When deciding where you live, the most important factors are to be taken into account, are affordable, security and general quality of life. Charleston, the capital of West Virginia, and its surrounding suburbs offer a variety of communities that ideal for moving. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the overall crime rates in West Virginia are lower than the national average. The Charleston police authority reported on a decline in violent crimes in 2023, and Zillow data show that the average house value in the state remains below the national average. This article emphasizes eight districts and nearby cities in the Charleston U -Bahn region, each offering unique advantages for potential residents.
West Side/Elk City
The quarter of the west side of Charleston (also known as Elk City) is limited by US RT 60 in the north and west, the Kanawha River in the south and the Elk River/Interstate 64 in the east. This area has both residential and commercial real estate and leisure rooms. The middle house values here are affordable at $ 48,497. Since new companies are opened, real estate prices and the resuscitation of the apartment take place in the west side, many who move to Charleston choose this aspiring quarter.
The Luna Park Historic District is a 40 hectare residential area within the west side. The area was originally in arable land at the time from Luna Park, an amusement park that operated from 1912 to 1923 and is now a revitalized urban division of over 400 houses and a population of 1,030. John C. Norman, the first black architect in West Virginia, built some of his earliest houses. Houses in Luna Park are a bit higher on average, but are still a reasonable 110,000 US dollar. Other amenities for new homeowners on the west side are Magic Island, a park with hiking trails and a Splash area as well as the Shoney's/Big Boy Restaurant Museum, which gives an insight into the history of the restaurant. There are also many hiking trails along the Kanawha River as well as a beautiful waterfall and dam.
Pinch/Elkview
Just 12 miles from the city center of Charleston, the neighborhood of the pinch (sometimes referred to as an ELKView) is a suburb with a peaceful rural lifestyle. The population is almost 3,000 and the average values are $ 175,318. For those who want to switch to an affordable, close-meshed community with a variety of outdoor activities, Pinch could be the perfect city for you.
In addition to its pastoral beauty and its inexpensive apartment, Pinch is in Indian Lake, a first -class fishing area. This flat fishing hole is full of catfish and trout. Coonskin Park, where the course is accommodated, offers other outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and picnic. If you are looking for an inviting, friendly, nature -oriented community that is in the immediate vicinity of the city of Charleston, take a look at the pin.
Kanawha city
The neighborhood of the city of Kanawha is located in the southeastern part of Charleston along the curve of the Kanawha River. It starts on the 35th St. Bridge. Kanawha City contains the longest commercial corridor in Charleston. This planned municipality was added to the city of Charleston in 1929 and should contain trees, parks and a good mix of commercial and residential properties with affordable living space and a strong sense of community. Today Kanawha City consists of almost 8,500 inhabitants from small shops, newer houses, good restaurants and grocery stores and the University of Charleston. The middle home values in Kanawha City cost 194,519 US dollars.
An independent pharmacy/an independent diner, the pharmacy from Trivillian and a soda fountain are highlights of the city of Kanawha, where you can treat yourself to an ice -sized offerings while fulfilling your recipes. Other local restaurants in the neighborhood are the Pitch KC, Pepperoni Grill and M&M Mart. The Charleston Bicycle Center in Kanawha City is a popular place because a large part of the neighborhood can be walked and bikable. One of the most rated hospitals in the state of Camc Memorial Hospital is conveniently located in the MacCorkle Avenue SE in Kanawha City.
South Charleston
Although this neighborhood is called South Charleston, it is actually located west of the city center of Charleston. With a population of just more than 13,600, South Charleston acts not only as a quarter of Charleston, but also as a city. Median house values There are $ 156,461. The neighborhood once booming chemical companies during the World War I and II. After chemical and manufacturing jobs in South Charleston were shortened in the nineties, the area was renovated with shops and relaxation as well as more living space.
The South Charleston Recreation Center was opened in 1982 and contains a basketball court, a racket spaces, strength rooms and an inner pool. The region's only ice rink is located in South Charleston, as well as five shopping areas: spring -hiil, which mainly contain gift and special shops such as Calvin Brohles Jewelry; Riverwalk Plaza along the Kanawha River; and larger shops such as Kroger and TJ Maxx; Southridge Center with Walmart and Sam's Club; Traces fork, houseing Petsmart, Lowes and other national chains; And Mound Area, the oldest district in South Charleston, where unique shops such as Kin Ship Goods and Restaurants like Bo Daddy's take place. The Little Creek Park in South Charleston houses a sports complex with baseball, football and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts as well as hiking trails and playgrounds. If you have a medical need, the Thomas Memorial Hospital is located in South Charleston in the Maccorkle Avenue SW.
Dark
Via the Kanawha River from South Charleston between Charleston and Nitro along the Midland Trail you will find the small district of Dunbar with a population of just over 7,000 inhabitants. The middle house values here are 115,000 US dollars. Dunbar is about seven miles from downtown Charleston. It contains Dunbar landing along the Kanawha river, which perfectly suits boots dock and fishing. Dunbar's historical claim to fame is that Benjamin, who affected the inventor of the serious tractor in the early 1920s, was serious. Today Dunbar is a picturesque little city full of natural beauty.
There is a lot of leisure and freedom in Dunbar. The wine cellar park consists of 300 acres and contains a disc golf course, an amphitheater and picnic spaces that were built around the remains of wine cellars from 1860. Laura Anderson Lake is a 7 hectare lake in the wine cellar park and is ideal for fishing. The Shawnee Regional Park also has a disc golf course and offers meeting areas that can be reserved. Dunbar is the perfect backdrop if you want to live near the big city but still want to stay from it.
Nitro
Nitro is located between the larger cities of South Charleston and Huntington on the Kanawha River and is often referred to as a living monument to the First World War. This suburb of 15 miles from Charleston downtown was Nitro as a place for the production of nitrocellulose that were used in Gunpaver during the war. The Nitro Wars Museum, which was found in the city, tells this story to visitors. Today Nitro has an average house value of $ 132,784.
One of the most popular attractions by Nitro is today the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort with 700 slot machines and 35 live table games. The relaxation outdoors is also widespread in Nitro, with fishing on the Kanawha River, cycling and hiking on Rideour Lake and Park, which are located in the city. The Nitro Athletic Complex houses a public swimming pool and has tennis and pickle balls and recreation rooms that may be reserved. Antique lovers want to watch in the Nitro Antique District in the city center. This inviting, family -friendly community is the perfect suburb that lies comfortably between two cities.
St. Albans
St. Albans is a small, historical quarter with 10,861 inhabitants. St. Albans sits at the confluence of the rivers Kanawha and Coal and is only 13 miles from Charleston's city center. The average house values in St. Albans cost $ 143,062. Some of the oldest artifacts of America were discovered in St. Albans, one of the oldest known employees in the state who were tribes such as Adena, Moneton and Shawnee. Today St. Albans is known for its flourishing city center and its strong community spirit.
There are seven city parks in St. Albans, where the residents can fish, kayak, boat, swimming and discgolf. St. Albans also has a lively art culture in which the Alban Arts Center organizes concerts and film screenings. The annual St. Alban Festival of Lights is popular with residents and visitors from late November to December. St. Albans is an inviting, affordable quarter that is still separated from the city of Charleston.
East end
The East End district in Charleston is what many visitors think about when they imagine Charleston. It is very accessible and includes the West Virginia State Capitol Complex as well as historical houses and modern condominiums. Today the East End has an average home value, 93,000 US dollars.
In addition to the State Capitol apartment, the East End of the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences from West Virginia, the Capitol Farmers Market and more than 25 restaurants, including tricky fish and empty glass. A self -managed program for a hike through the neighborhood is available and offers an insight into the history and architecture of the region. A mural on the corner of Elizabeth and Washington Street by Rob Keeley shows pictures of local families and children from the East End. In June, festival comes to the streets of the East End and shows artists in music, theater, dance, film and art. West Virginia Health Right leads a free East End clinic for those who cannot afford medical care. The East End is a funny, versatile quarter of older and newer families.
Find the right community in Charleston's U -Bahn area
These eight quarters from Charleston and nearby cities each offer different advantages for those who want to move. The East End could address you if you are looking for a lively, versatile environment. For a more subordinated or small city atmosphere with the proximity to amenities of the city, areas such as dark, nitro or pinch can fit better. Regardless of whether your priority is affordable, relaxation outdoors or the feeling of community, the Charleston Metro area offers several excellent options for a variety of lifestyles.