History and community in West Virginia's state capital
The capital city of Charleston is bisected by the Kanawha River and anchored by the golden dome of the state’s capitol building. The city is also West Virginia’s most populated city, bolstered by the heavy presence of healthcare, manufacturing and government jobs. “Charleston is a beautiful city with an older historical feel, but still has modern amenities,” says Lisa Eden, a local agent with Old Colony Realtors “When I ask my clients why they want to move here, they tell me it’s the welcoming feel they experienced while traveling through the area that made them want to call the city home.”
The West Virginia State Captiol encompases a large part of the East End neighborhood.
The Charleston Area Medical Center brings many professionals to the Downtown Charleston area.
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Recreate along the Kanawha River
“The Kanawha River is a big deal for people living here,” Eden says. Residents can spend time by the water while walking the River Park Trail or visiting shoreline parks like Haddad River Front Park. She also mentions hiking as a favored activity among locals, who explore wooded trails across the city and at Kanawha State Forest, located about 5 miles south of the city. Charleston is also home to two community centers on either side of the river, which remain busy with youth sports leagues and other programming. Kidaroos Indoor Playground is another indoor recreation site, keeping little ones entertained when it's cold or rainy.
Kanawha River stretches alongside Charleston, giving locals the opportunity to go boating, kayaking, or fishing.
The North Charleston Community Center features a gym, pool, and basketball court.
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Charleston's Dirty Birds and city-wide events
Locals fill the stands of GoMart Ballpark to cheer on the Dirty Birds, the city’s professional minor league baseball team. During the holidays, the stadium transforms into Night of Lights and hosts several winter-time activities. Mid-July brings the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, the city’s anticipated five-day summer event. The festivities range from live music and a parade to wrestling matches and wiener dog races. The state’s cultural influence is detailed throughout the West Virginia State Museum, while the state’s capitol building serves as an iconic historical marker and the home of the state’s legislative branch.
Downtown Charleston is home to the Charleston Dirty Birds, who play at the GoMart Ballpark.
Vendors from all over the country come to show off their style of ribs at Rib Fest in Charleston.
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From early 1900s homes to newly built downtown condos
The median home price in Charleston is $200,000, which is about half of the national median. Early 20th-century bungalows and American Foursquares sit on the river's northern side. Suburban communities like Forest Hill and Loudon Heights were built throughout the latter half of the century and fan out from the city’s center. Homes in these parts typically sell between $150,000 and $400,000, with the exception of larger historic homes and newly built properties in subdivisions like Quarry Creek that can reach up to just over $2 million. "Investors are entering downtown and turning older buildings into apartments and condos with high-end amenities," Eden says.
Charleston homes include styles like Queen Anne, Greek Revival, Tudor Revival and bungalows.
You'll find large homes with two car garages in Charleston.
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Eat and shop local in Downtown Charleston
Local eateries line the city’s walkable downtown district, where brick-paved sidewalks also lead visitors to knick-knack shops and small boutiques. “It’s the hub of local shopping and dining in the city,” Eden says. Charleston Town Center’s 40-plus retailers are also situated downtown, alongside Capitol Market, a go-to spot for handmade goods and produce. “However, most people run errands west of downtown along Corridor G,” Eden says. The stretch comprises several big-box supermarkets and a handful of retailers.
Charleston residents spend weekends shopping at the Capitol Market.
Local restaurants and cafes line the streets of downtown Charleston.
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Kanawha County Schools rank high in diversity
Kanawha County Schools serve the city and enroll roughly 24,000 students. Niche gives the district a B-minus rating and ranks it the third-most diverse school district in the state. The district’s high schools offer dual enrollment courses with nearby higher education institutions Marshall University and Pierpont Community & Technical College. High school graduates can also attend West Virginia University’s Charleston medical and dental branch campus or the private University of Charleston.
Capital High School faithfully serves the city of Charleston.
Students in Charleston can attend West Side Middle School.
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Flying out of West Virginia International Yeager Airport
Interstate 64 and State Route 119 function as Charleston’s main thoroughfares, connecting the city to surrounding cities and towns. “Traffic is occasionally bad in some areas, but you can still get from point A to point B quickly,” Eden says. Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority provide bus routes that connect riders to South Charleston and other nearby communities. For travel out of the region, locals can catch flights out of West Virginia International Yeager Airport, situated directly northeast of the city.
Charleston's crime statistics
According to FBI data, Charleston’s crime rates fall below the national average and the neighboring city of Huntington. More specifically, these statistics show the city’s property and violent crime rates continuing on an 8-year downward trend.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
