8 Best Charleston Neighborhoods To Call Home In 2025

When deciding where to live, key factors to consider include affordability, safety, and overall quality of life. Charleston, the capital of West Virginia, and its surrounding suburbs offer a variety of communities ideal for relocation. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program, overall crime rates in West Virginia are lower than the national average. The Charleston Police Department reported a decrease in violent crime in 2023, and Zillow data shows the average home value in the state remains below the national average. This article highlights eight neighborhoods and nearby towns within the Charleston metro area, each offering unique benefits for prospective residents.

West Side/Elk City

The West Side neighborhood of Charleston (also referred to as Elk City) is bounded by US Rt 60 to the north and west, the Kanawha River to the south, and the Elk River/Interstate 64 to the east. This area features both residential and commercial properties, as well as recreational spaces. Median home values here are affordable at $48,497. With new businesses opening, lower home prices, and home revitalization going on in the West Side, many who move to Charleston are choosing this up-and-coming neighborhood.

The Luna Park Historic District is a 40-acre residential neighborhood within the West Side. Originally farmland, the area was then home to Luna Park, an amusement park that operated from 1912 to 1923 and is now a revitalized urban subdivision of over 400 homes and a population of 1,030. John C. Norman, the first black architect in West Virginia, built some of its earliest homes. Homes in Luna Park average a bit higher but are still a reasonable $110,000. Other amenities for new homeowners on the West Side include Magic Island, a park with walking paths and a splash area, and the Shoney's/Big Boy Restaurant Museum, which provides a glimpse into restaurant history. There are also many walking trails along the Kanawha River, as well as a beautiful waterfall and dam.

Pinch/Elkview

Just 12 miles from downtown Charleston, the neighborhood of Pinch (sometimes referred to as Elkview) is a suburb with a peaceful rural lifestyle. Its population is just under 3,000, and median home values there are $175,318. For those looking to move to an affordable, close-knit community with a variety of outdoor activities available, Pinch could be the perfect town for you.

In addition to its pastoral beauty and low-cost housing, Pinch is home to Indian Lake, a prime fishing area. This shallow fishing hole is full of catfish and trout. Coonskin Park, in which the course is housed, offers other outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. If you are looking for a welcoming, friendly, nature-oriented community that is within close proximity to the city of Charleston, check out Pinch.

Kanawha City

In the southeastern part of Charleston, along the curve of the Kanawha River, is the neighborhood of Kanawha City. It starts at the 35th St Bridge. Kanawha City contains the longest commercial corridor in Charleston. This planned community was annexed into the city of Charleston in 1929 and was designed to include trees, parks, and a good mix of commercial and residential properties with affordable housing and a strong community feel. Today, with a population of just under 8,500, Kanawha City consists of small stores, newer homes, good restaurants and grocery stores, and the University of Charleston. Median home values in Kanawha City are $194,519.

An independent pharmacy/diner, Trivillian's Pharmacy and Soda Fountain are highlights of Kanawha City, where you can treat yourself to an ice cream soda while getting your prescriptions filled. Other local restaurants in the neighborhood include The Pitch KC, Pepperoni Grill, and M&M Mart. Charleston Bicycle Center in Kanawha City is a popular spot, as much of the neighborhood is walkable and bikeable. One of the most highly-ranked hospitals in the state, CAMC Memorial Hospital, is conveniently located on MacCorkle Avenue SE in Kanawha City.

South Charleston

Although this neighborhood is called South Charleston, it is actually to the west of downtown Charleston. With a population just over 13,600, South Charleston functions not only as a neighborhood of Charleston but also as its own town. Median home values there are $156,461. The neighborhood once had booming chemical companies during World Wars I and II. After chemical and manufacturing jobs in South Charleston were cut in the 1990s, the area was redeveloped with shops and recreation, as well as more housing.

The South Charleston Recreation Center opened in 1982 and contains a basketball court, racquetball courts, weight rooms, and an indoor pool. The area's only ice skating rink is in South Charleston, as are five shopping areas: Spring HiIl, containing mostly gift and specialty stores like Calvin Broyles Jewelry; Riverwalk Plaza, along the Kanawha River; and larger stores like Kroger and TJ Maxx; Southridge Center, with Walmart and Sam's Club; Trace Fork, housing PetSmart, Lowes, and other national chains; and Mound Area, the oldest district in South Charleston, which hosts unique shops like Kin Ship Goods and restaurants such as Bo Daddy's. South Charleston's Little Creek Park houses an athletic complex with baseball, soccer, and football fields, basketball and tennis courts, as well as hiking trails and playgrounds. If you have medical needs, Thomas Memorial Hospital is in South Charleston on MacCorkle Avenue SW.

Dunbar

Across the Kanawha River from South Charleston, between Charleston and Nitro along the Midland Trail, you will find the small neighborhood of Dunbar, with a population of just over 7,000. Median home values here are $115,000. Dunbar is about seven miles from downtown Charleston. It contains Dunbar Landing along the Kanawha River, which is perfect for boat docking and fishing. Dunbar's historical claim to fame is that it was home to Benjamin Gravely, inventor of the Gravely tractor, in the early 1920s. Today, Dunbar is a quaint small town filled with natural beauty.

Much recreational and open space is found in Dunbar. Wine Cellar Park consists of 300 acres and contains a disc golf course, amphitheater, and picnic areas, all built around the remains of wine cellars from 1860. Laura Anderson Lake is a 7-acre lake in Wine Cellar Park and is great for fishing. Shawnee Regional Park also has a disc golf course and offers gathering areas that can be reserved. Dunbar is the perfect setting if you want to live close to the big city but yet remain apart from it.

Nitro

Found between the larger cities of South Charleston and Huntington, on the Kanawha River, Nitro is often called a living memorial to World War I. This suburban neighborhood 15 miles from downtown Charleston was named Nitro as it became a place to manufacture nitrocellulose, which was used in gunpowder during the war. The Nitro Wars Museum, found in town, tells this story to visitors. Today, Nitro has a median home value of $132,784.

One of Nitro's most popular attractions today is the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort, with 700 slot machines and 35 live table games. Outdoor recreation is also prevalent in Nitro, with fishing on the Kanawha River, biking, and hiking at Ridenour Lake and Park, which are prime outdoor spots in town. The Nitro Athletic Complex houses a public swimming pool, and has tennis and pickleball courts and recreation rooms that may be reserved. Antique lovers will want to check out the Nitro Antique District in the downtown area. This welcoming, family-friendly community is the perfect suburb situated conveniently between two cities.

St. Albans

Part of the Charleston metropolitan area, St. Albans is a small, historic neighborhood with a population of 10,861. Sitting at the confluence of the Kanawha and Coal Rivers, St. Albans is just 13 miles from Charleston's downtown area. Median home values in St. Albans are $143,062. Some of the oldest artifacts in America have been discovered in St. Albans, which is one of the state's oldest known occupied settlements, having been home to tribes including the Adena, Moneton, and Shawnee. Today, St. Albans is known for its thriving downtown area and strong community spirit.

Seven city parks are found in St. Albans, where residents can fish, kayak, boat, swim, and play disc golf. St. Albans also has a lively arts culture, with the Alban Arts Center hosting concerts and movie screenings. The annual St. Albans Festival of Lights is popular with residents and visitors from late November through December. St. Albans is a welcoming, affordable neighborhood that is separate from yet still close enough to the city of Charleston.

East End

The East End neighborhood of Charleston is what many visitors think of when they picture Charleston. It is highly walkable and includes the West Virginia State Capitol complex, along with historic homes and modern condos. Today, the East End has a median home value there is $93,000.

In addition to housing the state capitol, the East End is home to the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia, Capitol Farmers Market, and more than 25 restaurants, including Tricky Fish and The Empty Glass. A self-guided program for a walking tour of the neighborhood is available and provides insight into the area's history and architecture. A mural at the corner of Elizabeth and Washington Streets by Rob Keeley depicts images of local families and children from the East End. In June, FestivALL comes to the streets of the East End, showcasing artists in music, theater, dance, film, and art. West Virginia Health Right runs a free East End Clinic for those who cannot afford medical care. The East End is a fun, eclectic neighborhood of older and newer families.

Finding the Right Community in Charleston’s Metro Area

These eight Charleston-area neighborhoods and nearby towns each offer distinct advantages for those looking to relocate. The East End might appeal to you if you’re seeking a lively, eclectic setting. For a more suburban or small-town atmosphere with proximity to city amenities, areas like Dunbar, Nitro, or Pinch may be a better fit. Whether your priority is affordability, outdoor recreation, or community feel, the Charleston metro area provides several excellent options to suit a variety of lifestyles.