Few states have as much natural beauty and history in every single city as West Virginia does. There are plenty of reasons why you might be thinking about moving to West Virginia, whether it’s for job opportunities, a quiet place to retire, or a home for your family. Whatever the reason, the next step is choosing a city to live in. Explore six of the best places to live in West Virginia to help you decide which is right for you.

1. Huntington, WV

• Population change: C
• Price: C
• Stores: A
• Education: A
• Healthcare: A
• Entertainment: A
• Restaurant: A

Huntington is located in what is known as the Tri-State area, where West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio meet. It’s nestled at the feet of the Appalachian Mountains, next to the Ohio River. Rent is pretty affordable in Huntington, with a price of $665 per month on average for a one-bedroom apartment. There’s great entertainment and history, with small museums and heritage farms preserving fragments of earlier times and parks making modern times more fun. Schools, health care, stores, and restaurants are all very high quality in Huntington.

Huntington benefits from excellent healthcare facilities, including Cabell Huntington Hospital, a leading medical center that serves the region. In addition, the city’s education system offers various educational opportunities, with a range of public and private schools, as well as Marshall University, contributing to the city’s educational resources. Despite its modest size, Huntington has a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to the Huntington Museum of Art, which features an impressive collection of American and European art, as well as the Huntington Symphony Orchestra and the Marshall Artists Series, which brings a diverse range of performances to the city.This is an ideal place to raise a family in a top-notch environment.

2. Parkersburg, WV

• Population change: D
• Price: A
• Stores: B
• Education: B
• Healthcare: D
• Entertainment: D
• Restaurant: C

Parkersburg, WV, known as the “Gateway to the Ohio Valley,” offers several appealing aspects that make it a great place to live. Parkersburg is like a little slice of heaven for tourists and residents alike. This small city features amazing opportunities for learning and recreation, such as the Parkersburg Art Center and Blennerhasset Island. Parkersburg is rich in history and boasts a charming architectural landscape. The city features beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, including the famous Blennerhassett Hotel, giving it a unique and nostalgic feel. History buffs will appreciate the various historical sites and landmarks, such as the Oil and Gas Museum. Rent is almost unbelievably affordable for such a neat little city, with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment coming in at about $700 per month. There are also plenty of parks for you to walk or bike in, and local culture is vibrant, with a focus on making and celebrating food. Stores and schools are excellent as well, in addition to good restaurants and health services.

3. Martinsburg, WV

• Population change: A
• Price: D
• Stores: F
• Education: F
• Healthcare: C
• Entertainment: F
• Restaurant: F

If you long to see the Shenandoah, then Martinsburg is the place. Here you’ll be next to unique historical memorials of the railway and the Civil War. Stores, schools, and restaurants are sometimes less than ideal, but the good news is that Martinsburg is only 90 minutes from Washington, D.C. Plus, at $675 per month, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is pretty good for its proximity to such a densely populated area. Martinsburg offers an affordable cost of living compared to many nearby metropolitan areas. Housing prices, utilities, and everyday expenses tend to be more reasonable, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high price tags often associated with urban living. Martinsburg is a great place to live if you want a little bit of history, nature, and modern city life all at once.

4. Charleston, WV

• Population change: B
• Price: F
• Stores: C
• Education: F
• Healthcare: B
• Entertainment: B
• Restaurant: D

As the capital of West Virginia, Charleston has a lot going for it in terms of reasons to move there. Charleston has a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in Appalachian traditions. The city celebrates its history through various festivals and events, including the Vandalia Gathering, which showcases traditional music, crafts, and food. Residents can explore the West Virginia State Museum, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, which houses a performing arts center, an art gallery, and a science museum. It’s more expensive than most places in West Virginia, with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment coming in at $975 per month. However, Charleston’s charm is something that you won’t find anywhere else. The city has adapted to walking all over the place, from its quaint Southern streets to its bustling business center. Health care and entertainment are highly rated in Charleston, and while the schools sometimes leave something to be desired, it’s still a great place to live.

5. Wheeling, WV

• Population change: F
• Price: B
• Stores: F
• Education: C
• Healthcare: F
• Entertainment: F
• Restaurant: F

The home of remarkable historic works of architecture like the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, Wheeling is another great place to raise a family. The schools are considered above average, and there are many places to take the kids, like the Kruger Street Train and Toy Museum. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $730 per month. heeling hosts a variety of festivals and events that showcase the community’s vibrancy and bring people together. The annual Wheeling Arts & Culture Fest, the Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta, and the Wheeling Heritage Blues Fest are just a few examples of events that celebrate art, culture, and local traditions. Wheeling is surrounded by scenic natural landscapes, offering residents numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Oglebay Park, located just outside the city, is a vast park that offers golf courses, walking trails, gardens, and a zoo. Additionally, the nearby Wheeling Park offers a range of recreational facilities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and a skating rink. While scores for shopping, entertainment, and health care could be better, there are still plenty of fun things to do, so Wheeling may be a good place to move to with your family.

6. Morgantown, WV

• Population change: F
• Price: F
• Stores: D
• Education: D
• Healthcare: F
• Entertainment: C
• Restaurant: B

Morgantown is a college city, the home of West Virginia University. In 2013, Kiplinger’s voted it the seventh-best American city to live in. This is due to Morgantown’s jobs, culture, and location near other major cities. It’s also filled with natural beauty, small businesses, homegrown food, and many other attractions. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Morgantown is $750 per month. Its restaurants, schools, and shopping range from fair to outstanding. Morgantown is a great place to move to if you want to live somewhere that’s self-sufficient and off the beaten track.

Methodology

• 1-bedroom median rent price – Zumper.com
• Population change – American Community Survey 2021 and 2019
• Stores, schools, entertainment, restaurant, transportation – OpenStreetMap

To determine the best places to live in West Virginia we analyzed data on seven key metrics, including median 1-bedroom rent prices, population change, and the quantity of stores, schools, healthcare, entertainment, and restaurants. 1-bedroom rent prices accounted for 30 percent of the weighted grade. Population change accounted for 20 percent. Stores, schools, healthcare, entertainment, and restaurants accounted for ten percent each.

FAQs about living in West Virginia

Final thoughts

As you’ve seen, there are a lot of reasons West Virginia may be the perfect place for you to start calling home. From misty rolling hills and a vibrant history to diverse cuisine options and affordable housing, West Virginia has plenty to offer its residents.

The post 6 of the Best Places To Live in West Virginia appeared first on The Zumper Blog.