Virginia, state of the south-central United States. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean (E), North Carolina and Tennessee (S), Kentucky and West Virginia (W), and Maryland and the District of Columbia (N and NE). Virginia has an economy that is highly diversified. Agriculture, once its mainstay, now follows other sectors in employment and income generation. Tobacco, Virginia's traditional staple, is still the leading crop, and grains, corn, soybeans, peanuts, sweet potatoes, cotton, and apples (especially in the Shenandoah Valley) are all important. Wine production is also important; but the major sources of agricultural income are now poultry, dairy goods, and cattle, raised especially in the Valley of Virginia. The coastal fisheries are large, bringing in especially shellfish—largely oysters and crabs. Virginia (named for Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen) at first included in its lands the whole vast area of North America not held by the Spanish or French. The colony on Roanoke Island, organized by Sir Walter Raleigh, failed, but the English soon made another attempt slightly farther north. In 1606 James I granted a charter to the London Company (better known later as the Virginia Company), a group of merchants lured by the thought of easy profits in mining and trade. The company sent three ships and 144 men under captains Christopher Newport, Bartholomew Gosnold, and John Ratcliffe to establish a base, and the tiny force entered Chesapeake Bay in Apr., 1607. On a peninsula in the James River they founded (May 13, 1607) the first permanent English settlement in America, which they called Jamestown. It soon became clear that the company's original plans were unrealistic, and the Jamestown settlers began a long and unexpected struggle to live off the land.

The economy of West Virginia is one of the most fragile of any of the states. It is the third lowest in per capita income and ranks last in median household income. Coal is a major resource in West Virginia. Discover the affordable West Virginia apartments.

West Virginia is known for its great natural beauty. It is known as The Mountain State since it is located entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range. West Virginians refer to their state as Almost Heaven so enjoy the beauty of West Virginia by renting an apartment or buying a home.

Skiing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing and hunting are popular outdoor sports. The state also has two tourist scenic railroads. The Greenbrier hotel and resort built in 1778 continues to be a premier hotel that draws world leaders. Tourists enjoy the New River Gorge Bridge and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. West Virginia has a heritage of Appalachian folk music. The mountains of West Virginia offer beautiful vistas and also offer a wide array of housing and apartment rentals.

West Virginia University has produced 25 Rhodes Scholars, and it has a nationally recognized forensic science program. The University also has received national recognition for its engineering programs. The University is split into three campuses and has a personal rapid transit system used to shuttle students between campuses. Students can find affordable housing and apartment rentals in West Virginia.