Can Charleston become the next Asheville? (Huntington, Beckley: high crime, house prices, job market)

[Chriscross309]

Originally Posted by BosYuppie

It appears WV will be able to re-open on the early side. You may get your wish about becoming a travel destination, at least for a few weeks.

That could be a good or bad thing.

[aeros71]

Originally Posted by BosYuppie

It appears WV will be able to re-open on the early side. You may get your wish about becoming a travel destination, at least for a few weeks.

There's no guarantee the state will be one of the first states to "open." The number of cases and fatalities continue to rise. Obviously time will tell but I wouldn't be surprised to see services and businesses open in stages with tourism not being one of the first.

[M3Guy]

I live in a major city (not in WV) and I am seriously thinking about buying property in WV. I drove through WV to get to Pittsburgh on business affairs, and gawd did I fall in love.

[Silkdashocker]

Originally Posted by M3Guy

I live in a major city (not in WV) and I am seriously thinking about buying property in WV. I drove through WV to get to Pittsburgh on business affairs, and gawd did I fall in love.

There is a lot of love about WV. What are you looking for, 2nd home, or permanant move? Just a quick tip, if you are looking for land, (like one would expect) it get's cheaper the further you are from interstates and major towns.

[aeros71]

Originally Posted by Chriscross309

Charleston doesn't need to be Asheville, but it needs to be something unique. Capitalizing on the music and art culture of Appalachia, and designating itself as the Appalachian regions cultural hub. Those things need to be supported by a growing economy.

I took part of your quote to highlight the last paragraph. The reason why is because what you stated has been discussed in other threads, particularly the expansion and growth potential of Mountain Stage. Mountain Stage could be the Austin City Limits of the East. The Charleston Municipal Auditorium could be a great venue for this, if remodeled correctly.

[Chriscross309]

Originally Posted by aeros71

I took part of your quote to highlight the last paragraph. The reason why is because what you stated has been discussed in other threads, particularly the expansion and growth potential of Mountain Stage. Mountain Stage could be the Austin City Limits of the East. The Charleston Municipal Auditorium could be a great venue for this, if remodeled correctly.

That would be great! I wish Charleston could find it's niche.

[BosYuppie]

People are lining up to flee NYC, San Fran and other high COL areas. WV leadership should put on the full court press to attract knowledge workers.

[mattec]

Originally Posted by BosYuppie

People are lining up to flee NYC, San Fran and other high COL areas. WV leadership should put on the full court press to attract knowledge workers.

They're not really 'fleeing' to places like WV though. Most people moving out of the elite coastal cities are moving to 'up and coming' interior cities like Austin, Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, and Raleigh. They want a lower COL, but they also want to maintain their access to urban amenities. Charleston (and WV) as a whole doesn't really have the amenities and assets, or the ability to create them, to be competitive in attracting these people looking to relocate.

[Archer705]

Charleston has potential. I can definitely see it as a conservative alternative to Asheville if it plays its cards right, it could even expand much more than Asheville, which I personally don't really like. Bring in jobs, do tons of revitalization, and annex nearby small towns like South Charleston and Dunbar which will make the city more attractive to companies and residents alike. Charleston needs to act fast - as more cities are already on the growth tract bringing Charleston HUGE competitors besides Asheville, such as Chattanooga and Roanoke. Charleston has something the others done - Being the largest city in the state (besides Huntington Metro), being the state capitol, and its amazing Interstate access. Surely if WV pours money into Charleston it can attract big business. I think if Charleston annexes those nearby areas bringing the population to around 70,000, it can show as an extreme competitor to people to looking to relocate. Let's not forget, Chattanooga was in the same position as Charleston not very long ago, and is now one of the best mid sized cities in the southeast. It didn't start growing til the mid 2000's.

Charleston needs to capitalize on tourism and affordability. Build new points of interest - Massive Zoo's, Aquariums, minor league teams, greenways, anything they can do to get their foot on the ground and expedite growth otherwise Charleston will fall more behind. More police, stabilize government jobs, and really push an "Appalachian Powerhouse" agenda across the board.

[mattec]

Originally Posted by Archer705

Charleston has potential. I can definitely see it as a conservative alternative to Asheville if it plays its cards right, it could even expand much more than Asheville, which I personally don't really like. Bring in jobs, do tons of revitalization, and annex nearby small towns like South Charleston and Dunbar which will make the city more attractive to companies and residents alike. Charleston needs to act fast - as more cities are already on the growth tract bringing Charleston HUGE competitors besides Asheville, such as Chattanooga and Roanoke. Charleston has something the others done - Being the largest city in the state (besides Huntington Metro), being the state capitol, and its amazing Interstate access. Surely if WV pours money into Charleston it can attract big business. I think if Charleston annexes those nearby areas bringing the population to around 70,000, it can show as an extreme competitor to people to looking to relocate. Let's not forget, Chattanooga was in the same position as Charleston not very long ago, and is now one of the best mid sized cities in the southeast. It didn't start growing til the mid 2000's.

Charleston needs to capitalize on tourism and affordability. Build new points of interest - Massive Zoo's, Aquariums, minor league teams, greenways, anything they can do to get their foot on the ground and expedite growth otherwise Charleston will fall more behind. More police, stabilize government jobs, and really push an "Appalachian Powerhouse" agenda across the board.

Annexation is very difficult in WV. Generally, the annexation has to be supported by the property owners being annexed by either petition or referendum. That's why WV cities and towns seem undersized compared to their out-of-state peers. And I do not believe one incorporated community can annex another without the state getting involved. I do not believe there would be support in those affected incorporated communities and the state legislature for such action.