Why West Virginia? - Ascend : Ascend

Azfar Rizvi

Having traveled across four continents as an award-winning journalist, the fact that the Greenbrier Valley provided Afar with many of his ‘firsts’ is not something he takes for granted. “Just this past year, I cooked and served butter chicken to over 300 West Virginians for the first time. I spoke about Al and Ethics at a local church. I jumped off a cliff into the Greenbrier River. I bought my first kayak. I walked into my first waterfall.”

Azfar is currently leading the Chatbot Artificial Intelligence team at ADP, a gig that keeps him busy. He’s currently lining up investments to open a fusion restaurant in Lewisburg and is writing and producing films for several local organizations and businesses.

From: New York, NY

Industry: Video Production, Filmmaking, Artificial Intelligence

Alden Roth

Alden Roth grew up in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, before moving to Pittsburgh.

For the past ten years, Alden has been looking for a way to move back to his home state and explore the wild mountains, forests, and rivers it offers. Now that he’s once again living in the Eastern Panhandle, he’s eying up a sub-24-hour finish at West Virginia’s Rim to River 100-mile race in the New River Gorge National Park, planning various fastpacking and bike-packing routes and is excited to spend as many nights out under the stars as he can. When he’s not running or hiking with his dog, Luna, you can find him exploring a swimming hole, biking down a gravel road, or enjoying some craft beer.

From: Hollidaysburg, PA

Industry: Video Production

Jennie Smith-Peers

When Jennie moved to Morgantown, she quickly fell in love with the people who have lived here for generations. It was through Ascend that she met leaders of Morgantown’s Board of Parks and Recreations CommissIoners (BOPARC), who are helping her develop a first-of-its-kind multi-disciplinary arts program for people living with early memory loss and Parkinson’s Disease at the Wiles Hill Community Center. She hopes this will be the start of a long-term partnership that will positively impact older adults and those living with various cognitive challenges throughout the community.

From: Washington, D.C.

Industry: Non-Profit Sector

Business is Booming

Protected by Right to Work legislation and emboldened by a pro-business climate, businesses in West Virginia are thriving. This tremendous collaboration between Governor Justice, the state Legislature and Higher Education will create lasting impacts for generations to come.

Major Companies Are Moving to West Virginia

Discover a few of the many businesses making investments in West Virginia – thanks to the state’s business-friendly environment.

New River Gorge

A destination that’s loved by avid nature enthusiasts and new explorers alike, the New River Gorge area is the perfect place to plant roots.

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Morgantown Area

The Morgantown area is the perfect place to lay down some roots, with a close connection to five major metropolitan areas.

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Greenbrier Valley

Is your planner packed with out-of-town meetings and work travel? In the Greenbrier Valley, you can enjoy serene mountain living, while also staying close to major metropolitan areas.

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Eastern Panhandle

In the Eastern Panhandle you can stay close to the action but just far enough away to find some peace. Nearly one hour away from your mountain retreat, Washington D.C. and Dulles International Airport are well within reach.

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Greater Elkins

Situated in the perfect location, the Greater Elkins community allows you to escape the hustle and bustle but still be close to everything you need.

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compare your cost of living in west virginia

Sources: Sperling’s Best Places Index

compared to

Washington, D.C.

New York City