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.
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West Side Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Side, Charleston sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in West Side, Charleston over the last 12 months is $84,000, consistent with 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!
A rare opportunity to own a six-unit riverfront investment property in Charleston, WV, offering scenic Kanawha River views and an exceptional location just a short walk from downtown. Located on Kanawha Boulevard, this approximately 4,000 SF property features six one-bedroom, one-bath units, With current rental income of $3,880 per month and an estimated NOI of $41,115 annually, the property
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.
PRICE IMPROVEMENT: $20,000 Reduction!! 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, perfect for entertaining guests. Updated kitchen includes newer stainless-steel
Conveniently located just minutes from shopping, dining, schools, and everyday amenities, thishome offers a combination of charm and convenience. Inside, you’ll find beautiful hardwoodfloors, crown molding, and built-in bookshelves that add character throughout. Outside, enjoythe added convenience of off-street parking and alley access. With timeless details and alocation that
Alanie FlanaganBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central
The property is located on the east side of Delaware Avenue, just north of Kanawha Boulevard on the near West Side. It is improved with a two-story apartment building constructed in early 1900's. The building houses 4 one bed/one bath units that have undergone periodic renovations and have been proactively maintained. Historical information exhibits strong occupancy averaging 98% per year. All
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. 1,064+/- Sq Ft Home- 2 Beds, 1 Bath. 0.06+/- Acre Corner Lot (as assessed). Public Utilities. Property will be sold by public auction ending Wednesday, October 14th at 7PM. Online bidding only. Please visit Joe R. Pyle Auctions website for information on how to bid.
Taylor RamseyJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
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
Exceptional multi-family investment opportunity in Charleston featuring a 55-unit garden-style apartment complex along with 7 single-family homes. This diverse portfolio offers strong in-place income with a healthy NOI. The property provides a unique blend of unit types, appealing to a wide tenant base and helping reduce vacancy risk. The garden-style apartments offer efficient layouts and
Megan Callaghan BaileyBerkshire Hathaway Home Services Professional Real
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
Charleston's Best Super Convenient 2 Bedroom & 1.5 Bathroom (Unit 11A) with Nice Closet Space, Lots of Natural Light, White Oak Floors, Separate Dining with Pantry, New Smart Appliances, Full Basement with New Washer & Dryer. New HVAC. Private Garage. 1/2 block to Magic Island. Fitness Along Beautiful Kanawha Boulevard. Top business and entertainment venue Charleston Coliseum and Convention
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
Available Mid September 2026!HUD AcceptedRoomy 2 bedroom apartment on Charleston's East End. Street parking as well as private parking area behind building with back door access to unit.Totally remodeled and updated kitchen with brand new cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. Laminate flooring and modern grey walls throughout.Clean and spacious.No smoking of any kind
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