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Real Estate & Homes in Charleston - West Virginia - Charleston, West Virginia homes and communities
Charleston
 
Charleston Background Nestled in the lush Appalachian Mountains, Charleston is the capital of West Virginia, the county seat of Kanawha County and a model city for the state. The city has rightfully been called the “most Northern” of the Southern cities and the “most Southern” of the Northern cities, earning it the nickname of “the City of Contrasts.” It’s a seamless blend of city and country, high sophistication, and down-home simplicity.
Paleo-Indians are believed to be the first to inhabit the area as early as 8,000 BC. The first European settlers trace to 1774, when Chief Cornstalk and the Shawnees were defeated in the Battle of Point Pleasant. In that same year, the Bullitt family was deeded 1,250 acres of land near the mouth of the Elk River. The land was sold to Colonel George Clendenin in 1786. Two years later, Clendenin and his company of Virginia Rangers built the first permanent settlement, Fort Lee. Clendenin reportedly named the settlement for his father, Charles.
In 1789, the Virginia Legislature created a new county named Kanawha, meaning “place of white stone” — most likely a reference to the abundant salt mines in the area. Five years later, state lawmakers officially established Charles Town, with the name later shortened to “Charleston.” On the 40 acres that originally made up the town, 35 people inhabited seven houses. For seven years, frontiersman Daniel Boone lived across the river, and he represented the settlement in the Virginia Assembly in the early 1790s.
The area grew in the early 19th century when salt brine deposits were discovered along the Kanawha River. By 1808, 1,250 pounds of salt was produced each day. An area next to Charleston, Kanawha Salines — now Malden — would become the top salt producer in the world. While drilling for salt, Captain James Wilson struck the first natural gas well in 1815. Two years later, coal was discovered and soon was used as the fuel for salt works.
When the state of Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861 with the start of the Civil War, Charleston was divided between Union and Confederate loyalties. On Sept. 13, 1862, the Battle of Charleston was fought. The Confederate Army was victorious, but occupation of the city was short-lived. Union troops returned just six weeks later and stayed through the end of the war.
With the western part of the state under Union control and Virginia seceded from the union, the issue of statehood was raised. West Virginia was officially declared the 35th state by President Lincoln on June 20, 1863, and was returned to the Union.
By the time the war ended, the salt industry in Kanawha Valley was virtually gone. The fledgling government was struggling to come together effectively. The state capital moved between Charleston and Wheeling until 1885, when Charleston was officially named the state capital. The current capital building was completed in 1932.
In 1956, President Eisenhower signed the Federal Aid Highway Act. Charleston became part of that system in the 1960s, with the construction of three major interstate systems — I-64, I-77 and I-79 — all converging in the heart of Charleston. Today, these roads provide convenient access to major U.S. cities. In fact, Charleston is within a day’s drive of 60 percent of the U.S. population. It enjoys a distinct tradition as the crossroads between north, south, east and the Midwest.
Charleston Fast Facts
Location: Charleston is located in southwestern West Virginia, at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers
Elevation: 606 feet
*Population: 53,421 in Charleston; more than 300,000 in the metropolitan statistical area (MSA), comprised of Kanawha, Putnam, Boone, Clay and Lincoln counties
*Population density: 1,690.4 per square mile
*Land area: 31.6 square miles
*Number of households: 24,505
*Number of families: 13,624
*Number of housing units: 27,131
*Average density: 858.5 per square mile
*Median household income: $37,357
Average high temperature: 65°F
Average low temperature: 44°F
Average precipitation: 42.5 inches
Average snowfall: 36 inches
*Information provided by 2000 Census
 
Community
Charleston is truly a center of contrasts — a community that blends big-city style with the warmth and familiarity of a small town.
The spirit of Charleston is best embodied in its friendly residents, who value family and community, and embrace Appalachian traditions while striving for contemporary innovations. The U.S. manufacturing census reflects this perspective in its workforce productivity rating, placing Charleston among the top 10 cities in the nation.
Despite serving as a transportation, retail, cultural and telecommunications hub for West Virginia, Charleston is still one of the nation’s most affordable locations. It’s a safe and healthy place to live, too, with one of the lowest crime rates in the nation and a comprehensive community health care system. The city boasts the nation’s second-largest cardiac care program, a Level I trauma center, and a women and children’s hospital. Regional patient capacity exceeds 1,600 beds, including four general acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals and many clinics.
In 2001, the Kanawha Valley became the seventh community in the nation to achieve the elite Well City USA status. The primary requirement is that 20 percent of a community’s working population be employed by Bronze-, Silver-, Gold- or Platinum-designated Well Workplace Award-winning companies.
With a world-class health system, excellent schools, beautiful vistas, abundant cultural and recreational opportunities, state-of-the art telecommunications services, and virtually no rush-hour gridlock, Charleston is destined to be one of the nation’s most desirable places to live in the 21st century.
Attractions
Charleston is a treasure trove of history and culture. Its East End, South Hills and downtown areas are dotted with historic housing — from late Victorian to Greek Revival — most built between 1895 and 1925. In fact, the entire East End has earned a spot in the National Register of Historic Places.
Downtown Charleston is a patchwork of old churches and early 1900s buildings, including 405 Capitol Street, the Kanawha County Courthouse, the Union Building and CE&O Railroad Depot. Many of these structures have been restored to their original grandeur.
Discover the architectural splendor of the State Capitol building. This marble and granite Italian Renaissance structure is topped by a 23-karat gold-leafed dome. Designed by Cass Gilbert, architect of the Supreme Court building, it’s the highest state capitol dome in the country — even five feet higher than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The Capitol’s beautifully landscaped grounds display an array of historical statues, along with the West Virginia Veterans Memorial Plaza. This two-story monument honors more than 10,000 West Virginians who defended the nation in 20th-century conflicts.
Tour the Governor’s Mansion. Designed in 1924, the 30-room mansion features state rooms with exquisite antiques and fine detailing.
Next door to the Governor’s Mansion, you’ll find the Holly Grove Mansion. Built in 1815, this magnificent structure once served as “Grand Central” for most of the land that is now Charleston.
You’ll find two pieces of history at the Craik-Patton House, a Greek Revival structure built in 1834 by the Rev. James Craik, who was grandson of Dr. James Craik, George Washington’s physician and friend. The house was later occupied by Col. George S. Patton, grandfather of Gen. George Patton of World War II fame.
Trace the history of West Virginia at the State Museum. Located in the Cultural Center, this unique museum features everything from an extensive collection of antique hats to the telescope George Washington used to survey state lands.
In downtown South Charleston, you can visit the state’s largest Indian burial mound. The mound was built by the Adena people, thought to be the first settlers in the area.
Explore an authentic coal mine at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, about an hour’s drive from Charleston. Here, a “man trip” car will guide you through 1,500 feet of restored underground passages.
Along with spectacular displays of yesterday, Charleston offers plenty of modern attractions. Spend a day at Charleston Town Center Mall, one of the largest indoor shopping centers east of the Mississippi. It features 160 stores, three major department stores and specialty restaurants. The Center Court Atrium, with its three-story waterfall and extensive greenery, is a favorite with visitors and locals alike. Or pick up something special at Capitol Market, featuring chic eateries, specialty food and wine shops, flower vendors, and a farmers market in a renovated recycling center.
Take in an event at the Charleston Civic Center and Coliseum, offering year-round entertainment and activities. One of the most flexible facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region, it houses the Civic Center Coliseum, the Municipal Auditorium, the Charleston Convention Center and the Civic Center Little Theater. Here you’ll enjoy everything from top rock, country, gospel and Broadway acts to circuses; hot rod pulls; and wrestling, sports and home shows.
 
Recreation and Leisure
Charleston offers so many ways to enjoy yourself, you’ll quickly discover why West Virginia carries the moniker “wild and wonderful.” A bounty of outdoor activities is there for the taking year-round, making Charleston a true four-season destination for having fun. From its many parks, public golf courses and swimming facilities to snow skiing, whitewater rafting, kayaking and other adventures just a short drive away, there’s never a shortage of things to do.
Water, water, everywhere! West Virginia is often called "the Colorado of the East," and its whitewater rivers are a big reason — attracting more than 250,000 rafters and kayakers every year.
Take a whitewater rafting tour through the 53-mile-long New River Gorge National River. Part of the National Park System, this rugged river — formed more than 65 million years ago by advancing glaciers — is among the oldest on the continent and has an average depth of more than 1,000 feet. Flowing northward through deep canyons and covering more than 70,000 acres of land, it offers a wide range of scenic and recreational activities.
Marvel at the wonders of the New River Gorge Bridge. Arching gracefully 876 feet across the New River, this bridge has the second longest single arch steel span in the world and is the second highest bridge in the United States.
Enjoy a walk along the Kanawha River, a trademark of recreational and commercial activity in the capital city. Here, local marinas and boat clubs provide river access and amenities to local boaters and water lovers. You’ll also find some five miles of riverside walkway — an automobile-free ribbon of pavement for walking, running and cycling.
Boat, fish and picnic at Daniel Boone Park, a 4-acre family park along the riverside. Magic Island is a great place to rollerblade, play Frisbee, or just sit and watch the sunset.
The Kanawha River is also the backdrop for Charleston’s annual Sternwheel Regatta celebration, the city’s biggest annual bash. Held over Labor Day weekend, the five-day festival draws thousands of fun seekers to Haddad Riverfront Park. It features stately sternwheelers, concerts, a carnival, river races, hot-air balloon activities, the Taste of Charleston, an antique car show, and scores of other activities for all ages. In December, the river is the setting for the Charleston Christmas Parade, a nighttime celebration of lights on land and water.
Take in the many treasures of Kanawha State Forest, just one of the region’s 13 public parks and campgrounds. A favorite for outdoor activities, the 9,300-acre forest has 46 campsites; more than 25 miles of hiking trails; and abundant opportunities for swimming, biking, hunting, fishing and horseback riding.
Explore the more than 1,000 acres of Coonskin Park, just 10 miles from downtown Charleston. You’ll find a fishing lake jumping with bass and catfish, along with a golf course, swimming pool, and boathouse with paddle boats.
Spend a day at Cato Park, Charleston's largest municipal park. Tucked away on the West Side, this beautiful park is one of the best-kept secrets in Charleston. It features an executive nine-hole golf course, a hiking trail, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts and beautiful picnic areas.
Take a ride on the Midland Trail, one of the oldest and most beautiful routes in the United States. Also known as U.S. Route 60, this National Scenic Highway offers a delightful 119-mile journey across south-central West Virginia.
On the Greenbrier River Trail, you’ll have access to more than 80 miles of well-marked hiking and biking paths. History buffs can stop off at any number of historic sites including the Old Stone House, a reminder of what life was like for the industrial pioneers.
West Virginia winters just keep getting better. Snowshoe Resort, Winterplace, Canaan Valley Resort and Timberline offer the finest downhill skiing in the Southeast. All are a convenient day trip from Charleston.
Ice skate year round at Outdoor Extremes, a full indoor skate park, or at South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena.
For the golfing enthusiast, Charleston sports six public courses. One of the best is Big Bend, designed with every skill level in mind. This county-owned par-71 course is located alongside the scenic Coal River and features large greens, tree-lined fairways and lots of water.
Runners can join like-minded athletes from around the world for the Charleston Distance Run, an annual event held as part of the Sternwheel Regatta. Also known as “America’s 15 Miler,” the run offers a challenging scenic course through the capitol area, riverfront and Charleston’s many beautiful neighborhoods.
Cycling enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Kmart Classic of West Virginia. Held every May, this six-day, 500-mile world-class bicycle race is considered West Virginia’s largest spectator sporting event.
For family fun, West Virginia's only amusement park, Camden Park, awaits with rides, games and carnival classics. Or check out the miniature golf and go-carts at Rock Lake Putt-Putt in South Charleston — or the tri-state’s largest paintball field, Scary Creek.
Gamblers can find their way to the winner’s circle at Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center, with live greyhound racing, simulcast thoroughbred horse racing, and slots at the center’s 33,000-square-foot casino.
Perhaps the biggest sports draw of all in Charleston is its resident baseball team, the Charleston Alley Cats. With more than 140 home games a season at Watt Powell Park, the Class "A" affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays — a professional minor league baseball team — serves up plenty of action.
The city also offers endless opportunities to catch a high school or college athletic event. Favorites include the North-South All-Star High School Football Game, West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament, State Boys and Girls High School Basketball Tournament, West Virginia High School Track and Field Championship, and the State Cheerleading Championship.
 
The Arts Charleston offers a rich array of cultural amenities typically found only in larger metropolitan areas. Performing arts groups range from nonprofessional community groups to the professional with outstanding guest artists. These groups include the Appalachian Children’s Choir, Appalachian Youth Jazz Ballet; Charleston Ballet; Charleston Chamber Music Society; Charleston Civic Chorus; Charleston Community Music Association; Charleston Light Opera Guild; Children’s Theatre of Charleston, Friends of Old Time Music and Dance (FOOTMAD); Kanawha Players; Seneca Chamber Orchestra; West Virginia Dance Theater; and West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra boasts the highest symphony per capita subscription rate of any city. The only symphony group in the United States to offer full-production opera as part of its standard programming, the orchestra also serves up a full schedule of symphonic, pops, ballet, family series and quartet music.
Charleston’s commitment to the arts is embodied in the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences. Considered one of the most ambitious cultural and educational undertakings in West Virginia, the 240,000-square foot center opened to the public in July 2003. It was established to serve the arts, science and technology by bringing together performances in dance, music and theater, and educational programming and exhibits. This state-of-the-art facility includes Clark Performance Place, featuring the Maier Foundation Performance Hall and a 1,880-seat world-class theater, as well as the versatile Walker Theater. It also houses the Avampato Discovery Museum, with a world-class art museum, two floors of interactive science exhibits and the ElectricSkyTM Theater.
At the West Virginia Cultural Center, you can see the state’s artistic, cultural, and historical heritage on display. Here, the State Theatre features concerts, films, lectures and theatrical presentations, while a Museum Shop houses the works of more than 500 West Virginia artists, musicians and writers. You can also catch a performance of Mountain Stage, one of the most popular programs offered to Public Radio International’s member stations. This live two-hour arts show features nationally and internationally recognized musicians and is broadcast almost every Sunday from the State Theatre.
Enjoy a show — and a magnificent historical landmark — at the West Virginia Capitol Center Theatre. From the day it opened in 1914 as a vaudeville showplace, to its later transformation as a movie theater, the facility has starred as one of Charleston's leading entertainment attractions. It was restored and reopened as the Capitol Center in 1984 and continues to provide a wide variety of entertainment as part of West Virginia State University.
For a multicultural theater experience, catch a performance of the Charleston Stage Company. For more than a decade, the company has offered experimental, avant garde plays, new drama, and European and American classic dramas to West Virginia audiences — along with educational and artistic outreach programs for all ages.
The Charleston area is also a hub of activity for arts and crafts. In Malden, Cabin Creek Quilts offers award-winning quilt displays, along with everything from handcrafted clothing to kitchen accessories. Less than an hour’s drive from Charleston, Tamarack showcases a statewide collection of more than 20,000 art and handmade crafts. You can also observe weavers, painters, sculptors, glass-blowers and other artists as they work.
The region’s social calendar is filled with art-centered events year round. On Memorial Day Weekend, the Vandalia Gathering, an annual celebration of folk life and cultural variety, is held on the State Capitol Complex. The event features mountain music competitions; arts and crafts; dance performances; and the Liar’s Contest, a celebrated arena for swapping tall tales.
In June, the Rhododendron Arts & Crafts Show features artisans displaying their wares, from patchwork to painting and handmade glass, while West Virginia Day brings musicians, artisans, craftspeople and performers to the steps of the State Capitol.
In August, West Virginia’s cultural diversity is celebrated at Multifest, a three-day festival of music, dance, arts, crafts and food.
For three days in November, more than 2,000 artisans exhibit their crafts at the Capital City Arts & Crafts Show. The largest indoor art and craft show in West Virginia, drawing more than 20,000 people, the show features fine art from West Virginia and the region, as well as music and craft demonstrations.
Dining Charleston offers a variety of fine cuisine with four- and five-star rated restaurants. Standouts include:
Chef Dan’s: A large variety of foods, with good-size portions and standard American fare.
Coco Restaurant: A family dining restaurant featuring an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet.
Blossom Deli: A unique restaurant in an authentic Art Deco setting, featuring a classic deli for lunch and a contemporary American menu for dinner.
Bridge Road Bistro: An upscale South Hills eatery with daily specials and a frequently changing menu.
Chesterfield House: Excellent gourmet continental cuisine, along with a Thai Room and banquet facilities.
Delish Eclectic Gourmet: A variety of dishes blended with several cultural influences.
Best of Crete: Unique, homemade Greek specialties in a casual dining setting.
Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse: A steakhouse that dishes up Japanese specialties.
Fuji Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar: An extensive menu of Japanese cuisine, complemented by a wonderful Sushi bar.
Five Corners Sports Garden: All-American food in a sports-themed setting.
Fifth Quarter Steakhouse: A traditional neighborhood steakhouse with a 60-item, award-winning salad bar.
Leonoro’s Spaghetti House: Great Italian food.
Rio Grande: Delicious Mexican fare in a casual setting.
Sitar of India: The oldest Indian restaurant in Charleston, providing authentic dishes from North India.
Soho’s: Called the “hottest lunch and dinner spot in Charleston” since its opening in October 2002, serving delicious Italian cuisine.
Tidewater Grill: Credited with having the best seafood in West Virginia, with house specialties like blackened Atlantic salmon and Jamaican-jerked shrimp.
Housing The Charleston region has housing to accommodate every budget and taste. Housing availability, location and competitive prices are all part of the tremendous appeal of the Charleston area.
The housing market is growing at a steady pace and has a wonderfully eclectic mixture of neighborhoods. Property taxes — $8.20 per $1,000 of market value compared with the national average of $26 per $1,000 — remain among the lowest in the country. The average home price is $93,330, compared with the national average of $218,400. As of the 2000 Census, Charleston has 27,084 houses, more than half of which are owner-occupied.
Employment Charleston is West Virginia's premier business location, thanks to its industrial diversity and abundant job opportunities. The region is focused on attracting world-class talent to support an expanding base of highly technical domestic and international companies. Major industries include government, health care, education, telecommunications, chemicals, professional services, and automotive parts and components manufacturing.
The Charleston region’s largest employer is the state government, with 12,400 employees. Charleston Area Medical Center and the Kanawha County Schools each employ 5,000, while the federal government has 2,700 employees in the area. Verizon West Virginia, Inc., ranks next, with 1,500 employees. Other major employers include Thomas Memorial Hospital, the Dow Chemical Company, Acodia, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and Bayer CropScience.
Over the past decade, the region has enjoyed steady economic growth, with total employment increasing 21 percent. Unemployment closely mirrors the national average, at an average 4.7 percent in recent years.
More than 6,000 businesses are located in Kanawha County, representing more employment opportunities than any other county in West Virginia. The region’s exceptional highway system makes commuting easy from surrounding areas.
Charleston understands the importance of cultivating and nurturing businesses close to home. New and expanding businesses benefit from assistance programs from the state and local community, all designed to help each company realize its potential for business owners, the employees and the community.
Education West Virginia’s highly acclaimed “Computers in the Classroom” initiative, one of the world’s first, was implemented in 1989. As a result, high school graduates in the Charleston region are among the most computer literate in the nation, bringing 13 years (K-12) of computing experience to the labor market.
Five fully accredited colleges and universities serve the Charleston region, offering quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs — with a total enrollment of more than 29,000 students. They are:
Marshall University: Located in Huntington, Marshall offers students degrees in 24 associate programs, 41 baccalaureate programs and 46 graduate programs. The school has been named one of America’s Best College Buys.
University of Charleston: A private, co-educational, residential university, the university offers degrees and programs for everyone in a wide range of academic fields.
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College: The college serves high school graduates from nine counties in southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky. Programs lead to two-year associate’s degrees and certificates in more than 20 technical and occupational career fields.
West Virginia State University: WVSU is an accredited graduate and undergraduate degree-granting institution. It’s the sponsoring institution of the independently accredited West Virginia State Community and Technical College (WVSCTC). A historically black college, WVSU has evolved into a fully accessible, racially diverse and multigenerational baccalaureate institution.
West Virginia University Institute of Technology: “Tech” has been ranked the Fourth Best Comprehensive College in the South by U.S. News & World Report’s 2004 America’s Best Colleges.
Charleston is also home to an array of vocational schools and adult career centers, including Carver Career Center, Garnet Career Center, Real Estate School of West Virginia, Camcare Health Education and Research Institute School of Cytotech, and AAA Travel Academy.
Where is Charleston?
Written exclusively by Sue Carrington for HomesParadise.com.
Photos courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism.
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