Dunbar offers budget-friendly homes near Charleston
Dunbar's population was once sustained by the factories and chemical plants that lined the Kanawha River. But as factories closed and industry died down, the city became a residential suburb of Charleston. Dunbar has struggled with dilapidated homes and flooding from the river. Efforts to tear down older homes and expand park offerings have helped revitalize the area a bit, but prices are still some of the lowest in the region.
“It has easy access to the main Interstate, and you can get a lot more bang for your buck,” says Realtor Tina Pepper with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Great Expectations Realty, who has experience throughout the Charleston area. “If you're looking for rental properties, that's a good place to look.”
Gridded streets and modest homes built for local laborers
Dunbar’s gridded streets were built in the early to mid-1900s to house local laborers. Smaller bungalows and ranch-style homes were common because they could be constructed quickly. As Dunbar became more of a commuter town, some larger houses were added from the late 1970s to the 2000s. With a high number of rental properties and several apartment buildings, about 40% of residents rent.
Smaller and outdated homes start around $50,000 to $100,000. From $100,000 to $250,000, properties tend to be larger and fully renovated. On average, prices are significantly lower than in Charleston. Dunbar has experienced flooding from the Kanawha River in the past, and according to FirstStreet.org, the city’s flooding risk is extreme.
A Thanksgiving tradition that splits the city down the train tracks
On Thanksgiving, a parade of toilet seats and plungers announces the start of the Commode Bowl football match, a beloved Dunbar tradition for over 75 years. The train tracks divide the city into two die-hard teams, the northern Hillside Rams and the southern River Rats. A porcelain toilet gets carted in for the referee to sit on, and standout players might earn awards like “All Stink” or “Old Fart.” The game has few rules — no protective pads, and participants look forward to getting muddy. “The more rain they have for Thanksgiving weekend, the better,” Pepper says with a laugh. All the fun goes towards a good cause, as the event includes a canned food drive for a local food pantry.
Specialty courses at Kanawha County schools
Kids can attend Dunbar Primary Center from kindergarten through second grade. Niche rates the school a B-minus. Dunbar Intermediate School serves third through fifth grade and receives a C-plus. Dunbar Middle School gets a C, and South Charleston High School gets a B-minus. The city is also home to the district’s Ben Franklin Career Center, which offers high school specialty courses and post-secondary education. Programs include automotive technology, computer systems and nursing.
Dunbar is about 3 miles from West Virginia State University, a historically Black university with just over 1,000 full-time students.
Parks blend Dunbar’s history with new sports and recreation
Wine Cellar Park is a tribute to West Virginia’s wine production history, with intact stone structures from the 1860s. Visitors can still explore the historic cellars or stop by to fish at Anderson Lake. The park is also the site of community 10K and 5K runs.
Shawnee Sports Complex has a significantly more modern feel. With multiple turf ball diamonds, championship-size soccer fields, pickleball courts and a pool, it’s a draw for local families and sports teams across the state. In 2025, the facility added a new playground and a 12,000-square-foot Welcome Center.
Downtown has antique shops, grocery stores and a few restaurants
Although the city’s central commercial area has many empty storefronts, residents can still hunt for deals at several thrift stores and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. Los Agaves is a family owned favorite for dinners out, and Crafts of the Coal, which serves handmade ice cream, opened in 2023. There’s also Kroger, Aldi, fast-food chains and drugstores like Walgreens.
Also in the area, the Dunbar Branch of the Kanawha County Library has popular programs like Wednesday Crafternoons and family storytimes. “We are a safe space for community members where they can spend time without being expected to make a purchase,” says branch manager Susan Bailey.
Hop on the interstate for an easy commute to Charleston
Interstate 64 runs through Dunbar, connecting the 8 miles into downtown Charleston in about 10 minutes. The West Virginia International Yeager Airport is just outside the larger city. However, proximity to I-64 can bring some noise to the nearby residents. Thomas Memorial Hospital is two miles south, across the river.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
