Best places to live in West Virginia
An ideal town or neighborhood looks different for everyone.
Those who can't get enough of the outdoors may prioritize proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches, while parents are looking for places with top-ranked schools for their children. Culture lovers might want to live in a city with museums and art walks, whereas sports fans look for professional or college sports teams nearby.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in West Virginia using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather.
On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums.
Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
CORRECTION: A previously published version of this piece, in some cases, incorrectly listed private schools as public schools.
#3. Cheat Lake, West Virginia
- Overall Rank: 1,385
- Population: 10,034
- Median household income: $109,732
- Median home value: $335,000 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,179 (21% rent)
- Top public schools: Mountaineer Middle School (grade A), Cheat Lake Elementary School (grade A), Morgantown High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Trinity Christian School (grade B+), Morgantown Christian Academy (grade B minus), St. Francis de Sales Central Catholic School (grade unavailable)
#2. Bridgeport, West Virginia
- Overall Rank: 1,078
- Population: 9,255
- Median household income: $96,063
- Median home value: $255,300 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,195 (26% rent)
- Top public schools: Bridgeport High School (grade A minus), Bridgeport Middle School (grade A minus), Johnson Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Notre Dame High School (grade A minus), Heritage Christian School (grade B+), Lasting Impressions Child Development Center (grade unavailable)
#1. Star City, West Virginia
- Overall Rank: 510
- Population: 2,167
- Median household income: $69,063
- Median home value: $249,100 (47% own)
- Median rent: $985 (53% rent)
- Top public schools: Suncrest Middle School (grade A), Suncrest Elementary School (grade A), Morgantown High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Trinity Christian School (grade B+), Morgantown Christian Academy (grade B minus), St. Francis de Sales Central Catholic School (grade unavailable)
This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 42 states.
