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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
