$183,989Average Value$122Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Tornado is turning with park developments while keeping its name
In the ever-changing community of Tornado, the peculiar name is a sensitive topic. As the story goes, a meeting in 1881 ended with a tempestuous argument between residents over what to name their riverside community. According to local history written by Joe Wood, the community said, "Since there's been such a storm raised, let's call it Tornado." More than a century later, the town renamed itself Upper Falls — a name that only stuck around for eight years before the town returned to its original name. After all those twists and turns, Tornado is still changing today as it develops into one of the Charleston area's most outdoorsy communities. "It's become that way in the last 15 years," says Jeff Hutchinson, director of Parks and Recreation for Kanawha County. "We've had the golf course down there since '86, when the park acquired it, but the Coal River is really developed. They do a lot of kayaking and lot of fishing on the river now."
Tornado WV, is characterized by peaceful residential communities set against a backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains.
Find homes along the Coal River in Tornado, WV, with views of the river and the surrounding Appalachian landscape.
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Appalachian tourism trends are inspiring Coal River upgrades and cleanups
Tornado wasn't always a hub for recreation in Kanawha County. That mostly changed after the pandemic, when Kanawha County became one of the country's busiest regions for outdoor tourism. New activity stimulated local organizations to enact long-needed improvements. "The river is a big part of it, plus what the Coal River Group has done to clean it up," Hutchinson says. "A lot of people's sewage and stuff used to run into it, but they've worked on it and done a nice job with it." Other popular parks and recreation spots include Big Bend Golf Course and Meadowbrook Park. "Most recently, we did a partnership with the Hatfield McCoy Trail to put in a single-track motorcycle and e-bike trail," Hutchinson says.
The Coal River in Tornado, WV, offers stunning views characterized by its natural beauty and serene environment.
From Tornado, WV, residents can watch sunset along the Appalachian Mountains.
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Hobbyists mingle at RC fields and golf tournaments
Outdoor activities are an essential part of everyday life in Tornado, and the community often gathers at outdoor events. "The Coal River Group has a kayak rental service that they operate," Hutchinson says. "They also do an event on the river, and it's probably one of the larger flat water paddling events in the country." Some residents socialize through hobbies like the Mountaineer RC Flying Club, which has frequent meetups at Tornado's RC flying field. The club also hosts an annual swap meet, where members exchange RC plane parts and check out the collectibles. Mixers and charity tournaments are common at Big Bend Golf Course, too.
Residents can rent kayaks at the Coal River Center in Tornado, WV.
Big Bend Golf Course in Tornado, WV, is a popular local course just outside of Charleston.
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Few residential developments post-1980s
New construction isn't common in Tornado. Some locals believe it's due to the town's name, which supposedly scares developers away. Others believe it's due to market conditions in West Virginia and the Charleston area. Whatever the reason, buyers will be hard pressed to find a home built after the 1980s. The majority of properties in Tornado were built in the mid-20th century, resulting in a market flush with listings for split levels and one- or two-story ranch-style homes. Most properties sell for $175,000 to $225,000.
Tornado WV, has many affordable well maintained ranch style homes along their streets.
Split level homes are common along the streets of Tornado WV.
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Local barbecue rivalries and supermarkets nearby in St Albans
Although there aren't many restaurants in Tornado, the barbecue competition is cooking. Some locals prefer to dine al fresca at Bogeys Driving Range, pairing smoked ribs with views of the driving range next door. Others prefer the no-frills deli counter at D&I Carryout for a pulled pork sandwich. However, most agree that D&I slaps together the best fried bologna sandwich in Kanawha County. Residents also head to D&I for simple groceries and convenience items, though more shopping requires a 15-minute drive to businesses in St Albans.
Rib King loves to cook delicious ribs for their guests in public view at Rib Fest.
Bogey Driving Range in Tornado, WV, provides golfers with a spacious and well-maintained practice area to perfect their swing.
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High SAT scores in Kanawha County Schools
Students in Tornado begin at Andrews Heights Elementary, rated B by Niche and ranked West Virginia's 12th best elementary school. For grades 6 through 8, students attend Hayes Middle School, rated B-minus, followed by Saint Albans High School, rated B-minus. The high school sees an average SAT score of 1130, exceeding state and national averages.
Interstate connections with backroads
Without a bus route in their community, residents are largely car dependent. Smith Creek Road connects with South Charleston, where Interstate 64 can be accessed to reach the rest of the city. All told, it takes about 30 minutes to reach downtown Charleston.
Flash floods more likely than tornadoes
While it's not impossible for a twister to roll through Tornado, flash floods and landslides are more likely to affect roadways and residents due to several flood zones covering the landscape.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Crystal Reeves-Paynter,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Meadowbrook Park
Transit
Airport
West Virginia International Yeager
39 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Tornado
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Tornado, WV sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Tornado, WV over the last 12 months is $231,509, up 19% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to country living in this breathtaking 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath sprawling estate featuring beautiful mountaintop views, a semi-wrap around porch, a brand new heated inground pool, a 3 car garage, ample storage throughout, 3+acres with plenty of useable ground, multiple outbuildings, and a partially finished basement with potential for a separate living space. A large flex room on the main
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Crystal Reeves-Paynter,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
932
Median Age
42
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
24.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$76,506
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$92,085
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.5%
College Graduates
25.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.7%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
3/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
10/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
