$198,127Average Value$49Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Big Chimney blends quiet hillside living with easy commutes
Set in the hills on the banks of the Elk River, Big Chimney is a quiet community that offers countryside living just minutes from Charleston. The area features older properties from the mid- to late-20th century, often at a lower cost than the nearby city. For a small neighborhood, plenty of shopping and dining are close by, including a supermarket, a hardware store and a popular barbecue shack. U.S. Route 119 offers a quick trip to Charleston, and Interstate 79 is also nearby, making it easy to commute throughout West Virginia.
Modest homes on hilly lots in Big Chimney
Ranch-style homes, cottages, bungalows and other modest styles make up the community, often on small gravel roads lined with dense trees. The median lot size is around a quarter-acre, and you'll see plenty of trampolines, playgrounds or above-ground pools in the yards. The hilly landscape offers views of the surrounding hills and valleys from homes at higher elevations. As for prices, you should expect to pay between the lower $70,000s and the lower $300,000s, often depending on the home's condition.
This newer Big Chimney home is fashioned after a Colonial Revival style.
Split-level homes are common among the area's homes.
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Kanawha County Schools offer modern campuses and flexibility
Students in Big Chimney are served by Kanawha County Schools, which includes the nearby Herbert Hoover High School. "It's a smaller school system, so people like that," says Lisa Eden, a Realtor at Old Colony Realtors with 30 years of experience. "That high school is state-of-the-art." The school opened during the 2023-24 school year after the previous building was destroyed by floods in 2016. Students can study career courses in business or cabinetry and participate in the award-winning marching band and show choir. The district also offers magnet programs, and West Virginia allows open enrollment with out-of-district transfers.
Students can attend the relatively new Herbert Hoover High School.
Elkview Middle School provides a great learning environment for students in Big Chimney.
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Where to shop and eat in this countryside community
Despite being a rural community, Big Chimney has a good mix of shopping and dining. Some spots you can visit include:
Rollin' Smoke BBQ, a casual shack serving smoked meats with views of the Elk River
Big Chimney Market, a locally owned full-service grocery store
Green's Supply Depot, a locally owned Ace Hardware store
Master Crafters Gift & Primitives Shoppe, a boutique selling souvenirs and home décor
The community also has essentials like a Walgreens and a gas station.
Locals can stop in for lunch at Rollin' Smoke BBQ.
Rollin' Smoke BBQ is a favorite in the Big Chimney area.
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Public transportation is readily available in the Big Chimney area.
A short drive connects residents to Charleston
Quick commutes are one of the biggest perks of Big Chimney. "It's a nice community. It's a little more rural than being right in Charleston, but you're only 10 minutes from Charleston, so it is convenient," Eden says. Downtown Charleston is just 9 miles away and reachable by I-79 or Highway 119, a drive that typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. A bus route also takes riders into Charleston from a stop at the intersection of Highway 119 and Big Chimney Boulevard.
What internet and cell service are like in the area
Big Chimney is well-connected for a rural community. Here are some things to know about the area's utilities:
The majority of homes have reliable internet access with gigabit speeds.
Fiber, cable and satellite options are all available.
Three major cell phone carriers have coverage in the area.
The proximity to the Elk River poses a flood risk for some homes in Big Chimney.
Flood zones and emergency preparedness near the river
With the Elk River nearby, many properties are in flood zones and require insurance. Even if you're not in a flood zone, it's important to be prepared, as flash flooding can happen quickly in the area. Kanawha County has resources on how to prepare for emergencies and offers an app that alerts users in case of flooding.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Photography Contributed By
Mark Chenoweth
Video By
Alex Jacobsen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Peggy White,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Big Chimney, WV sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Big Chimney, WV over the last 12 months is $196,250.
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Christina DiFilippoBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central
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Christina DiFilippoBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central
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