10 Most Affordable Places to Live in West Virginia in 2024

From the scenic and rugged landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains to the state’s charming towns like Harpers Ferry and Charleston, there are plenty of reasons that the welcoming state of West Virginia might be right for you. So if you’re currently living in or are considering moving to the state, then chances are you have a budget you’d like to stay under when it comes to renting or buying a home. As of July, the median home sale price in West Virginia is $276,200. 

If that price is out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected 10 of the most affordable places to live in West Virginia. And the best part is that they all have a median home sale price under $276,200. Read on to learn what three cities made the list.

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#1: Huntington

Median home price: $59,500
Average sale price per square foot: $42
Median household income: $39,066
Nearest major metro: Columbus, OH (135 miles)
Huntington, WV homes for sale
Huntington, WV apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $59,500, Huntington claims the first spot on our list of affordable places to live in West Virginia. About 45,300 people live in this city and it’s roughly 135 miles from the nearest metropolitan city, Columbus, OH. Living in Huntington, you can visit the Huntington Museum of Art, take in the views at Harris Riverfront Park, check out the charming downtown area, or enjoy the trails at Ritter Park.

#2: Wheeling

Median home price: $133,000
Average sale price per square foot: $96
Median household income: $46,516
Nearest major metro: Pittsburgh, PA (60 miles)
Wheeling, WV homes for sale
Wheeling, WV apartments for rent

Coming in as the second most affordable city to live in West Virginia is Wheeling. When living in this city of 26,200 people, you can check out the exhibits at Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum, take in the views at Mount Wood Overlook, see a show at Capitol Theatre, explore the riverfront area where you’ll find the West Virginia Independence Hall. 

#3: Parkersburg

Median home price: $157,000
Average sale price per square foot: $76
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $775
Median household income: $41,921
Nearest major metro: Columbus, OH (111 miles)
Parkersburg, WV homes for sale
Parkersburg, WV apartments for rent

Third is Parkersburg where about 29,000 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $157,000 which is about $120K less than the median home sale price in West Virginia. If you find yourself moving here, make sure to visit the Fort Boreman Scenic Overlook in Fort Boreman Park, check out Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, explore the Julia-Ann Square Historic District, and enjoy the river views at Point Park.

#4: Clarksburg

Median home price: $157,500
Average sale price per square foot: $101
Median household income: $46,595
Nearest major metro: Pittsburgh, PA (110 miles)
Clarksburg, WV homes for sale
Clarksburg, WV apartments for rent

Located in north-central West Virginia is Clarksburg. The median home sale price is $157,500 and there are about 15,400 people living in the area. In Clarksburg, you can check out the quaint downtown area with local shops and restaurants, the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, and the Clarksburg History Museum. You can also visit the green spaces in town like Lowndes Park and Veterans Memorial Park.

#5: Fairmont

Median home price: $192,500
Average sale price per square foot: $117
Median household income: $55,084
Nearest major metro: Pittsburgh, PA (92 miles)
Fairmont, WV homes for sale
Fairmont, WV apartments for rent

The next affordable city on our list is Fairmont, home to about 18,200 residents. Fairmont is situated along the Monongahela River, so there are plenty of riverfront parks and trails to explore. If you decide to move to Fairmont, be sure to check out Palatine Park, explore downtown, and enjoy the outdoors at Pricketts Fort State Park.

#6: Charleston

Median home price: $195,003
Average sale price per square foot: $116
Median household income: $58,902
Nearest major metro: Columbus, OH (160 miles)
Charleston, WV homes for sale
Charleston, WV apartments for rent

Sixth is none other than West Virginia’s capital, Charleston. About 46,800 people live in Charleston, where the median home sale price is about 80K less than the state’s average. There’s plenty to check out in Charleston. For example, you can explore the Clay Center, see a show at the Municipal Auditorium, visit the West Virginia State Museum and the West Virginia State Capitol, and check out the riverfront parks and trails. 

#7: Beckley

Median home price: $215,000
Average sale price per square foot: $109
Median household income: $41,277
Nearest major metro: Columbus, OH (220 miles)
Beckley, WV homes for sale
Beckley, WV apartments for rent

The next affordable place to live in West Virginia is Beckley. This town has about 16,500 residents and a median home sale price of $215,000. Beckley has plenty to check out such as the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, Mountain State Miniature Golf, and the nearby New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.

#8: Weirton

Median home price: $220,000
Average sale price per square foot: $129
Median household income: $57,373
Nearest major metro: Pittsburgh, PA (38 miles)
Weirton, WV homes for sale
Weirton, WV apartments for rent

Eighth on our list is Weirton, located along both the Ohio and Pennsylvania borders. With about 18,300 residents and picturesque river views, Weirton is a great affordable place to live. There’s a lot to do in Weirton such as strolling the Panhandle Trail, checking out the local restaurants, and exploring nearby Steubenville, OH.

#9: Morgantown

Median home price: $265,000
Average sale price per square foot: $146
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $607
Median household income: $41,103
Nearest major metro: Pittsburgh, PA (75 miles)
Morgantown, WV homes for sale
Morgantown, WV apartments for rent

Home to about 30,400, Morgantown is the ninth city on our list. Morgantown is most well-known as the home of West Virginia University (WVU), giving the city a lively and vibrant feel. For example, you can check out the campus grounds, visit White Park, stop by the local breweries and pubs downtown, and enjoy the riverfront views.

#10: Martinsburg

Median home price: $252,000
Average sale price per square foot: $147
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,100
Median household income: $45,901
Nearest major metro: Washington, DC (70 miles)
Martinsburg, WV homes for sale
Martinsburg, WV apartments for rent

Claiming the last spot on our list of most affordable places to live in West Virginia is Martinsburg. When living in this city of 17,500 people, you can stop by historic landmarks like Martinsburg Roundhouse and Historic McFarland House, and visit one of the parks in town.

Methodology: All cities must have over 15,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in West Virginia. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com August 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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