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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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 76 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 $82,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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.
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
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 1,552 sq ft of inviting living space. This residence features a comfortable layout with bright living areas and a welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen offers ample cabinet space and flows well for daily living. Enjoy a manageable yard perfect for relaxing or outdoor use. Conveniently located near local amenities, shopping, and dining. Property sold AS-IS
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
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. Four-unit apartment building with excellent income potential conveniently located just minutes from downtown Charleston. This property features four 2-bedroom, 1-bath units and offers classic charm with functional layouts including living rooms, dining areas, and kitchen spaces in each unit. Property will be sold at public auction
Todd ShortJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
Welcome to this beautifully maintained and spacious corner lot home offering the perfect blend of timeless character, convenience, and location! Inside you’ll find elegant archways with pocket doors, six gas fireplaces, hardwood floors, and contemporary kitchen. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom with marble tile and custom walk-in shower, 1 full bathroom with jetted tub, 2 half bathrooms, and
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. Kanawha County. 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom. 764 +/- Sqft. Built in 1920. Property will be sold at public auction Wednesday, May 20th at 7PM. Online Bidding Only. Please visit Joe R. Pyle Auctions website for information on how to bid.
Joe PyleJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
Mixed use property. 5 units total. 3 residential apartments(upstairs). 2 commercial units(downstairs). one commercial unit currently being used as storage. 2 rental units occupied.
Elishua BrownBerkshire Hathaway Home Services Professional Real
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!
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.
Disregard listing price. Property will be sold at auction. 3 bedroom/1 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 Tuesday, May 5th at 6PM. Online Bidding Only.
Keith HareJoe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service
First Month Rent $300 Off!!!! Top Floor Converted Industrial Loft Apartment a few blocks from Downtown Charleston and Elk City District. Massive Square Footage! The Wherehaus Loft Apartments!3400 square feet, 3 bed 2 bath. 12 foot ceilings!! Brand new stainless steel appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, gas stove/oven) and brand new countertops and kitchen sink. Elevator and stairwell
AVAILABLE: 54 Hunt Avenue offers 3 bedrooms with 2 full bathrooms. The covered front porch greets you as you park in the driveway. Entering into the home, the living room offers large windows with great space for furniture. As you walk through the living room into the dining room you will see enough room for a dining table that is just off the kitchen and downstairs full bathroom. The
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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.
