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South Charleston

South Charleston

Located in Kanawha County

$227,121 Average Value
$130 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Laid-back living on Kanawha River's southern banks

South Charleston’s early growth came after a streetcar connected the city to West Virginia's capital across the Kanawha River in the early 1900s. This development continued throughout the century following the arrival of a U.S. Navy armor plant and projectile factory during World War I and its heavy involvement in the chemical industry. Decades later, a laid-back nature away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston defines the city of just over 13,000. “It’s more of a community than a city,” says Donna Grass, owner of Donna Grass Realty and former longtime resident. “The people there are so warm and welcoming."

South Charleston, WV, is situated along the Kanawha River, which serves as an important hub for commerce and recreation in the region.
South Charleston, WV, is situated along the Kanawha River, which serves as an important hub for commerce and recreation in the region.
Art along D Street adds a vibrant and creative flair to South Charleston, WV.
Art along D Street adds a vibrant and creative flair to South Charleston, WV.
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Mid-to-late 20th century homes fill most of the city

The city’s median price for a single-family home is $226,000, about half the national figure and cheaper than the neighboring capital city. “The closer you get to Charleston, the higher the home costs become,” Grass says. Mid-to-late 20th-century suburbs with a wide range of architectural styles comprise most of South Charleston's residential landscape. Grass notes the city’s slow development is partly due to the steep terrain of the mountainous area. However, a handful of newly built subdivisions appear across the city, where home prices can reach just over $650,000. Waterfront properties are also on the city's higher end and typically feature private docks.

Newly built subdivisions are emerging throughout the city, adding to South Charleston's, WV, evolving residential landscape.
Newly built subdivisions are emerging throughout the city, adding to South Charleston's, WV, evolving residential landscape.
South Charleston's residential landscape consists of mid-to-late 20th-century suburbs.
South Charleston's residential landscape consists of mid-to-late 20th-century suburbs.
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Annual gatherings and free movies at LaBelle Theatre

Residents convene at several city-wide events throughout the year. “They have all kinds of festivals that go on here, like antique and car shows,” Grass says. “They also have the typical Veterans Day and Christmas parades, which everyone shows up for.” Locals also frequent the longstanding LaBelle Theatre on D Street. A local group runs Movies $4 Less at the theatre, which aims to keep the historic theatre's allure alive through free admission to classic films and newly released movies courtesy of local business sponsorships.

From Indegenous earth mounds to the South Charleston Community Center

The Criel Burial Mound overlooks South Charleston's city center. Experts say the indigenous Adena people built the historic site as far back as 1,000 B.C. Visitors can learn more about it at the South Charleston Interpretive Center of the Mound and Midland Trail. Little Creek Park offers nature immersion on the city’s southwestern quadrant. Hikers and bikers traverse the park’s forested trails that wind past The Rock Sports Complex, which hosts youth sports practices and games. Little Creek Golf Course offers an 18-hole public course and provides discounts for city residents. South Charleston Community Center caters to year-round recreation, with various recreational facilities and an indoor pool.

Little Creek Park offers scenic walking paths, making it the perfect spot for a stroll with your dog and friends, surrounded by nature in South Charleston, WV.
Little Creek Park offers scenic walking paths, making it the perfect spot for a stroll with your dog and friends, surrounded by nature in South Charleston, WV.
Little Creek Golf Course features an 18-hole public course and offers discounted rates for South Charleston, WV, residents.
Little Creek Golf Course features an 18-hole public course and offers discounted rates for South Charleston, WV, residents.
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Kanawha County Schools rank high in diversity

Students generally attend Kanawha County Schools. The district has a B-minus rating on Niche, which ranks it the third-most diverse in the state. South Charleston High School’s Travel Club partners with EF Educational Tours, allowing interested students to travel to different countries and learn about other cultures beyond the Mountain State. Nearby higher education institutions include BridgeValley Community and Technical College and Marshall University’s South Charleston Campus.

South Charleston High School is a public high school located in South Charleston, West Virginia, serving students in grades 9 through 12.
South Charleston High School is a public high school located in South Charleston, West Virginia, serving students in grades 9 through 12.
Marshall University’s South Charleston Campus is a prominent higher education institution located in South Charleston, WV.
Marshall University’s South Charleston Campus is a prominent higher education institution located in South Charleston, WV.
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Shopping along D Street and Corridor G

Folks across the greater area head into the city to shop at the big-box stores and supermarkets off of Corridor G. Riverwalk Plaza is close to the waterfront and is home to more national stores, including Kroger, Dollar Tree and T.J. Maxx. Locally owned restaurants dot McCorkle Avenue alongside several chain spots. However, Grass notes several shops and boutiques line D Street but many head into downtown Charleston to grab a bite to eat, as it offers a more robust selection. Similarly, the neighboring Charleston Town Center offers more than 40 indoor retailers.

Folks across South Charleston, WV, shop at the big-box stores, such as TJ Maxx.
Folks across South Charleston, WV, shop at the big-box stores, such as TJ Maxx.
Friends in the neighborhood can explore the boutiques that line D Street, in South Charleston WV.
Friends in the neighborhood can explore the boutiques that line D Street, in South Charleston WV.
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Commutes into Charleston are quick

Grass notes that though the city has a couple of plants, most residents head into Charleston for work. Interstate 64 runs through the north side, linking commuters to the capital city’s healthcare, manufacturing and government jobs. “You can get to wherever you need to be around Charleston in 7 minutes,” Grass says. Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority also provides bus stops along MacCorkle Avenue, which includes a stop at WVU Medicine’s Thomas Memorial Hospital.

South Charleston's crime statistics and snow preparedness

According to FBI data, both property and violent crime in South Charleston decreased from 2022 to 2023. The city experiences the full range of seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. Grass shares that although snowfall does occur, the city responds quickly after a heavy dusting. “They are one of the first to get out there and clean the roads up so you can go about your business,” she says.

Matthew Simmons
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Anna Cheng
Photography Contributed By
Anna Cheng
Emily McNamara
Video By
Emily McNamara

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Lisa Eden, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

South Charleston Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$169,900
Median Sale Price
$162,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$429,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$143,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$36,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Last 12 months Home Sales
28
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-63%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$130

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
220
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
2011
Months of Supply
1.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,941
Significantly above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,471
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
661
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
14,374

Open Houses

  • 302 Kenna Dr, South Charleston, WV 25309

    $49,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 600 Sq Ft
    • 302 Kenna Dr

    Great concept, living maintenance free! This co-op unit has refinished hardwoods in living room and bedrooms, new flooring in kitchen along with new upper cabinets, refrigerator, stove, microwave and stackable washer and dryer. The bathroom has been updated with new vanity, lights and flooring. Monthly HOA of $446.00 includes all utilities including taxes as well as maintaining the furnace and

    Agent Photo
    Christina Pepper
    Berkshire Hathaway HS GER
    (304) 381-6507
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  • 1504 Susan Rd, Charleston, WV 25303

    $249,973

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1504 Susan Rd
    • New 5 days ago

    Beautifully renovated ranch home located on a dead end street, main level offers a primary suite, 2 secondary bedrooms, a second full bath and fully renovated kitchen with new cabinetry with slow close drawers and matching appliances. A secondary suite with sitting room on the lower level with a family room, workshop and access to your backyard. Updated shingled roof and new deck.

    Anthony Runyan Runyan & Associates REALTORS

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

South Charleston Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,792
Median Age
43
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$58,088
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$72,093

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.9%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
29.3%
Advanced Degrees
13%
% Population in Labor Force
59.4%
Below the national average
65.1%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

11 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

33 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
South Charleston
Lisa Eden
Old Colony of Teays Valley
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