Why Charleston, WV, is the Perfect Place to Live
If you aren't from West Virginia, there's a good chance you haven't heard much about Charleston.
It's not plastered on travel posters or packed with out-of-towners scrambling for reservations and selfies.
But…
That's precisely the charm of Charleston, West Virginia's capital city!
Think of Chucktown as an undiscovered gem offering a peaceful, slower pace of life, and a cost of living that's gentle on the wallet.
Living in Charleston sure feels like discovering a well-kept secret. You get the unique perks of living in a small city without the constant traffic jams or the skyrocketing prices of urban centers — all wrapped up in the beautiful Appalachian backdrop.
So, ready to know more about Charleston?
Let's examine what makes here the perfect place to call home!
The Dollar Stretches Further Here
Compared to many U.S. cities, Charleston's cost of living is refreshingly low.
A cost of living that's 14% lower than the national average and 6% lower than the state average spells AFFORDABILITY.
You can rent a decent and spacious apartment for about $881. If you prefer to own a home, housing costs are also affordable, with the average home price well below the national average at $209,000 — it doesn't get more affordable than this, people.
Meanwhile…
Groceries, healthcare, and utilities are typically also less than you would pay in bustling metropolitan areas. So, if you're tired of squeezing pennies, Charleston might be just the place to ease that burden.
|
Expense Category |
Compared to the National Average |
|
Housing |
40% lower |
|
Utilities |
4% lower |
|
Food |
0% |
|
Healthcare |
0% |
|
Transportation |
6% lower |
|
Goods and Services |
6% lower |
Fun Fact:
With fewer expensive tourist attractions driving up prices, locals enjoy Charleston without paying a "visitor tax" on daily life.
Booming Job Market? Not Exactly… But There's Stability
Charleston's economy is not based on glitzy tech jobs or Hollywood-style start-ups, but it doesn't exactly make it a sleepy backwater.
The economy is diverse, with healthcare, retail, education, and government roles leading the way. Major employers like CAMC (Charleston Area Medical Center) and various state offices offer stable work.
Meanwhile, the growing energy sector (especially natural gas) and a sprinkle of manufacturing jobs round out the job market.
- Median Household Income: $58,902
- Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
- Poverty Rate: 17.04%
The good news is that Charleston's economy offers stability over flashiness if you are in the medical, legal, or government fields.
One downside that you may consider one of the pros and cons of living in Charleston (depending on your perspective) is that the job market may not be as varied as in larger cities.
So, you will need to make sure there's a role that fits your expertise.
Education that's Focused on Community and Achievement
If you worry that living in Charleston will limit you or your child's academic pursuits, call your Charleston, WV, movers now and get started with your relocation.
Why?
You don't have anything to worry about. It might interest you to know that over 23,000 students are enrolled in the schools here.
For some more context, there are only about 46,838 people in Charleston. The education system is so trusted that the district rakes in numbers.
This is not surprising given that the Kanawha County School District, which oversees education in Charleston, ranks better than 62.7% of all West Virginia school districts.
For higher education, the University of Charleston is there to offer a solid base with a beautiful riverside campus that adds to the city's charm.
Say Goodbye to Traffic Jams
Forget the hours wasted sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, in Charleston, the daily commute is a breeze.
With an average commute time of just 22 minutes, you are more likely to catch a scenic view of the mountains than a horn-honking traffic jam.
Interstate 64, 77, and 79 criss-cross through the city, making it easy to zip around town or head out for a weekend trip. However, with a somewhat limited public transit system, a car is essential for living in Charleston.
Rich in Culture and Community
Give Charleston its flowers!
If you're one to judge a book by its cover, wait until you unwrap this West Virginia city — Charleston's arts and culture scene is anything but underwhelming.
The city does pull some impressive surprises. For instance, the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences is the local go-to for performances, from concerts and theater productions to ballet.
Then there's FestivALL, Charleston's signature arts festival that turns the city into a canvas of art, music, and food every summer.
It's one of the reasons people move to Charleston!
Healthcare: Quality Care You Can Rely On
If anyone tells you anything about living in Charleston, it's likely to be that retirees love this place!
But why is that so?
Charleston puts the cover on healthcare coverage. For instance, CAMC, one of the top-ranked hospitals in the state, is located right in the city, offering comprehensive medical services.
Locals get access to quality healthcare, from primary care to specialized treatment, without traveling far. Plus, with a relatively low population and greater physician access (386 per 100,000 people), you might as well have your doctor on speed dial.
What this means is shorter wait times than in larger metropolitan areas.
Note:
For as little as $159.88 on average, you can book a doctor's visit. A dentist visit might only set you back by $104.44.
Outdoor Fun with a Dash of Appalachian Spice
Being surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains is certainly a flex you can brag to your friends about when you live in Charleston.
Even better when this means hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping activities are right at your fingertips!
Kanawha State Forest is a favorite for hikers and mountain bikers, while the nearby New River Gorge (now a national park) offers some of the country's best rock climbing and whitewater rafting.
For a slower pace, check out Coonskin Park's peaceful lake and golf course or take a stroll along the scenic Kanawha River.
Heads up, though: Winters can be a bit chilly, so outdoor activities may need to be paused until spring thaw.
A few other places to visit in Charleston include:
- West Virginia State Museum
- Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center
- Haddad Riverfront Park
- Capitol Street
Crime and Punishment: Keeping Safe in Charleston
While Charleston, WV, has much to offer, it's essential to acknowledge that the city's crime rate is notably higher than the national average.
Charleston experiences higher-than-average rates of both violent and property crime.
For newcomers, it's helpful to research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary across the city. Areas like South Hills, Rocky Fork, and Tyler Heights tend to have lower crime rates and are generally considered safer, while downtown has more incidents.
|
per 1,000 residents |
Charleston Median |
West Virginia Median |
National Median |
|
Property Crime |
43.33 |
12.3 |
20.0 |
|
Violent Crime |
6.58 |
2 78 |
4.0 |
Note:
With careful consideration of neighborhood options and an understanding of the city's safety efforts, Charleston can still offer a comfortable and rewarding lifestyle. Just keep your valuables under lock and key.
Conclusion — Embrace the Slower Pace in Charleston, WV
Living in Charleston, WV is the way to go for those looking for a peaceful, affordable, and community-centered lifestyle.
It's a city that moves at a gentler pace, where natural beauty, friendly faces, and cultural pockets offer an enriching, balanced life without breaking the bank.
While it may lack the glitz and hustle of more "on-the-map" cities, Charleston is a hidden paradise for anyone ready to slow down and embrace life's simpler pleasures.
So, if you are craving a slice of unspoiled small-city living, Charleston just might be the place you have been searching for.
