Looking out across the Ohio River from the West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky border, Huntington is the second-most populous city in the Mountain State and one of the United States' largest river ports. Once a hub for transportation via river and railroad, Huntington was formed around coal, steel and manufacturing industries. Today, Huntington is centered around educational institutions like Marshall University, a growing music and art scene anchored by the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, and a wealth of locally owned trade businesses and restaurants.
Transportation plays a key role in Huntington's development, with new construction, businesses and shopping centers in areas like Barboursville just to the east. "Huntington is surrounded by a number of small bedroom communities. Many people like living somewhere more rural but still having the work, art and dining opportunities available nearby," says Preston Cole, a Realtor and co-owner of Property Professionals Inc.
Guyandotte is full of historic character and the library is proud of the history.
A group of volunteer artist work on revamping the artwork in Downtown Huntington.
Altizer was established around the steel industry, with Special Metals located there.
There's a seasonal outdoor market at The Wild Ramp in West Huntington, WV
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Cabell County architecture and a growing market
Despite being the second-largest city in West Virginia, Huntington has decreased in population over the past several decades. Today, its population is around 45,000, which is 10,000 fewer than it was in 1990.
The median home price is currently around $174,000, which is significantly below the national average but still more than outlying counties. "As people move out of the city and into suburbs of Cabell County, home values have continued to rise," says Shai Smith, a resident and Realtor who also leads community tours around Huntington. "The city was built on a grid system. There were also permits needed to build ranch-styles or other kinds of homes before the 1960s, so they all look very similar." Uniform American Foursquares and traditional homes from the early 1900s and midcentury are most common downtown, along with condos and apartments offering close proximity to local businesses and restaurants. Outside of the city center, buyers can find a newer market of large, traditional homes built in the 1990s and early 2000s with larger floor plans and half-acre lots.
Foursquares from the mid-century are common in Walnut Hills.
Larger, traditional style homes can be found throughout the Shoals neighborhood.
A row of Traditional two story homes found around the Downtown Huntington neighborhood.
A bright Colonial Revival styled home in the Enslow Park neighborhood in Huntington, WV.
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14th Street dining supports West Virginia's agricultural community
Fourteenth Street is a hub for shopping and dining in Huntington, with a suite of antique shops and local restaurants located within walking distance of each other. Thanks to being surrounded by rural areas, the city also boasts access to locally grown produce at markets like The Wild Ramp and Central City Farmers Market. Located in the same building, The Wild Ramp is a nonprofit that supports Huntington's agricultural community and small businesses by selling artisan goods, while the Central City Farmers Market hosts local vendors every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
For more options, Pullman Square is an outdoor shopping plaza that features a movie theater and stores ranging from luxury retailers and chain food options.
Head to downtown Huntington for more shopping options, only minutes away from Walnut Hills.
The Wild Ramp offers a year-round indoor market for residents in West Huntington, WV
Pullman Square is a large shopping mall in the Downtown Huntington area.
University District is near the heart of downtown, which offers many shopping options.
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Huntington parks along the Ohio River and a mild climate
As the region's largest city set in the midst of a rural area, Huntington provides its residents with access to several curated greenspaces. The Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District maintains 17 different parks across the area. Ritter Park is the most popular, with large, historic trees, tennis courts and a playground.
For more outdoor options, West Virginia is also known for its wealth of state parks. "From Black Water Falls to Snowshoe, the list just goes on and on of places to get outside," Smith says.
Huntington is known for its four distinct seasons but has cold winters with lots of snow. Flooding along the Ohio River is considered infrequent, thanks to a 4-mile flood wall system constructed in the 1930s. FEMA may require various levels of flood insurance for properties with proximity to water.
Regardless of the weather, locals head out to exercise at Barboursville Park.
Harris Riverfront Park has stunning view of the Ohio River in Huntington, WV.
Residents can talk, jog, or bike around the paths at Ritter Park in Huntington, WV.
Harris Riverfront Park, in Huntington, has large grass fields parallel to the river.
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Commuter times and the Huntington Tri-State Airport
The average commuter time in Huntington is about 23 minutes, according to U.S. News and World Report, though this has decreased in recent years due to the Tri-State area's efficient highway system. “We're right at the border of Kentucky and Ohio, so there are a lot of small industrial businesses, union companies and other trade opportunities, Smith says." Interstate 64 cuts through the city and connects the city to the greater region. The Tri-State Transit Authority bus system is the city’s public transportation option. The Huntington Tri-State Airport is 11 miles southwest of Huntington. The Marshall University Medical Center is a teaching hospital with more than 300 beds. The facility has a children's hospital, cancer center and neuroscience division.
Ninth Street Live headlines numerous Huntington events
Each summer, the Ninth Street Live concert series shuts down the roadway. Traffic is switched out for a flood of people enjoying tribute bands, local vendors and festival games. The Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center is a famous art deco-style landmark that holds symphony performances and plays. The building is going through a $30 million renovation to preserve its intricate architecture. To see more art, the Huntington Museum of Art is known for housing hundreds of exhibits and the state's only tropical plant conservatory.
Known as "The Herd," fans of Marshall University's football team flock out to Joan C. Edwards Stadium every Saturday night. Competing in NCAA Division I, the Marshall Thundering Herd football team rivals the West Virginia Mountaineers with 10 division titles to their name.
Marshall University is just outside Guyandotte, and bleeds into the neighborhood with pride.
Highlawn residents can watch the historic Marshall football team just a few minutes away.
Marshall University makes up a large part of this area and bleeds into Southeast Hills.
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Cabell County Schools and other options nearby
Kids in Huntington are covered by the Cabell County Schools system, which has a B overall grade on Niche and 27 different schools throughout the area. Cabell County is rated by Niche as West Virginia's best public school district for athletes. The county offers students Advanced Placement courses and pathways in career and technical fields like HVAC and coding.
Marshall University is a public research university known for its programs in engineering, pharmacy and biomedical sciences. Marshall is one of the city's largest employers and also piloted an aviation maintenance technology program in 2021.
Explorer Academy is part of Cabell County Schools.
Huntington East Middle School serves approximately 604 students.
Huntington High School serves local students from grade 9-12.
Fairfield is next door to Marshall University, making it a popular place for students to live.
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Important to know
According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, Huntington's violent and property crime rates are both over twice the national average. Although more concentrated than the national average, rates for both violent and property crimes have decreased by about 25% since 2017.
The Bryne Criminal Justice Innovation grant, part of the city’s Plan2023, will help the city’s police department create a plan for decreasing crime in Downtown. The plan will work with Strong Towns to strategically plan transportation and accessibility between residential and commercial areas.
Martha has been a Realtor® for over 25 years. As the broker of Vision Quest Realty, Martha has enjoyed the synergy and enthusiasm that comes from working with the public and other real estate professionals. She is an active member of the West Virginia Association of Realtors®. She served as President of the West Virginia Association in 2003. She is also a member of the National Auctioneer Association.
As a licensed auctioneer for the state of West Virginia, Martha is happy to discuss with her clients the possibility of moving their property or their estate items by the auction method. Martha and her husband have resided in Lewisburg for over 25 years and are continually amazed at the beauty of not only the area but also of the folks who live in the Greenbrier Valley.
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.
