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Is moving to Charleston, West Virginia right for you?

Known for its constantly growing diversity, Charleston is the capital city and one of the best places to live in West Virginia.

Charleston WV affordable cost of living, affordable homes, and small charm town makes it appealing to people of all lifestyles.

If you’re considering moving to Charleston, West Virginia and wondering if the city is right for you or not, this guide contains all you need to know to make the right moving decision.

Let’s find out if moving to Charleston, West Virginia is right for you.

QuickFacts

Quick Facts To Know If You are Moving To Charleston, West Virginia

  • Charleston WV average one-way commute time takes 16.2 minutes
  • Charleston averages 176 sunny days per year
  • Charleston WV average annual pay for average jobs is $60,512 a year
  • More than 60% of Charleston, WV residents are homeowners
  • Charleston WV gets 28 inches of snow per year
  • Charleston’s median home cost is $128,400
  • Charleston, WV cost of living is 21.5 times lower than the U.S. average

Is Charleston, West Virginia a good place to live?

One of the nicest places to reside in West Virginia is Charleston, which is located in Kanawha County. Residents in Charleston enjoy a dense suburban feel, and the majority own their homes. There are many bars and parks in Charleston. Charleston has a large population of young professionals, and the city's populace lean Republican.

Is Charleston, West Virginia a good place to retire?

In addition, Charleston is a senior-friendly city with a varied population that includes 20% of people who are 65 or older. The West Virginia University Health System offers top-notch medical and dental treatment throughout the state; therefore, the state's health services are likewise quite good. In West Virginia, the tax on Social Security income is likewise being phased down.

Is it worth moving to West Virginia?

The state provides a high standard of living, an active way of life, a welcoming atmosphere, and affordable housing. Additionally, West Virginia has a healthy job market. The scenery, rivers, and streams will captivate you. You'll have the need to go outside.

Are there state taxes in West Virginia?

West Virginia levies a state sales tax of 6.00 percent, a local maximum sales tax of 1.00 percent, and an average state and local sales tax of 6.52 percent.

Why are houses so cheap in West Virginia?

West Virginia has a smaller tax base for services than other regions of the nation because of the state's minor population centers. You can also save some money in this area due to the reduced real estate expenses, but fewer resources are available for public services as a result.

What's the Population of Charleston, West Virginia?

The population of Charleston, West Virginia is 44,628. The city is nestled in Kanawha County in West Virginia. Here’s a quick breakdown of the city’s population since you’re considering moving to Charleston, West Virginia:

  • Charleston WV population is currently declining at a 1.41% rate
  • The city’s population has decreased by -12.96% since the 2010 census
  • The median age in Charleston WV is 42 years
  • The median age is 40.3 years for males, and 44.2 years for females

How Fast Can You Commute in Charleston, West Virginia?

Shorter commute time is good for your overall well-being. So how fast can you commute if you move to Charleston, West Virginia? The American average commuting time takes 26.4 minutes.

  • Charleston WV average one-way commute time takes 16.2 minutes
  • Around 75.6% Charleston WV residents drive their own car alone
  • Up to 9.4% Charleston WV residents carpool with others
  • About 3.3% Charleston WV residents work from home
  • Up to 4.3% Charleston WV residents take mass transit

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How Is the Weather Like in Charleston, West Virginia?

Charleston averages 176 sunny days per year. The American average is 205 sunny days. The weather is most likely one of the key things to consider if you’re moving to Charleston, West Virginia. Here’s a quick breakdown of the city’s climate since you’re considering moving to Charleston, West Virginia:

  • Charleston West Virginia summer high is 86 degrees
  • Charleston West Virginia winter low is 24 degrees
  • Charleston WV averages 46 inches of rain per year. The U.S. average is 38 inches
  • Charleston WV gets 28 inches of snow per year. The U.S. average is the same
  • Charleston WV gets 149 days of precipitation every year
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Top 10 Reasons To Move To Charleston, West Virginia

There are several reasons why moving to Charleston is such a great idea. The city is popular in West Virginia for several reasons.

To give you an idea of what to expect, the following are the top ten reasons why people are moving to Charleston, West Virginia:

  • Affordable homes
  • Low cost of living
  • You’ll enjoy the small-town charm
  • Diversity
  • Low property tax
  • It’s a college town
  • The restaurant scene is noteworthy
  • There are kid-friendly and adult activities
  • There are many rivers and outdoor activities
  • You’ll get to experience all four seasons in Charleston WV
pros and cons of Phoenix

Pros & Cons of Moving To Charleston, West Virginia

Once you figure out the pros and cons of moving to Charleston, West Virginia, it’s easier for you to decide if the city is right for you or not.

To make it easier for you to decide if moving to Charleston is right for you, we’ve listed the key pros and cons of living in the city to give you a better idea.

Pros of living in Charleston
  • Charleston WV is known for its age diversity
  • Charleston WV is known for its race diversity
  • There’s a low hurricane risk at Charleston WV
  • Charleston WV has a low property tax
  • Charleston WV government spending is high
  • You’ll have access to fast internet in Charleston WV
  • There’s low earthquake risk at Charleston WV
  • Charleston WV has low wildfire risk
  • Access to Blue ribbon Elementary school(s)
  • Spelling Bee finalist(s) lived here
  • Low number of windy days (<6km/h)
Cons of living in Charleston
  • Charleston WV property and violent crime rates higher than the U.S. average
  • Low proficiency in Reading and Language Arts at Elementary schools
  • Low proficiency in Reading and Language Arts at Middle schools
  • Low proficiency in Reading and Language Arts at High schools
  • Charleston WV is too close to an airport
  • Charleston WV is in an area of high risk of severe storms
  • You’ll have to put up with cloudy skies

Best Neighborhoods in Charleston, West Virginia

Charleston is one of the best places to live in West Virginia and the city is home to many livable and beautiful neighborhoods. The following are the best places to live in if you’re moving to Charleston, West Virginia:

  • City Center / Historic District
  • East End
  • West Side
  • South Hills
  • South Charleston and Dunbar
  • Downtown Charleston WV
  • Kanawha City
  • Airport Village

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Cost of Living in Charleston, WV

Charleston, West Virginia cost of living is 78.5. The U.S. average is 100. Charleston’s cost of living is 21.5% lower than the national average.

The following are the key components that make up the city’s cost of living to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Charleston, West Virginia.

Living Expense Charleston West Virginia National Average
Overall 78.5 78.1 100
Grocery 99.3 95.8 100
Health 105.6 106 100
Housing 46.2 41.7 100
Median Home Cost $128,400 $114,600 $291,700
Utilities 86.4 85.9 100
Transportation 87 90.1 100
Miscellaneous 91.6 95.1 100

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How Is The Job Market In Charleston, West Virginia?

Getting a job in Charleston, West Virginia is fairly competitive.

Similar to several other job markets across America and in West Virginia, Charleston is experiencing its fair share of the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. Here’s a quick breakdown of the city’s economy since you’re considering moving to Charleston, West Virginia:

  • Charleston, W.V. unemployment rate is 6.2%. The U.S. average is 6.0%
  • Charleston’s job growth has been negative so far
  • Charleston’s future job growth is expected to hit 20.18%
  • Charleston’s jobs have decreased by 0.2% over the past year
Employment Information Elizabeth, New Jersey United States
The income per Cap $19,589 $31,177
Household Income $45,186 $57,652
Unemployment Rate 9.6 6.0%
Recent Job Growth -7.31% -6.18%
Future Job Growth 20.58% 33.51%

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Fastest Growing Jobs In Charleston, West Virginia

You might be interested in getting a job after moving to Charleston, West Virginia. One of the easiest ways to get a job is to consider the city’s fastest growing jobs. The following are the top ten fastest growing jobs in the city since you’re considering moving to Charleston, West Virginia:

Rank Job Title Growth % Average Wage Jobs IN 2024
1 Home Health Aid 129.2% $20,060 5,880
2 Personal Care Assistant 125.8% $19,840 17,710
3 Physical Therapist Assistant 121.2% $50,390 1,030
4 Physical Therapist 119.7% $83,310 1,520
5 Physician Assistant 119.6% $99,090 1,100
6 Marketing Internship 119.5% $44,640 1,040
7 Nurse Practitioner 116.5% $92,890 1,060
8 Medical Receptionist 115.2% $29,670 1,440
9 Industrial Mechanic 114.4% $45,910 3,330
10 Representative 113.6% $30,580 1,000

Top career options in Charleston, West Virginia

You’ll find many high paying jobs if you’re moving to Charleston, West Virginia. The city is home to various businesses and organizations. We’ve collated key stats about the top career options in the city to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Charleston, West Virginia:

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary # Of People
1 Physicians and Surgeons, All Other $188,540 $54,170 580
2 Nurse Anesthetists $171,660 $135,160 190
3 Chief Executives $154,710 $56,750 250
4 Dentists, General $147,120 $79,950 100
5 Pharmacists $122,650 $31,330 360
6 Architectural and Engineering Managers $118,960 $79,020 60
7 Chemical Engineers $109,760 $67,630 100
8 Medical and Health Services Managers $107,100 $52,850 180
9 Lawyers $103,880 $59,110 880
10 Sales Managers $100,630 $46,920 140

Best companies to work for if you’re moving to Charleston, WV

Charleston is home to several leading businesses and organizations. Moving to Charleston opens up several opportunities in this city. The following is a list of the best companies to work for in the city since you’re considering moving to Charleston West Virginia:

  • American Medical Facilities Management
  • University of Charleston
  • Robinson & McElwee
  • Bowles Rice
  • Emergency Medical Service
  • TSG Consulting
  • Jackson Kelly PLLC
  • Security America
  • Quality Insights
  • Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley

What's the Average Salary & Income in Charleston, West Virginia?

Income is most likely one of the key things you’ll have to consider before making up your mind about moving to Charleston, West Virginia. To give you an idea of the city’s average income, here are key stats to look out for if you’re moving to Charleston, WV:

  • Charleston WV average annual pay for average jobs is $60,512 a year
  • Charleston WV average annual pay for average jobs is $29.09 an hour
  • Charleston WV average annual pay for average jobs is $1,164 per week
  • Charleston WV average annual pay for average jobs is $5,043 per month

Major Industries in Charleston, West Virginia

Charleston is home to some of the leading industries in West Virginia. Moving to Charleston WV opens up multiple opportunities in these industries. The following is a list of the largest industries in the city to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Charleston, West Virginia:

  • Health Care and Social Assistance
  • Retail Trade
  • Public Administration
  • Mining
  • Quarrying
  • Oil and Gas Extraction
  • Utilities
  • Wholesale Trade

How Is The Housing Market of Charleston, WV?

More than 60% of Charleston, West Virginia residents are homeowners. You’ll also find all kinds of homes available to rent in the city. We’ve collated key stats about the city’s housing market to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Charleston, West Virginia.

Median Home Prices in Charleston, West Virginia

Buying a home can be a great choice if you’re moving to Charleston, West Virginia. The city is home to various beautiful and livable neighborhoods. Even more, Charleston’s median home cost is lower than the national average. Here’s a quick breakdown of the city’s housing market since you’re mulling over moving to Charleston, West Virginia:

  • Charleston’s median home cost is $128,400
  • Over the last ten years, the city’s homes have appreciated by 5.0%
  • Home appreciation in Charleston WV is currently up by 6.9%
  • Around 35.2% of Charleston’s residents are renters
  • Up to 3.0% of homes and apartments in Charleston, WV are open to rent

Average Rental Prices in Charleston, West Virginia

Renting a home can be your preferred housing choice if you’re moving to Charleston, West Virginia. To make it easier for you to come up with the right budget, the following are the average rent of various room sizes in the city if you’re moving to Charleston, WV:

  • The average rent of a studio apartment in Charleston WV is $589
  • The average rent of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Charleston, WV is $704
  • The average rent of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Charleston, WV is $850
  • The average rent of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Charleston, WV is $1,105
  • The average rent of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Charleston, WV is $1,191

How are taxes like in West Virginia?

West Virginia has some of the lowest property taxes in the United States.

Also, the state’s average effective property tax rate is the ninth-lowest in the entire United States. Here are key tax rates to consider if you’re moving to West Virginia:

  • West Virginia Income tax is 3% - 6.5%
  • West Virginia Sales tax is 6% - 7%
  • West Virginia average effective Property tax rate is 0.57%
  • West Virginia gas tax is 20.50 cents per gallon of regular gasoline & diesel

What Are the Best Things to Do in Charleston, West Virginia?

 

Charleston is not a boring city. You’ll find lots of places to explore and many activities you can do to have fun if you’re moving to Charleston, West Virginia. The following is a list of the best things to do in Charleston, West Virginia since you’re considering moving to the city:

  • Listen to the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
  • Attend Big Events at the Charleston Civic Center
  • Treat Yourself at Charleston Town Center
  • Catch Shows at Haddad Riverfront Park
  • Enjoy the Panoramic View of Charleston at the South Hills
  • Enter the Plush Governor's Mansion
  • Shop Local Produce at Capitol Market
  • Step inside the Avampato Discovery Museum
  • Immerse in Nature at the Kanawha State Forest
  • Stroll along the Vibrant Capitol Street
  • Hang Out at the Charming Coonskin Park
  • Marvel at the West Virginia State Capitol
  • Honor the Fallen at the Charleston Veterans Memorial
  • See the Artifacts in the West Virginia State Museum
  • Wander the Charming Clay Center

How Safe Is Charleston, West Virginia?

Safety is one of the key things you’ll most likely consider if you’re moving to Charleston, West Virginia. To give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Charleston WV, the following is a breakdown of the city’s crime rates:

  • The property crime rate in Charleston is 95.0. The national average is 35.4
  • The violent crime rate in Charleston is 63.4. The national average is 22.7
  • Residents have a 1 in 143 chance of being the victim of a violent crime each year
  • Residents have a 1 in 16.6 chance of being the victim of a property crime each year

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Here’s a breakdown of Charleston crime rates compares to the state and national average:

Statistic Count Raw Charleston/ 100k People West Virginia/ 100k People National/ 100k People
Total Crimes Per 100K 3,184 6,707.4 1,900.0 2,476.7
Murder 10 21.1 4.4 5.0
Robbery 48 101.1 21.1 81.6
Aggravated Assault 223 469.8 249.1 250.2
Violent Crime 331 697.3 316.6 366.7
Burglary 660 1,390.4 328.7 340.5
Larceny 1,947 4,101.5 1,119.7 1,549.5
Car Theft 246 518.2 135.0 219.9
Property Crime 2,853 6,010.1 1,583.4 2,109.9

What Are the Top Schools in the Charleston Area WV?

Here are the top 5 colleges schools in Charleston, WV as ranked by Great Schools from elementary to universities and colleges.

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