ASHLAND area vs. Huntington W.V. which is better (rent, transfer)

[abcde-fam]

Hello my husband is transfering to union hall out of Ashland KY. We are considering moving around there or Huntington W.V. We have 3 children and we are looking for safe, friendly, area with good schools. We would rent for the first yr. but I'm having a hard time finding partments and such. I can not decide which place will be better for a growing young family. We can afford rent at approx. $700-$800 a month. I have read alot about both area but any helpful info would be appreciated. Thank You

[censusdata]

The Kentucky side seems a bit cleaner than the Ohio or WV parts of the metro area, infrastructure seems better as well. I think Huntington has cleaned up its downtown in the past few years but the western half of town still looks pretty run down. Ironton OH smells like butt - people there could probably survive a gas chamber