An Expat Talks about Living in Clarksburg, West Virginia

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Clarksburg

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

Well...this is a tough area for newcomers since there isn't really a lot of development right now, but here are some thoughts. This is a very religious area... it would probably be pretty easy to meet someone at your house of worship of choice. The YMCA is another great place to go... truly a hub in the community...offers activities other than just exercise. Lastly, there are a few theatre groups locally that might be worth looking into. Most of the people who are born here stay here and yes, they can be tough on the new kids on the block!

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

Clarksburg is a fairly diverse place, but you would never know it! Religiously speaking, almost everyone goes to some sort of church. Yes, there are religions minorities here like Jews and Muslims, but you need to travel to larger locales to find places of worship. Racially...this area is dominated by white families and yes, discrimination against blacks is rampant! You have to realize that many of the people here are from low-income families and they've never gone past the fifth grade in school. Economically you've got two classes...rich and poor! There's no middle class around here! One group of people have all the money and they're going to hold onto it...they don't even donate money because they're afraid for their future. And yes, they look down upon the less fortunate...only helping out around the holidays, etc. Culturally...you've got a lot of Italians and a few other groups sprinkled throughout. The wealthy families in this town are all of Italian ancestry...it's just the way it is. No one ever questions that either!

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Career opportunities are limited as well due to the struggling economy. Many people work for the FBI Center in Clarksburg...it's the bureau's fingerprint identification division, but the people transplanted from DC try not to stay here too long. The locals serve as techs...while the higher-ups are generally from larger cities. Another big employer is Dominion Resources...a gas company...as well as telephone giant Verizon! The local governments also employ a wide variety of people as well. A lot of the jobs around here are based on "who you know." This is a small community and nepotism is in full swing. If you know someone on the other side, you're usually going to get the slot. Real small town atmosphere. I can't neglect the aerospace industry here! A number of companies have taken up residence at the local airport because there are so few flights! Can't forget about retail either!

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

A major priority right now for a lot of people is development. Progress is a relative term around here...some people think progress means introducing new business, renovating downtown areas, etc...but truth be told progress for many people is simply maintaining the status quo. This area has been hurt by so many factory closures over the years and local officials have never been able to reinvent themselves! They get stuck in a rut and never move forward. Plus, the people who run the city now have been running it for years...Clarksburg is known for its corrupt government. Education is important as well...but I would refer to my previous comments. Advanced schooling here is probably closer to basic studies in more affluent areas. The students don't come out of this area prepared for the world....they're prepared to deal with West Virginia and its backward ways. School is also a place for parents to congragate in addition to children. Sports are huge around here...since there isn't that much to do socially down here...sporting events are a saving grace at night! They are usually packed! Boys sports get lots of attention...girls sports don't draw quite the crowd. And of course, church is pretty important! A very religious area! Lots of different Christian-based faiths. I would say the two largest groups are the Catholics and the Methodists...this is a largely Italian area!

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

I would tell them not to expect a whole lot in terms of progress because this area has hit some hard times. The people here are very nice...I must give tham that, but this is a small town atmosphere that prides itself on the number of families that have never seen the world. In fact, Clarksburg's neighbor Bridgeport is home to most of the out-of-towners. And there is an interesting dynamic there...people from Clarkburg hate Bridgeport and vice cersa.