More than one-third of Ascend members purchase homes immediately upon moving to West Virginia

Charleston, WV (9/24/2024) – Ascend West Virginia, the nation’s premier talent attraction and retention program, today announced a new Homeownership Incentive that allows current Ascend members to obtain a check in the amount of $12,000 when purchasing a home for primary residence in the Mountain State. This initiative highlights the affordability of home ownership in West Virginia and will lead to more significant economic impact as Ascend participants begin laying down roots in the Mountain State. 

“It is so great to see more people moving to our state because of the program,” said Gov. Justice. “West Virginia has become such a sought-after place to start a business, live in paradise, and raise a family, and I could not be happier about that. We have four beautiful seasons and the most amazing people on the planet. I am incredibly proud of how this program continues to succeed and introduce people to the Great State of West Virginia.”

“It’s incredible to witness the ongoing success of the Ascend WV program,” said Brad. D. Smith, Co-Founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation and President of Marshall University. “The momentum continues to grow around this program while maintaining a 97% retention rate. The Homeownership Incentive is yet another great accomplishment of this thriving program. Providing Ascenders with the opportunity to receive the $12,000 in a lump sum sets them on the path to making Almost Heaven their home. We are excited to see the positive impact this initiative has on the local economy and communities for years to come.”

Ascend members interested in opting into this accelerated payment option will have to confirm West Virginia residency through the purchase of an owner-occupied home as well as attend Ascend events. Members will also have the option to be granted 24 equal monthly payments of $500 throughout two years should they choose. 

“Remote workers have the opportunity to choose where they live based on quality of life factors,” says Danny Twilley, Assistant Vice President for Outdoor, Community, and Asset Development at West Virginia University. “We are finding that the primary reasons remote workers are choosing West Virginia are outdoor recreation access, friendly communities, and affordable home ownership. Many are choosing to buy their first home and put down roots here, because they’ve found a place to belong. We believe this new approach will continue to build on this momentum.”

At this time, 41% of Ascend members have purchased homes.  Seven percent of Ascenders who started out renting have later purchased a home within their first two years of being in West Virginia, this varies by area and availability. Some communities are already seeing more than half of Ascend participants as home buyers and these numbers are expected to increase significantly as a result of the new incentive. 

“The Ascend program continues to grow by leaps and bounds and granting these once-in-a-life-time opportunities is a testament to the increased interest and excitement around West Virginia,” said West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “This new incentive helps make it easier for new residents to put down roots in our friendly communities and great state. I’m looking forward to all of the Ascenders who will call Almost Heaven their home.” 

About Ascend West Virginia 

When Ascend West Virginia launched in 2021, the program was immediately met with global attention and has now garnered more than 55,000 applications from remote workers longing for a life of natural beauty and outdoor adventure in West Virginia. Since then, the program has welcomed over 400 new residents hailing from 44 states and seven countries and is on pace to have 1,000 remote workers as members of this exceptional cohort within the next three years.

Ascend WV is a flagship program of West Virginia University’s Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative. Ascend WV carries out WVU’s land-grant mission by advancing the state’s economy and enhancing quality of life through talent attraction and retention. By supporting remote workers who choose to live, work, and play in West Virginia, Ascend WV is creating a flywheel effect that is positively affecting communities and people across the state.

Ascend WV continues to receive national recognition from top-tier publications such as Travel+Leisure, Outside, USA Today, Forbes, CNN Business, the TODAY show and more, all of which echo the rich opportunities and one-of-a-kind experiences made possible by this program.

Ascend WV currently spans five regions of the state, each of which offer a unique setting to appeal to remote workers:

• Greenbrier Valley: Laid-back living along the idyllic Greenbrier River–and home to 203 mountain bike trails, 2,325 climbing routes, 138 paddling runs, and a booming arts scene.
• Morgantown Area: Lively college town brimming with culture, innovation and plenty of space to roam–boasting 94 paddling runs, nearly 200 mountain bike trails, and 1,400 climbing routes.
• Eastern Panhandle: Historic small towns with great proximity to the nation’s capital–197 mountain bike trails, 1684 climbing routes, 90 paddling runs coupled with an elevated, bustling arts and culture, new development and hearty adventure along the Appalachian Trail.
• Greater Elkins: Small-town charm, music, and outdoor recreation meet here and provide a place to escape the hustle and bustle. Discover 176 mountain bike trails, 626 climbing routes, 123 paddling runs, WV’s highest mountains, world-class fishing, the Monongahela National Forest and more.
• New River Gorge: A community that’s loved by avid nature enthusiasts and new explorers alike, the New River Gorge area is a perfect place to plant roots––with 142 mountain bike trails, 1693 climbing routes and 111 paddling runs on the New and Gauley Rivers. This booming area was rated one of the coolest small towns in America because of its array of local restaurants, scenic surrounding mountains and recreational activities.

Click here to learn more and begin your ascent. To access the media kit, click here.

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