Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Health & Safety
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Beckley is a medium-sized city located in the state of West Virginia. The city has a population of 16,240 residents. At 75%, the majority of the Beckley population is White; this is followed by 16% Black and 3% Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Beckley is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Beckley is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in West Virginia, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Beckley, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, commute, health & safety and more.
Beckley, WV receives 56/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #245 in West Virginia and #21,072 in the USA. This is not a favorable rating; as this score ranks among some of the lowest in America. Living in Beckley may not be a pleasant experience. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Beckley scores well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B-) There is at least one category that did not score well in Beckley. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F), crime (F), education (D-) and employment (D-).
The Beckley unemployment rate of 2.6% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Beckley can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Beckley is actually affordable. The median home price for Beckley homes is $109,300, which is 1.8% higher than the West Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Beckley, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 0% lower than the West Virginia average.
| Statistic | Beckley | West Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.3% | 82.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.1% | 9.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 0.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.5% | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.4% | 3.1% | 4.6% |
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