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
Are you familiar with the West Side neighborhood?
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 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in West Side, Charleston over the last 12 months is $97,027, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Just seconds from Downtown Charleston, this charming 2-story home offers the perfect blend of character and convenience! Inside, you'll find an updated kitchen, a spacious living room and formal dining room, plus a full bathroom on the main level. Upstairs features three comfortable bedrooms and an additional full bath. Filled with original charm and move-in ready, this home provides the perfect
Perfect small building lot for a home! This lot is also great for garage storage or equipment storage. Convenient location! Not in a flood zone per the WV Flood Map! All utilities available!
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. 2 Bedroom, 1 1/2 Bath in Each Unit. 2304+/-SF. Built in 1930. Public Utilities. Property will be sold by public auction ending Tuesday, August 25th at NOON. Online Bidding Available. Please visit Joe R. Pyle Auctions website for information on how to bid. Auction held at the Kanawha Co. Courthouse.
Kristina WolskiJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
New Construction located within walking distance to the Boulevard and Patrick St. Never Lived In One-story manufactured home on a Solid Perimeter Foundation containing Three Bedrooms and Two Bathrooms.
Welcome to 1614 Bigley Avenue, a conveniently located 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. Relax on the inviting front porch. Step inside to a spacious living room with built-in bookcases surrounding a fireplace. This room is open to a dining area, making the front room area 30' long for entertaining guests. Updated kitchen includes newer stainless-steel appliances; ceramic floor and a modern farmhouse
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch-style home; approximately 812 sq. ft.; built in 1920. Gas heat, central air, public water, and public sewer. Rental and Tax Information: Currently rented for $750/month. 2025 taxes are $615.94. Property will be sold by public auction ending Thursday, August 20th at 7PM. Online Bidding Only. Please visit Joe R. Pyle
Keith HareJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. 4 bedroom/1.5 bathroom. 1,550+/- SF. Built 1920. 0.03+/- Acres (as assessed). Covered Front porch. Public water and sewer. Easy access to city transportation. Corner lot. Property will be sold at public auction Thursday, September 3rd at 7PM. Online Bidding Only.
Keith HareJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
step into this well kept Charleston home featuring a large front porch and spacious fenced yard. The interior boast 2 bedrooms on the main level to go along with a spacious living room and kitchen. The master bedroom offers an open space with a half bath attached. Great opportunity for first time home owners or investors!
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. Vacant corner lot. Approximately 0.05+/- acres (as assessed). 2025 Taxes $79.16. Property will be sold at public auction Monday, August 3rd at 6PM. Online Bidding Only. Please visit Joe R. Pyle Auctions website for information on how to bid.
Keith HareJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
Spacious 3 bedroom, 1 and 1/2 bath, two story home, with hardwood floors in all rooms except kitchen and bathrooms. Covered front and back porches, as well as a full unfinished basement. Continue to use as an investment porperty or make it your home. Tenant occupied. Must give 24-48 hrs notice to show. Sold As-Is.
Investor Special! Bring your vision to this spacious all-brick 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offering tremendous renovation potential. Situated on a large lot in a convenient West Side Charleston location, the property is within walking distance of public transportation, shopping, dining, andother everyday amenities. The full basement, not included in the finished square footage, offers excellent
Ben AdkinsBerkshire Hathaway Home Services Professional Real
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. Duplex sizes are approximately 1,420+/- SF and 1,360+/- SF. One 2-bedroom, 1-bath main-floor apartment rented for $800/month. One 1-bedroom, 1-bath upstairs apartment, currently vacant. Two 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartments; one is rented for $625/month and the other is currently vacant. Property will be sold at public auction Monday, August
Keith HareJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
Welcome to Washington Greene, a charming midrise community nestled in the heart of Charleston, WV. Our affordable two-bedroom apartments offer a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, with amenities designed to make life easier. Enjoy the nearby walking trail and park or take advantage of the nearby public transportation for easy access to everything Charleston has to offer. Our community
Garages with remote - Extra storage room - Washer & Dryer included in apartmentLuna Apartments in Historic Luna ParkPlease call published number before a viewing will be scheduled. Great location on the flats of Charleston. Professional building....the other 3 units are occupied by lawyers. If you are looking for a well appointed open floor plan, then you need to
Large four bedroom home in Charleston. Home is freshly painted, new carpet, and lots of updates. Home has hardwood floors in the main living area. Washer/dryer hook ups and street parking. Non smoking. This home is not pet friendly
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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.
