While you might not see it advertised anywhere in the city, one of Bluefield's most famous citizens is John Forbes Nash. Nash's life story was the subject of the 2001 hit film A Beautiful Mind.
Whether the city was named for the bluish hue the plethora of chicory flowers create when blooming in the summer, or because of the coal fields of the nearby Bluestone River, Bluefield is known as much for its colorful landscape as for its coal industry
While you might not see it advertised anywhere in the city, one of Bluefield's most famous citizens is John Forbes Nash. Nash's life story was the subject of the 2001 hit film A Beautiful Mind.
Whether the city was named for the bluish hue the plethora of chicory flowers create when blooming in the summer, or because of the coal fields of the nearby Bluestone River, Bluefield is known as much for its colorful landscape as for its coal industry. In fact, the coal deposits that lie underneath the city are some of the richest in the world. The city's early rapid growth in the 1800s was due mainly to the coal dug out of these deposits. A bustling city -- one of the first in the country with a true skyline and rush-hour traffic -- in the late 1800s, the city transformed itself into a slower-paced town after the Great Depression and the subsequent years as the country began to rely on other energy sources. Close to the Virginia state line in the Appalachian Mountains, Bluefield had a population of 10,447 in the 2010 census. Known as the "Summit City" due to its high elevation, Bluefield is characterized by pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. When temperatures do rise above 90 degrees in the summer, volunteers from the local Chamber of Commerce hand out free lemonade, just like they've been doing since 1938.
Trade in your car before you move if your current vehicle doesn't have what it takes to handle snow. Moving in itself can be considered treacherous without the added danger once the snow begins to fall. The view out your window will be spectacular though, that's for sure. If you plan on taking trips to the surrounding cities, be aware that Interstate 77 becomes a toll road -- the West Virginia Turnpike -- just north of the city. While coal production is still a part of the local industry, it's taken a back seat to education and healthcare as the major employers. Once you do find local employment, make sure you have proof of this when you begin looking at housing for rent. Landlords or apartment complex managers will want to see employment verification along with rental history and a credit report before they offer you a lease.
The city of Bluefield is roughly divided into four distinct neighborhoods. Each has their own draws and quirks, so be sure to research thoroughly if you can before moving in.
Simmons: Most of Bluefield is considered the Simmons neighborhood. On the north side of town along the western side of the Virginia border, Simmons is a quiet suburban enclave known for its laid-back feel. While you might not be able to rent an apartment in Bluefield here, you should find older, smaller homes for rent without too much trouble.
Midway: Just south of Simmons, Midway is a great area to score a rental thanks mostly to Bluefield State College in the lower area of the neighborhood.
Downtown: East of Midway, the downtown area is a great neighborhood if you're looking for a historic building. Many of the original high-rises built before 1930 still stand and have been converted into studio apartments. Head to Chicory Square on the first Friday of the month for free live entertainment.
South Bluefield: With views of the national forest in Virginia, South Bluefield is a favorite of nature enthusiasts. Homes rent here for a little higher than the city's average, but you'll have plenty of land to go with them.
Your first goal when you move to town should be to learn about Bluefield's history. Take the Coal Heritage Trail from Bluefield north for 97 scenic miles, and see old mansions that were once the home of mine owners. You'll also see the much more modest homes of miners and have the chance to stop and visit state parks on your way to the end of the trail in Beckley. A trip to the East River Mountain Overlook shouldn't be missed as it'll give you an amazing view of the area's mountains from the observation deck 3,500 feet up in the air. You can also explore the area on one of the hiking trails. You can enjoy nature closer to home at the Bluefield City Park throughout the year. The park is the setting for the Mountain Festival held every Memorial Day weekend. The event includes a carnival, live music, fireworks and even an antique car show. The park is transformed every winter into a Winter Wonderland during the Holiday of Lights Festival where you can drive through the park and view the light displays.
