$313,958Average Value$263Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes For Sale
A retro riverside drag with quiet areas, popular schools and high-value homes
In the mid 20th century, Kanawha City was the place to be for local teenyboppers and college students, who would descend on the walkable area's soda fountains, record stores and bike shops every weekend. It's still very much an active locale, but nowadays, a lot of the hubbub has moved across the river to downtown Charleston. Today, Kanawha City is a bit quieter, but its business scene is still brimming, and its homes, parks and schools are still some of the region's most attractive.
Extravagant riverfront homes line Kanawha Avenue, in one of Charleston's most desirable areas.
The Kanawha City Community Center hosts tennis programs for anyone of any age.
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A central business strip with 20th Century landmarks and new chain restaurants
MacCorkle Avenue is still a concentration of numerous locally owned businesses, and while some longstanding places have closed their doors, some institutions remain, like the retro diner in Trivillian's Pharmacy and Soda Fountain. The strip has also widened offerings over the decades to include national chains. Residents go there to shop for groceries at Piggly Wiggly or further east at big box strip malls like the Shops at Kanawha. Quick bites are easy to find with dozens of chain restaurants like Cook Out and Dunkin'. Sit-down options are numerous too, whether it's something casual like Chinese food or sandwiches from M&M Mart, or a formal occasion at Rio De Grill Brazilian Steakhouse.
Locals rave about the deli service at M&M Market in Kanawha City.
Piggly Wiggly is a nearby grocery store for Kanawha City, WV, residents.
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Million-dollar riverfront homes and modest Craftsman cottages
Kanawha City has some of the highest-valued homes in the immediate vicinity of Charleston. Nevertheless, there are some investment properties for sale, and while their repairs can be costly, that is offset by an expectable price range of $50,000 to $100,000. But there are far more move-in ready options available, especially modestly sized cottages and other floorplans, which come in a wide variety of styles ranging from Tudor-style homes to Cape Cods to Craftsman bungalows. These typically sell for between $250,000 to $375,000. Larger homes are often built in a Colonial Revival style. These are typically found either directly on the Kanawha River or further back in the cloistered hollers south of Chesterfield Avenue. While their inventory is low, homes of these type typically sell for between $1.4 and $2 million. "That area is actually pretty convenient," says Realtor Lisa Eden of Old Colony Realtors. "You do end up going into the outskirts and you'll think, 'Gosh, I didn't even know this was here,' but you're still really only minutes from the main road."
Kanawha City boasts some of the highest-valued homes in the immediate Charleston area.
Residential neighborhoods in Kanawha City, WV, are nestled along the Kanawha River.
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Hunting and fishing in Kanawha State Forest
Of all the parks nearby, the Kanawha City Community Center reigns supreme, no doubt thanks to its many fixtures, which include numerous athletic fields and sports courts, plus an indoor weight room and gymnasium for basketball. Not to mention there is an indoor tennis center directly across the street, providing an overflow of hard-surface courts. If the community center's pool is too busy, then the Greenbrier Pool offers an alternative less than 2 miles east. Up 35th Street, anchored vessels at the Charleston Boat Club gently rock beneath a bridge overhead. Heading 6 miles in the other direction leads to Kanawha State Forest, a revered hiking, hunting and creek fishing spot spanning 9,300 acres.
The Kanawha City Community Center provides its residents with a fitness center and more.
Enjoy the nature at Kanawha State Forest, where you can also fish along the creek.
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Artsy students choose Capital High School
Students in the western half of Kanawha City begin at Kanawha City Elementary, rated B-minus by Niche, while students in the eastern half attend Chamberlain Elementary, also rated B-minus. After that, they age up to Horace Mann Middle School, rated B. Then students attend Capital High School, rated B-minus, which is particularly known for its fine arts program that includes show choir and dance classes. Some sporty high schoolers make use of the district's open enrollment program. "Capital High School is more for kids who are geared towards the arts. South Charleston, which is another well-known school, is more for the sports-oriented type of kids. Both are very good," Eden says.
Kanawha City Elementary School has approximately 242 students.
Capital High School in Charleston, WV, serves approximately 1,042 students in grades 9 through 12.
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Traffic slowdowns around hospitals, colleges and shopping centers
Traffic can move a bit slow on MacCorkle Avenue during peak hours. Bus routes offer an alternative way to driving. Generally, the strip's western end is the busiest because of the University of Charleston and the Charleston Area Medical Center's Memorial Hospital. In the east, it's also busy with shoppers exiting Interstate 64.
Neighbors help clean each other's streets and attics
Residents frequently cross paths at street cleanup days and dedication ceremonies for new murals. These events are organized by the Kanawha City Community Association, which also hosts a biannual yard sale in the spring and fall, where residents catch up while perusing each other's dust collectors. Churches are also a crucial thread of the community fabric. Saint Agnes Catholic Church is one of the largest congregations in Kanawha City and hosts an annual parish picnic in addition to regular services.
High risk of flooding south of MacCorkle Avenue
According to FEMA's National Flood Hazard Map, homes north of MacCorkle Avenue are in a flood zone while most of the rest of the city avoids flood zone designation. Some areas north of MacCorkle Avenue are at higher risk of flooding than others, especially properties directly on the Kanawha River and its tributaries that cut through Kanawha City, like Lower Donnally Branch.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Crystal Reeves-Paynter,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Kanawha City Comnunity Center
Kanawha State Forest
Kanawha City Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kanawha City, Charleston sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Kanawha City, Charleston over the last 12 months is $308,080, down 81% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Two story tradition home with first floor family room and full bath. It could be used as 4th bedroom. Hardwood floor, wonderful covered deck that acts as addition space with gas heater and TV. Screened in the summer, semi enclosed during colder months. 2 1/2 car garage. Move in condition, this one won't last.
Prime 8 Acre Development Opportunity in the Kanawha Valley. Vacant land tract with 400 ft road frontage in a high-growth corridor of Charleston. Ideally located just minutes from Yeager Airport, I-77, I-64, and downtown, this property offers outstanding visibility, accessibility, and development potential. Currently zoned residential (R-6), but well-positioned for commercial or mixed-use
Kanawha City -- Beautiful newly remodeled 2nd floor apartment conveniently located in the heart of Kanawha City. This apartment is only minutes from CAMC Memorial Hospital and only a short 5-7 minute drive to CAMC General Hospital and beautiful, vibrant and historic downtown Charleston. The apartment also boasts an adorable coffee shop (The Daily Dose) on the premises where you can grab a quick
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Crystal Reeves-Paynter,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
7,974
Median Age
44
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$81,107
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$109,508
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.5%
College Graduates
51.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.9%
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
