Gary, WV

Set along the Tug Fork River in McDowell County, Gary is a small, quiet community in southern West Virginia. Home to around 750 residents, the town was formed by bringing together several historic coal settlements along the hollow, including Wilcoe, Thorpe, and Filbert. The area is surrounded by steep, wooded mountains, giving the whole valley a calm, secluded atmosphere.

ATTRLewis Wickes Hine (1874-1940) / Public domain

Gary was built in the early 1900s as a major mining center for U.S. Steel, eventually growing into one of the largest coal operations in the state. Thousands of families once lived and worked throughout the hollow, creating close neighborhoods that supported schools, churches, and local stores. While those boom years are in the past, that history is still easy to see in the valley's layout, old company-built homes, and the rail line that still runs through town.

Today, Gary offers very affordable housing and a slow-paced, rural lifestyle. Neighbors know each other well, and outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the surrounding hills for hunting, fishing, and riding nearby ATV trail networks. While residents head to neighboring Welch for larger shopping trips and healthcare, ongoing utility and water system upgrades continue to improve local infrastructure, making Gary a fitting choice for anyone looking for low-cost living in a peaceful mountain setting.