South Charleston 70 Good
South Charleston Livability #59 ranked city in West Virginia#7,327 ranked city in the USARanks better than 74% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in South Charleston

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

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What's it like Living in South Charleston?

South Charleston, West Virginia is a medium-sized city with a population of 12,461 residents. The majority of South Charleston residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in South Charleston. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in South Charleston can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of West Virginia, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in South Charleston and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare South Charleston to West Virginia and the national average.

With a livability score of 71/100, South Charleston is ranked #5,378 in the United States and #42 in West Virginia. Based on the grades for each individual category, South Charleston has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). South Charleston does not do well for the following: amenities (F) and crime (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The South Charleston market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in South 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 South Charleston are affordable. Median real estate prices in South Charleston come in at $127,500, which is 18.7% higher than the West Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In South Charleston, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 0% lower than the West Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around South Charleston

See all the best places to live around South Charleston

How Do You Rate The Livability In South Charleston?

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Compare South Charleston, WV Livability

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      South Charleston transportation information

      Statistic South Charleston West Virginia National
      Average one way commute16min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.7%82.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.8%9.9%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.3%0.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.0%2.9%2.8%
      Working from home2.6%3.1%4.6%
      Source: The South Charleston, WV data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).