more healthy habits for both residents and tourists through gym facilities, recreational tours, and more.

Interesting things to know about West Virginia: 

  • In Fayette County, the New River Gorge Bridge is the highest bridge in the country and hosts bungee jumpers every third Saturday in October. 
  • West Virginia is home to Georgeann Wells, the first woman to dunk in a college basketball game.
  • A yellow apple variety originated in West Virginia in 1775.
12 %

The percentage of adults who report excessive drinking. Heavy drinking is linked to higher blood pressure, poorer liver function, increased stroke risk and larger waistlines.

28 %

The percentage of adults who report lack of physical activity.

36 %

The percentage of adults who report a BMI — or body mass index — above 30%. Higher BMI may be an indicator of greater risk to physical health.

West Virginia

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1
Pea Ridge, West Virginia
Pea Ridge
Fit Score: 84.24

Pea Ridge, WV

Population 6,345
Exercise Opportunities 830
Physical Inactivity 250
Access to Healthy Food 40
Obesity 320
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.64
Smoking 220
Frequent Physical Distress 15
Poor Physical Health Days 4.9
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 16

2
Huntington, West Virginia
Huntington
Fit Score: 83.55

Huntington, WV

Population 46,048
Exercise Opportunities 830
Physical Inactivity 250
Access to Healthy Food 40
Obesity 320
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.64
Smoking 220
Frequent Physical Distress 15
Poor Physical Health Days 4.9
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 16

3
Elkins, West Virginia
Elkins
Fit Score: 82.88

Elkins, WV

Population 7,026
Exercise Opportunities 800
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 40
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 2.91
Smoking 240
Frequent Physical Distress 15
Poor Physical Health Days 5.2
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 16

4
Princeton, West Virginia
Princeton
Fit Score: 82.13

Princeton, WV

Population 5,741
Exercise Opportunities 600
Physical Inactivity 320
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 380
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.12
Smoking 240
Frequent Physical Distress 16
Poor Physical Health Days 5.5
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 100
Frequent Mental Distress 16

5
Beckley, West Virginia
Beckley
Fit Score: 82.06

Beckley, WV

Population 16,183
Exercise Opportunities 620
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 130
Obesity 390
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.22
Smoking 230
Frequent Physical Distress 16
Poor Physical Health Days 5.5
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 100
Frequent Mental Distress 16

6
Weirton, West Virginia
Weirton
Fit Score: 81.94

Weirton, WV

Population 18,449
Exercise Opportunities 920
Physical Inactivity 290
Access to Healthy Food 70
Obesity 370
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.96
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.7
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 14

7
Bluefield, West Virginia
Bluefield
Fit Score: 81.87

Bluefield, WV

Population 9,730
Exercise Opportunities 600
Physical Inactivity 320
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 380
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.12
Smoking 240
Frequent Physical Distress 16
Poor Physical Health Days 5.5
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 100
Frequent Mental Distress 16

8
Bridgeport, West Virginia
Bridgeport
Fit Score: 81.61

Bridgeport, WV

Population 8,681
Exercise Opportunities 730
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 40
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.36
Smoking 200
Frequent Physical Distress 15
Poor Physical Health Days 5
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

9
Teays Valley, West Virginia
Teays Valle.
Fit Score: 80.89

Teays Valley, WV

Population 13,805
Exercise Opportunities 620
Physical Inactivity 240
Access to Healthy Food 60
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.61
Smoking 180
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.5
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 140
Frequent Mental Distress 14

10
Cross Lanes, West Virginia
Cross Lanes
Fit Score: 80.77

Cross Lanes, WV

Population 9,835
Exercise Opportunities 730
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.64
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.6
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

11
Oak Hill, West Virginia
Oak Hill
Fit Score: 80.49

Oak Hill, WV

Population 8,218
Exercise Opportunities 620
Physical Inactivity 310
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 400
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.29
Smoking 270
Frequent Physical Distress 16
Poor Physical Health Days 5.1
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 110
Frequent Mental Distress 16

12
South Charleston, West Virginia
South Charl.
Fit Score: 80.38

South Charleston, WV

Population 12,240
Exercise Opportunities 730
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.64
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.6
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

13
St. Albans, West Virginia
St. Albans
Fit Score: 80.3

St. Albans, WV

Population 10,069
Exercise Opportunities 730
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.64
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.6
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

14
Buckhannon, West Virginia
Buckhannon
Fit Score: 80.25

Buckhannon, WV

Population 5,493
Exercise Opportunities 640
Physical Inactivity 250
Access to Healthy Food 30
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.12
Smoking 220
Frequent Physical Distress 15
Poor Physical Health Days 5.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

15
Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston
Fit Score: 80.2

Charleston, WV

Population 47,215
Exercise Opportunities 730
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.64
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.6
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

16
Nitro, West Virginia
Nitro
Fit Score: 80.13

Nitro, WV

Population 6,462
Exercise Opportunities 730
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.64
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.6
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

17
Dunbar, West Virginia
Dunbar
Fit Score: 80.07

Dunbar, WV

Population 7,205
Exercise Opportunities 730
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.64
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.6
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

18
Clarksburg, West Virginia
Clarksburg
Fit Score: 80.04

Clarksburg, WV

Population 15,480
Exercise Opportunities 730
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 40
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.36
Smoking 200
Frequent Physical Distress 15
Poor Physical Health Days 5
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

19
Hurricane, West Virginia
Hurricane
Fit Score: 79.97

Hurricane, WV

Population 6,506
Exercise Opportunities 620
Physical Inactivity 240
Access to Healthy Food 60
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.61
Smoking 180
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.5
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 140
Frequent Mental Distress 14

20
Vienna, West Virginia
Vienna
Fit Score: 79.86

Vienna, WV

Population 10,230
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 260
Access to Healthy Food 70
Obesity 370
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.71
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 15
Poor Physical Health Days 4.9
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 14

21
Grafton, West Virginia
Grafton
Fit Score: 79.71

Grafton, WV

Population 5,040
Exercise Opportunities 440
Physical Inactivity 290
Access to Healthy Food 10
Obesity 370
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.29
Smoking 220
Frequent Physical Distress 15
Poor Physical Health Days 5.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 15

22
Wheeling, West Virginia
Wheeling
Fit Score: 79.59

Wheeling, WV

Population 26,771
Exercise Opportunities 750
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 400
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.82
Smoking 220
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.9
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

23
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Parkersburg
Fit Score: 79.52

Parkersburg, WV

Population 29,675
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 260
Access to Healthy Food 70
Obesity 370
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.71
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 15
Poor Physical Health Days 4.9
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 14

24
Moundsville, West Virginia
Moundsville
Fit Score: 79.19

Moundsville, WV

Population 8,401
Exercise Opportunities 750
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 400
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.82
Smoking 220
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.9
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

25
Fairmont, West Virginia
Fairmont
Fit Score: 78.88

Fairmont, WV

Population 18,411
Exercise Opportunities 560
Physical Inactivity 250
Access to Healthy Food 50
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.5
Smoking 260
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.7
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 14

26
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Martinsburg
Fit Score: 78.21

Martinsburg, WV

Population 17,465
Exercise Opportunities 440
Physical Inactivity 280
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 350
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.4
Smoking 230
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.9
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

27
New Martinsville, West Virginia
New Martins.
Fit Score: 78.19

New Martinsville, WV

Population 5,141
Exercise Opportunities 570
Physical Inactivity 290
Access to Healthy Food 200
Obesity 370
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.68
Smoking 240
Frequent Physical Distress 15
Poor Physical Health Days 5.1
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 16

28
Cheat Lake, West Virginia
Cheat Lake
Fit Score: 76.9

Cheat Lake, WV

Population 9,540
Exercise Opportunities 850
Physical Inactivity 210
Access to Healthy Food 70
Obesity 300
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.4
Smoking 200
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.7
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 180
Frequent Mental Distress 14

29
Charles Town, West Virginia
Charles Tow.
Fit Score: 76.46

Charles Town, WV

Population 6,064
Exercise Opportunities 550
Physical Inactivity 220
Access to Healthy Food 10
Obesity 350
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.36
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.4
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 160
Frequent Mental Distress 13

30
Brookhaven, West Virginia
Brookhaven
Fit Score: 76.12

Brookhaven, WV

Population 5,467
Exercise Opportunities 850
Physical Inactivity 210
Access to Healthy Food 70
Obesity 300
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.4
Smoking 200
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.7
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 180
Frequent Mental Distress 14

31
Ranson, West Virginia
Ranson
Fit Score: 75.5

Ranson, WV

Population 5,182
Exercise Opportunities 550
Physical Inactivity 220
Access to Healthy Food 10
Obesity 350
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.36
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.4
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 160
Frequent Mental Distress 13

32
Morgantown, West Virginia
Morgantown
Fit Score: 75.07

Morgantown, WV

Population 30,955
Exercise Opportunities 850
Physical Inactivity 210
Access to Healthy Food 70
Obesity 300
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.4
Smoking 200
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.7
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 180
Frequent Mental Distress 14

How Did We Determine the Top Cities for Fit Lifestyles?

We compiled our list of Best Cities for for Fit Lifestyle by looking at 11 key metrics backed by scientific research. Keep reading to find out which metrics we chose and how they affect slumber.