West Side is a convenient neighborhood with new energy and investment
West Side is a centrally located neighborhood in Charleston, offering a mix of homes, parks and small businesses. It’s just across the Elk River from Downtown Charleston, putting you a short drive away from major employers and popular attractions. The area has faced its share of struggles, but nonprofit groups and developers are working hard to make meaningful improvements to this West Virginia community. New homes have been built, and older ones have been renovated. Locally owned businesses are moving into historic buildings in the Elk City Historic District, breathing new life and excitement into the neighborhood.
Housing options include renovated historic homes and fixer-uppers
Most of what you’ll find in West Side are early-1900s homes, including bungalows, American Foursquares and National-style designs. Homes are packed tightly onto urban streets, most of which have sidewalks that add walkability. Newer homes are rare, but there are some 21st-century builds in the area. You can find renovated properties, as well as some that need a little work. Because there are fixer-uppers here, the price range typically starts in the low $10,000s and can reach the mid-$100,000s.
West Side offers a mix of residential options throughout the neighborhood.
Small cottage homes are common in the area.
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Kanawha County Schools serve neighborhood families
Students in West Side will likely be part of Kanawha County Schools. Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School is conveniently located in the neighborhood on Florida Street. Capital High School is about 7 miles away and is well-known for its award-winning performing arts program.
Edgewood Elementary School is a public school located in Charleston, West Virginia.
Westside Middle School has a student to teacher ratio of 17 to 1.
Capital High School is known for its highly rated performing arts program.
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Local stores and restaurants give you plenty of choices
West Side residents have lots of options for shopping and dining at locally owned businesses. “It’s being revitalized, the downtown area is. More businesses are moving in,” says Christina Pepper, a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Professional Realty with almost 20 years of experience. “There are some good restaurants on the West Side.” Many of these businesses are on Washington Street in the Elk City Historic District, which is known as West Side’s downtown. You can stop in Kel’s Tavern for drinks and American fare or head to Dancing Dog Ice Cream for dessert. Mea Cuppa is a cozy coffee shop, and Kin Ship Goods sells a wide range of clothing and décor. Groceries and household items are easily found at Kroger on Delaware Avenue or Walgreens on Washington Street. There are also several fast-food chains along Patrick Street.
Residents in West Side love going to The Smokehouse, which has served food since 1946.
Dancing Dog Ice Cream is an artsy spot for delicious lunch and sweets in the Elk City Historic District.
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The skate park under the highway offers room to practice your tricks.
Easy access to parks, trails and community spaces
Recreation and activities are easy to find in and around West Side. One of the highlights in all of Charleston is the Kanawha County Library. “Our new public library is state-of-the-art; it’s just beautiful,” says Margo Teeter, a Realtor at Old Colony Realtors with 30 years of experience. The library renovation added 20,000 square feet of space, including more study rooms, a larger children’s area and a new technology center. Other things to do nearby include:
Playing volleyball, exploring the playground or cooling off in the splash pad at Magic Island Park
Trying new skate tricks at the skate park underneath Interstate 64
Running, walking or biking on the paved path that follows the Kanawha River
Playing baseball or softball at the fields on Bigley Avenue
Commuters can reach key destinations in minutes
Downtown Charleston is just a 2-mile drive or bike ride from West Side, and it's home to major employers, including two hospitals. The West Virginia State Capitol is about 4 miles away via Kanawha Boulevard, and Interstate 64 passes through the neighborhood for longer drives. Public transit is another option, with buses that can take you downtown or to nearby cities.
How locals are working to enhance life in West Side
The West Virginia Community Development Hub chose West Side as one of its Accelerate communities, working with local leaders and talking with residents to learn what improvements they’d like to see. The Appalachian Regional Commission worked with Charleston Main Streets to replace neighborhood light posts, while the city is updating fire stations to improve living conditions for firefighters.
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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Side
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
West Side Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Side, Charleston sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in West Side, Charleston over the last 12 months is $82,500, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offering modern comfort and style. This charming residence features fresh, new flooring throughout, a brand new roof, and updated interior and exterior paint. Stay comfortable year-round with a new HVAC system, while enjoying the bright and inviting space. The kitchen is equipped with brand new appliances, perfect for cooking and entertaining. Relax on
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath. 1,165+/- sqft. 2024 Model Manufactured Home on a Permanent Foundation - Never Occupied. Eat-in Kitchen. Central Air & Forced Air Gas Heat. Off-Street Parking. 0.07+/- Acre Lot (as assessed). Property will be sold at public auction Wednesday, March 18th at 4PM. Online Bidding Available. Please visit Joe R. Pyle Auctions
Joe PyleJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath. 1,165+/- sqft. 2024 Model Manufactured Home on a Permanent Foundation - Never Occupied. Eat-in Kitchen. Central Air & Forced Air Gas Heat. Off-Street Parking. 0.07+/- Acre Lot (as assessed). Property will be sold at public auction Wednesday, March 18th at 4PM. Online Bidding Available. Please visit Joe R. Pyle Auctions
Joe PyleJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
Move in ready 2 story, 3 bed, 2 bath with new windows, fresh paint, Hardwood Floors throughout. Fenced yard for your pets. Big backyard. Don't pass this one by.
Mixed use property. 5 units total. 3 residential apartments (upstairs). 2 commercial units (downstairs). one commercial unit currently being uses as storage. 2 rental units occupied.
Elishua BrownBerkshire Hathaway Home Services Professional Real
2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home features original hardwood floors. The main consists of a living room, kitchen and formal dining room. Upstairs are 2-bedrooms and a full bathroom. The unfinished basement can be used for storage and also has an unfinished utility bathroom. Outdoor amenities include a covered front and rear porch to enjoy the coming spring weather. This property is eligible under the
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. This home offers approximately 1,748 square feet of living space just minutes from downtown. The property features two bedrooms with the potential for a third, one and one-half baths, a living room, dining room, kitchen, and a bright sunroom. Additional highlights include a full basement, washer and dryer hookups, central air with gas
Todd ShortJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
Home sits on a large flat lot located conveniently located on Bigley Ave. Home has little value at this time. Property is Zoned C-8 classification through the City of Charleston. Many opportunities available with this property renovate home, build townhouses or seek commercial tenant.
Location, Location, Location! Fantastic opportunity in the heart of Charleston! This 3 bed/1.5 bath, 2-story home sits on a desirable corner lot and is perfect for a home, office, or investment property. Updates include a new roof, updated baths, new stainless appliances and fresh paint, making it move-in ready. Gorgeous original hardwood floors throughout. Enjoy river views from your covered
Ben AdkinsBerkshire Hathaway Home Services Professional Real
Check out this .06-acre flat vacant lot located right along 6th Avenue on Charleston’s West Side. This small residential parcel offers great visibility and convenient access, with alleyway access at the rear of the property for added flexibility. Whether you’re looking to build a home, invest, or hold for future development, this lot presents a valuable opportunity in a well-traveled area.
Christina DiFilippoBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central
Attention First-Time Homebuyers: WV Housing has $12,000 to lend to cover closing costs & down payment. But you do have to qualify under the guidelines. Call me & I'll put you in touch with the loan officer. This 1940s gem in Luna Park could be yours. This home offers character with contemporary living. The interior was gutted to the studs & and rebuilt. Original hardwood floors & baseboards have
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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