Rand is a small community on the banks of the Kanawha River, just outside Charleston. It’s a rural neighborhood where residents tend to plant roots, and homes are generally more affordable than in the surrounding cities and towns. With major roads like U.S. Route 60 and Interstate 64 close by, you have an easy commute to the capital city or to the nearby chemical plant in Belle.
Small cottages, ranch-style homes and bungalows make up much of the area. “Housing costs will typically be less than in Charleston itself. Most areas east of Charleston are going to be that way,” says Adam Runyan, a Realtor with Runyan and Associates Realtors. “Most of the homes are going to be modest and built in the 1970s or earlier.” The average size residence is around 850 square feet, which falls well below the national figure. You'll typically see prices here between $40,000 and the mid-$100,000s. Renting is also common, with roughly 39% of the population choosing to rent.
While Rand is primarily residential, everyday necessities are not far away.
U.S. Route 60 runs along the neighborhood’s east side, connecting to nearby communities. “Rand is only 10 to 15 minutes to Downtown Charleston, the state capital,” Runyan says. The drive into Charleston is around 8 miles via Route 60 and I-64. The Chemours chemical plant in Belle is a large regional employer about 3 miles south on Route 60. If you take public transit, you'll find multiple stops along Midland Drive that connect to Downtown Charleston and Quincy.
Living in Rand means students usually attend schools in the Kanawha County Schools system, including Riverside High School. Located about 7 miles south of the neighborhood, Riverside was formed in 1999 when East Bank High and Dupont High merged. Notable alumni from its predecessors include NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss and legendary basketball player Jerry West. The school offers several programs that let students explore their interests.
With the Kanawha River nearby, flooding is a concern for Rand residents. Old and damaged infrastructure, like storm drains and sewer systems, leads to increased flooding during heavy rain. The Malden Public Service District and the state Division of Highways are currently working on projects to improve these systems and reduce flooding.
Rand is the kind of place where neighbors look out for one another. “It’s a small, humble, unincorporated West Virginia community filled with residents that have deep familial roots in the area,” Runyan says. The Rand Community Center on Church Drive brings people together through events like its monthly hot dog sale. It also has a thrift store where you can host birthday parties or family gatherings. Neighbors often join the local Facebook group, to share information, everything from food banks to lost pets and other community happenings.
Jan Warner Ramey
RE/MAX Clarity
(304) 317-3133
108 Total Sales
1 in Rand
$159,000 Price
Crystal Reeves-Paynter
Faith Realty & Co., LLC
(304) 938-0768
257 Total Sales
2 in Rand
$24K - $125K Price Range
Peggy White
Old Colony
(304) 407-6182
222 Total Sales
1 in Rand
$16,000 Price
Janet Amores
Old Colony
(304) 814-3549
1,201 Total Sales
7 in Rand
$38K - $151K Price Range
David Di Filippo
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central
(304) 814-3439
143 Total Sales
3 in Rand
$45K - $105K Price Range
Christina DiFilippo
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central
(304) 814-3866
334 Total Sales
3 in Rand
$45K - $105K Price Range
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Rand | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 4 | 4 |
| Robbery | 4 | 4 |
| Burglary | 3 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
| Larceny | 3 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Rand, Malden sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rand, Malden over the last 12 months is $84,450, up 54% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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