West Virginia is a state that offers breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and a friendly community. The state is filled with many small towns and cities that offer a high quality of life, making it difficult to choose the best place to live. In this article, we will take a look at the best places to live in West Virginia, based on population, living costs, and other factors.
Best Places to Live in West Virginia
- Charleston
- Morgantown
- Wheeling
- Bridgeport
- Martinsburg
- Huntington
- Parkersburg
- Beckley
- Fairmont
- Clarksburg
Best Places to Live in West Virginia: Population and Living Costs
1. Charleston
Charleston is the capital of West Virginia and is located in the heart of the state. It has a population of around 46,536 people, making it one of the largest cities in the state. The living costs in Charleston are relatively low, making it an affordable place to live. The median home value in Charleston is $123,800, and the median household income is $44,000. The city is also home to many great restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
2. Morgantown
Morgantown is home to West Virginia University and has a population of around 31,073 people. The city has a vibrant nightlife, and there are plenty of things to do for people of all ages. The median home value in Morgantown is $211,700, and the median household income is $34,000. The cost of living in Morgantown is higher than in some other parts of the state, but the city offers plenty of job opportunities.
3. Wheeling
Wheeling is located in the northern part of the state and has a population of around 27,466 people. The city is home to many historic sites, including the West Virginia Independence Hall and the Wheeling Suspension Bridge. The median home value in Wheeling is $91,400, and the median household income is $37,000. The cost of living in Wheeling is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live.
4. Bridgeport
Bridgeport is a small city located in the northern part of the state and has a population of around 8,527 people. The city has a low crime rate, making it a safe place to live. The median home value in Bridgeport is $199,900, and the median household income is $84,000. The cost of living in Bridgeport is higher than in some other parts of the state, but the city offers plenty of job opportunities.
5. Martinsburg
Martinsburg is located in the eastern part of the state and has a population of around 17,227 people. The city is known for its rich history and is home to many historic sites, including the Belle Boyd House. The median home value in Martinsburg is $176,400, and the median household income is $37,000. The cost of living in Martinsburg is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live.
6. Huntington
Huntington is located in the western part of the state and has a population of around 48,742 people. The city is home to Marshall University and is known for its vibrant arts and music scene. The median home value in Huntington is $95,000, and the median household income is $29,000. The cost of living in Huntington is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live. The city has also invested in many parks and recreational areas, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Parkersburg
Parkersburg is located in the western part of the state and has a population of around 30,000 people. The city is situated along the Ohio River and has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The median home value in Parkersburg is $86,900, and the median household income is $34,000. The cost of living in Parkersburg is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live.
8. Beckley
Beckley is located in the southern part of the state and has a population of around 16,729 people. The city is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The median home value in Beckley is $127,400, and the median household income is $31,000. The cost of living in Beckley is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live.
9. Fairmont
Fairmont is located in the central part of the state and has a population of around 18,704 people. The city is home to Fairmont State University and is known for its beautiful parks and historic sites. The median home value in Fairmont is $119,100, and the median household income is $37,000. The cost of living in Fairmont is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live.
10. Clarksburg
Clarksburg is located in the northern part of the state and has a population of around 15,996 people. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Harrison County Courthouse and the Waldomore Mansion. The median home value in Clarksburg is $94,100, and the median household income is $37,000. The cost of living in Clarksburg is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live.
FAQs
What is the cost of living in West Virginia?
The cost of living in West Virginia is generally lower than the national average. According to data from Numbeo, the cost of living index in West Virginia is 82.9, compared to the national average of 100.
What is the median home value in West Virginia?
The median home value in West Virginia is $120,000, according to data from Zillow.
What is the population of West Virginia?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of West Virginia was estimated to be 1,787,147 in 2020.
Are there job opportunities in West Virginia?
Yes, there are job opportunities in West Virginia, particularly in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. According to data from the West Virginia Department of Commerce, the state has experienced job growth in recent years, particularly in industries such as healthcare, education, and professional services.
What is the unemployment rate in West Virginia?
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in West Virginia was 4.6% in December 2021, which is slightly higher than the national average of 3.9%.
What is the climate like in West Virginia?
West Virginia has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The state also experiences a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, particularly in the form of snow during the winter months.
What are some popular attractions in West Virginia?
West Virginia is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, including the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Seneca Rocks, and the Monongahela National Forest. The state is also home to several historic sites and cultural attractions, such as the Greenbrier resort and the West Virginia State Museum.
What are some of the top schools in West Virginia?
West Virginia has several highly regarded colleges and universities, including West Virginia University, Marshall University, and Shepherd University. The state also has a strong K-12 education system, with several highly rated schools throughout the state.
Conclusion:
West Virginia offers many great places to live, each with its own unique features and advantages. Whether you’re looking for a small town or a larger city, there are plenty of options to choose from. When considering the best places to live in West Virginia, it’s important to take into account factors such as population, living costs, and job opportunities. The ten places listed above are among the best in the state, offering a high quality of life at an affordable price.