Madison has a "simpler way of life" just south of Charleston
Just a few miles from where coal was first discovered in West Virginia, the small town of Madison calls itself the "Gateway to the Coalfields." The city grew as a mining and railroad community in the early 1900s, but like much of the region, it experienced a stall in growth when the industries dried up. Today, Madison is known for its proximity to ATV trails and has a developing downtown district. Just 30 miles south of Charleston , it's a quieter alternative among the rolling hills of Boone County. "We have a more simple way of life,” says Sharon Mullins, a Realtor with Boone Realty and lifelong resident of Madison. “We don't have the big hustle and bustle that some of the larger cities have.”
Bungalows and ranch-style homes are nestled between hills
From almost anywhere in town, green hills are visible in all directions. With the surrounding peaks, there isn't much space for outward development. The city's bungalows and ranch-style homes were mostly built throughout the 1900s, but there are a few spots of modern construction. While some investment properties start at $50,000, most move-in-ready houses range from $100,000 to $250,000. From $290,000 to $450,000, homes might be freshly renovated or come with several acres.
The Little Coal River, which runs through town, has flooded in the past. First Street reports that Madison's flooding risk is severe.
Outdoor recreation centers around ATV trails
Madison has access to several routes on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, one of the country's most popular ATV-riding destinations. The trails span southern West Virginia and have played a major role in driving visitors to small towns. "There's a lot, and I mean a lot, of four-wheeling around Madison," says Realtor Tina Pepper with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Great Expectations Realty, who has experience throughout the Charleston area. She says that although the area has fishing and hiking, ATVs are the biggest draw.
The town also has a community park with a playground and a baseball diamond. Fifteen miles north, Water Ways is a popular water park, and within a 45-minute drive, locals can reach Chief Logan State Park and Kanawha State Forest.
Historic sites and new development shape Madison's downtown
Madison's downtown district is only an echo of its bustling coal town boom days, but many storefronts still house local businesses. The Coal Heritage Museum delves into the city's rich past, and the Boone-Madison Public Library is in a historic bank building. Downtown's newest addition is Market on Main, an indoor vendor space, greenhouse and outdoor live music stage for farmers markets and other events. "We're excited about that," Mullins says. "That's a big plus for our area." During the winter months, there's also a downtown ice-skating rink.
On the north side of town, there's a Kroger and West Madison Grocery, which serves homestyle comfort food like barbecue and burgers in addition to essentials. Heading north to the neighboring town of Danville, there are more restaurant options, including the popular regional chain Tudor's Biscuit World.
History is honored at the West Virginia Coal Festival
The torch lighting outside the Boone County Courthouse heralds the start of the West Virginia Coal Festival, a tradition dating back to 1994. The torch, which burns for all five days of the festival, is a memorial for all who have lost their lives in the coal mines. The event includes educational programming about the area's history, as well as a more standard selection of carnival rides, food trucks and live music.
Local schools offer free meals and career courses
Kids can attend Madison Elementary School, which gets a C-plus grade from Niche. Then it's on to Madison Middle, rated C-minus and Scott High School, rated C. All three schools are located within the city. Boone Career Technical Center, about 5 miles north, offers specialty courses to high schoolers, including automotive technology, welding and health occupations. The district also runs a summer food program that provides free meals to families in need.
A local hospital and city amenities are in Charleston
While the city is home to Boone Memorial Hospital, most amenities are several miles away. Charleston is 30 miles away by connecting with U.S. Route 119. It's typically a 40-minute drive, or a Tri River Transit bus makes it into Charleston in about an hour. The larger city is home to the West Virginia International Yeager Airport.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
