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Moving to Tunnelton, West Virginia

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Tunnelton, West Virginia is a small town located in Preston County. This quaint town is situated in the Allegheny Mountains and is surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful scenery. With a population of just over 400 people, Tunnelton is an idyllic retreat for those looking for a peaceful getaway.

The history of Tunnelton dates back to the 1800s when it was first settled by European immigrants who were looking to make a new home in the Allegheny Mountains. The town was originally called “Tunnel”, due to the fact that there was a tunnel that ran through the mountainside nearby, allowing access to the area. In 1852, the name was changed to Tunnelton and officially incorporated as a town.

Today, Tunnelton remains largely unchanged from its original days as a small mountain village. The downtown area consists of several quaint shops and restaurants that offer locals and visitors alike a unique shopping experience. There are also several churches located throughout the town which provide spiritual guidance for residents.

Tunnelton offers plenty of outdoor activities for those seeking adventure or relaxation. The town’s close proximity to Cheat Lake provides excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and other water sports. There are also numerous hiking trails located around the area which allow visitors to explore some of West Virginia’s most beautiful landscapes. Additionally, nearby Monongahela National Forest provides stunning views of nature’s glory while offering numerous camping sites perfect for weekend getaways or extended stays in nature’s paradise.

In addition to its natural beauty, Tunnelton also offers plenty of cultural attractions for visitors to enjoy as well. The Preston County Historical Society hosts an annual festival which features music performances from local artists as well as traditional food items from around the county such as hot dogs and apple cider donuts. Additionally, every summer at nearby Blackwater Falls State Park there is an outdoor theater where guests can watch classic films under the stars while enjoying dinner from one of many nearby restaurants such as Grandma’s Kitchen or Red Rooster Cafe & Bakery.

For those looking for a peaceful escape into nature or simply wanting to experience small-town charm at its finest – Tunnelton is definitely worth visiting! With its beautiful scenery and friendly locals – this charming mountain village will be sure to have something special waiting just around every corner.

Population: 336. Estimated population in July 2024: 346 (+3.0% change)
Males: 167 (49.7%), Females: 169 (50.3%)

Preston County

Zip code: 26444

Demographics

Median resident age: 35.2 years
Median household income: $18,125
Median house value: $30,800

Population by Race

Races in Tunnelton:

  • White Non-Hispanic (99.4%)
  • Hispanic (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (24.1%), German (15.8%), Irish (12.5%), Polish (1.8%), Welsh (1.8%).

Elevation: 1816 feet

Land area: 0.4 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Tunnelton

  • High school or higher: 66.7%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 2.0%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 2.0%
  • Unemployed: 8.1%
  • Mean travel time to work: 36.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Tunnelton town

  • Never married: 23.7%
  • Now married: 44.7%
  • Separated: 3.9%
  • Widowed: 12.1%
  • Divorced: 15.6%

0.0% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +5 (+1.5%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Tunnelton:

  • PRESTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 7 miles; KINGWOOD, WV)
  • GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL (about 20 miles; GRAFTON, WV)
  • MONONGALIA COUNTY GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 23 miles; MORGANTOWN, WV)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Tunnelton:

  • MORGANTOWN MUNI-WALTER L. BILL HART FLD (about 20 miles; MORGANTOWN, WV; Abbreviation: MGW)
  • HARRISON/MARION REGIONAL (about 34 miles; CLARKSBURG, WV; Abbreviation: CKB)
  • ARNOLD PALMER REGIONAL (about 65 miles; LATROBE, PA; Abbreviation: LBE)

Other public-use airports nearest to Tunnelton:

  • TITUS FIELD (about 10 miles; ARTHURDALE, WV; Abbreviation: 70D)
  • ROY AIRFIELD (about 17 miles; GRAFTON, WV; Abbreviation: 71D)
  • PHILIPPI/BARBOUR COUNTY REGIONAL (about 27 miles; PHILIPPI, WV; Abbreviation: 79D)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Tunnelton:

  • WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY (about 23 miles; MORGANTOWN, WV; Full-time enrollment: 19,666)
  • FAIRMONT STATE COLLEGE (about 28 miles; FAIRMONT, WV; Full-time enrollment: 5,317)
  • CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (about 48 miles; CALIFORNIA, PA; Full-time enrollment: 5,183)
  • FROSTBURG STATE UNIVERSITY (about 59 miles; FROSTBURG, MD; Full-time enrollment: 4,672)
  • WESTMORELAND COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 60 miles; YOUNGWOOD, PA; Full-time enrollment: 3,223)
  • CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY (about 74 miles; PITTSBURGH, PA; Full-time enrollment: 7,903)
  • ART INSTITUTE PITTSBURGH (about 74 miles; PITTSBURGH, PA; Full-time enrollment: 2,246)

Public primary/middle schools in Tunnelton:

  • TUNNELTON-DENVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 212; Location: RR 2 BOX 118B; Grades: PK – 05)
  • SOUTH PRESTON MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 179; Location: ROUTE 26; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • FELLOWSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 149; Location: RR 1 BOX 265; Grades: PK – 05)

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