West Jefferson is a resort town located in Ashe County, North Carolina, within the United States. Situated in the Appalachian Mountain chain, it occupies a valley between Mount Jefferson to the east and Paddy Mountain to the west. The town covers a total area of 2.1 square miles, all of which is land. It serves as a distinct municipality operating under a five-member board of aldermen, with the mayor and aldermen elected to staggered four-year terms.

The community was incorporated in 1909, with its creation primarily driven by its role as a major stop on the Norfolk and Western Railroad, also known as the Virginia Creeper. Historically, West Jefferson held the distinction of housing the only cheese factory in the southeastern United States. The town's economic foundation shifted significantly following the decline of the railroad and the loss of textile factory jobs to foreign markets, prompting a transition toward other industries.

The town features a walkable main street lined with food establishments, breweries, and local art galleries. Notable landmarks include a vintage theater, an annual festival, a caboose from a train, and a children's playground. The area has seen the development of cabins and housing by out-of-state tourists, reflecting its status as a popular destination for those seeking mountain living and recreational opportunities in the region.

West Jefferson attracts tourists and retirees from Florida, Georgia, and the lower elevations of the Carolinas. The local culture is supported by two newspapers: the Jefferson Post, which publishes twice weekly, and the Ashe Mountain Times, published once a week. Visitors are drawn to the town's mountain location and its unique commercial offerings, including a specific soda manufacturing presence that distinguishes it from other bottling franchises in the country.

The population was 1,279 at the 2020 census. The local economy includes the GE Aviation plant, which employs approximately 270 people, and West Jefferson Dr Pepper, a manufacturer known for using cane sugar in its non-diet products. The town is one of only two non-Pepsi franchises permitted to produce Mountain Dew in the United States, though it does not ship outside its contracted territory.