New Martinsville is featured on the cover of the most recent edition of WV LIVING Magazine.

The edition is full of the best of West Virginia and New Martinsville is on the list. WV LIVING Magazine readers nominated and testified earlier this year to why their hometown deserved the title of West Virginia’s best. Eight towns in eight regions were ultimately selected as winners of the inaugural competition.

Winners in each region are: New Martinsville (Northern Panhandle); Elkins (Potomac Highlands); Buckhannon (Mountain Lakes); Bridgeport (North Central); Barboursville (Metro); Lewisburg (Southern); Spencer (Mid-Ohio Valley); and Shepherdstown (Eastern Panhandle).

What truly makes a town desirable? The magazine reviewed reader testimonies, cost of living, crime, education, and amenities to gauge each town’s winning attributes.

It doesn’t come as a surprise that New Martinsville was voted a fan favorite.

“New Martinsville has it figured out,” said Nikki Bowman, WV LIVING Magazine editor in chief. “The people are passionate, creative, and determined. What we loved most about New Martinsville is it is big on giving back and its commitment to health. We were impressed with charities, like Bags of Bounty, that give local elementary school children bags of food to ensure they have good things to eat over the weekend. Amazing!”

WV LIVING Magazine further cited history, art, and the Ohio River as a few reasons why New Martinsville is great and lives up to the phrase “best kept secret”.

During the course of several months, WV LIVING Magazine’s staff traveled to each contending community and quickly realized a few key things.

“All of our winners have thriving arts communities, proving that art, music, and culture play an important role in building better towns. Outdoor recreation is prevalent and residents spend a good bit of time outside. Crime is low, and, for the most part, the cost of living is below the national standards. All have charming main streets that serve as a hub for shopping and dining, and plentiful parking,” Bowman said.

The eight winning towns are featured in the current issue of WV LIVING Magazine and online at wvliving.com.

“There is something special about each of our winners, but what we took away from all the entries this year is that it’s our small towns that make our state special,” Bowman said.

WV LIVING is available on newsstands around the state and by purchasing it online at wvliving.com/store..