Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
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.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
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.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Charleston is a mid-sized city located in the state of West Virginia. The city has a population of 47,273 people. At 79%, the majority of the Charleston population is White; this is followed by 14% Black and 2% Asian. Charleston is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 49%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Charleston offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Charleston, West Virginia could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Charleston and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the West Virginia and national averages.
With a livability score of 83/100, Charleston is ranked #719 in the United States and #4 in West Virginia. Clearly, Charleston is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Another exciting tidbit, is that Charleston ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the grades for each individual category, Charleston has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+), education (A) and housing (B). There are some categories that Charleston does not rank well for, including: crime (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Charleston has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Charleston has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Capitol, State Museum, and Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Charleston apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Charleston. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Charleston are affordable. Median real estate prices in Charleston come in at $156,900, which is 46.1% higher than the West Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Charleston, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 28% higher than the West Virginia average.
| Statistic | Charleston | West Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.8% | 82.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.6% | 9.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 4.2% | 0.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.8% | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.2% | 3.1% | 4.6% |
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