Buying a home outside of Charleston, what are these little towns all about?

[zentulips]

Originally Posted by Worriedmommy

Dear Charleston folks,

I posted before about the possibility of my multi-racial family moving to the Charleston area. We're browsing real estate ads adn we know nothing about the little towns around Charleston. Is it important to stay within city limits? What are these places like NITRO like? I am amazed at the property values in these areas, it's like beyond a persons wildest dreams to find the perfect little house on the perfect little piece of land many with barns or xmas tree farms or acreage adn only 20 minutes or so from Charleston. What kind of schools do these areas have? Is it like moving to Mayberry? Lots of friendly folks? I'm trying to paint a picture in my mind of the neighborhoods, and towns in the area and I have nothing to go on. Any good websites with visuals of the area for a blue print?

Just wondering. Also, when folks say "A,B,C" are the "good" neighborhoods, what does that mean? We were told to move to a specific school district when we moved here to Bloomington IL because it was "good" and the other was "bad". After 4 years of living here we have mixed feelings about that. The "bad" school district is where many of our friends kids go and they all think it's a great school district. The "good" school district is mostly white. Where are some nice neighborhoods with diverse schools? To us a good neighborhood is clean, friendly neighbors, house values that will increase, schools with teachers who will love and care for our kindergartner's emotional and academic needs (not test scores), friends to play with down the block a place to ride her bike, parks close enough to walk to. Where would this be? We also are both white collar workers with working class roots. We are more comfortable hanging out with folks who are a mix of both as well. We are first generation college goers and so hanging out with people who like a good game of bowling is just as fun as a group who likes to play a good game of golf. We don't want to be surrounded by people that are used to being privledged or on the other hand be surrounded by people who are used to suffering. We want to be surrounded by people who are trying to make it or who are making it but understand where we are coming from. A tall order I know, just wanting some feedback.

Thanks

wow, when I read your post, it sounded exactly like our story! We are a multiracial family, first gen college-goers, we have a kindergartener, and as soon as I am done with school (in May) we are planning a relocation, possibly to Charleston... I hope to get the same answers that you are seeking! good luck

[Chriscross309]

Originally Posted by zentulips

wow, when I read your post, it sounded exactly like our story! We are a multiracial family, first gen college-goers, we have a kindergartener, and as soon as I am done with school (in May) we are planning a relocation, possibly to Charleston... I hope to get the same answers that you are seeking! good luck

Hi,

If your are interested in small towns/communities around the Charleston metro area that are nice and friendly I think I can help.
Overall all of the communities in and around Charleston are great, with good schools. There is lots of new restaurants, shops, and things to do because the city is going through a growth period. Here are some communities outside of town that are great for families, very good schools, and are safe and attractive.

Pinch, Mink Shoals, Cross Lanes, South Charleston, Saint Albans, Teays Valley, Winfield.

Here are some communities within city limits that are all nice include:

Kanawha City, East End, Edgewood, Oakwood, and South Hills.

All of these neighborhoods and small towns are good quality neighborhoods that boast great schools and businesses.

Charleston has beome a wonderful city with lots of cool and unique things to do and see. Downtown has regained a place in the city's heart, and has welcomed in lots of new restaurants and stores. The Town Center Mall is doing very well, and we are also getting a new Cabela's in our city. It is good times here, as the natural gas industry booms in our state.

Hope this helps!

[Almost Heaven WV girl]

Nitro also has some nice areas. You have to be careful with the east end of Charleston, though. Some parts fine, others not such good areas.

Any particular areas you are looking at? Then, somebody can give you more specifics. I will say that the South Hills schools are the best, though.

[bumpus7]

.
If you want to talk to someone who can really help
and knows all of the areas, call this man, and tell him,
Jack ( a personal friend ) told you.


Bill Woodyard


Bus. 304-757-9687
Cell 304-543-5957