Ripley West Virginia (Charleston, Parkersburg, Teays Valley: relocation, work, hospitals)

[middlesis]

We are looking at moving east to Ripley,WV. Does anyone have any feedback on economics and new housing developments? Also information regarding weather would be great too. Thanks to all who respond

[home in WV]

My family lives just outside of Ripley. The weather is typical of WV. Last week it was near 70 and right now it is 18 degrees with some snow. I, personally, love WV and enjoy the gray winters. It hasn't gotten bad enough in the 2 1/2 years that we've been here that we couldn't still drive wherever we needed to.

I don't see too many new housing developements within the town of Ripley. However, there are some areas just outside of town with new homes. Prices here are much lower than the Teays Valley area. We moved from Hurricane and were able to buy much more and a much nicer home here. The commute for my husband to Charleston is longer in miles but the same in time due to lack of traffic. Ripley is also getting a super Wal-mart. I hate Wal-mart but hated having to depend on Kroger to (rip me off) get my groceries more. Also if Wal-mart brings in a few restaurants, I'll be happy. Right now, unless you want Shoney's or Bob Evans, you have to go to Charleston or Point Pleasant or Parkersburg (30-40 minutes to each)

The town is small but very friendly. You can't beat 4th of July here. We live in a new developement with 1/4 acre lots. We are looking to move out of here in a year or two and get more land in the area. On a 1/4 acre we feel very clausterphobic. There are lots of older couples (retirement age) moving into our neighborhood as well as young families. It really makes a nice mix of people.

I hope this helps some!

[Jane Ann]

Hello and thank you for that nice note about Ripley. I live in Texas and will be relocating to the Charleston area as soon as our house sells. I have been on line looking at homes in Ripley. I am a photographer with plans on starting a home studio there. I found a beautiful victorian house on main street thinking it would be in a convenient location. (Saw it online)

I would love to correspond with you! I need a friend to help me. Our move is not for certian - he also has an interview in NC next week but he has the option for either at this point - most likely we will be moving to WV.
Send a PM if you get time.

Thanks!

[happytransplant]

I have lived in Ripley for several years after moving here from the west. First impression I had when I got here was "How on Earth does someplace get to be so pretty". I had never seen so much green in all my life.
The area is steadily growing but not by leaps and bounds which is good because sprawl can get out of hand.
The people here are salt of the earth. Hard working, fun loving and loyal. like anywhere else there are different social circles and functions but this area is used to opening their arms to new residents so it isn't that big of a deal.
We have a small hospital and staff, but we do have one of the finest EMS systems not only in the entire state but in the entire Tri state area. our volunteer fire departments are rated among the highest and our sheriff dept and ripley city police dept are also rated high although small.
Crime in the area is mostly property crimes. IE; vandalism and vehicle break ins. There is as everywhere else a small drug element but our law enforcement has been diligent in rooting out the drugs and they continue to do so.
our schools are in newer buildings and in very good shape with LOTS of commuinty support.
We are 30 to 40 minutes away from both Charleston and parkersburg where you will find larger hospitals, malls and restraunts along with airports.
I have had several oppurtunities to leave this area and have refused all of them. I really like the area, the people and the town.

[home in WV]

I'm sorry it took me so long to respond. The Holidays make for a busy time! I've only been in the Ripley area for 2 years so I'm sure there are people MUCH more informed than myself.

I'll be happy to answer anything I can. I am frequently through Ripley's downtown. There is a Primative shop there that I can't get enough of. I love their garden items.

We actually (unfortunately) are considering a relocation out of state. Neither of us want to actually go but things in WV can be so unpredictable and work comes and goes. Now that we have a family, it gets to be too much worry.

If you need any information, just post here.

[middlesis]

Thank you so much for your indepth responses. It's such a help when you don't know the area to have valuable input from folks already enjoying West Viriginia.
We're still tossing the dart on locations in WV so if anyone out there has input on other areas, it would be greatly appreciated. We're trying to line up realtors for our flight east as we'll be spending a week throughout the state finding that perfect location. We welcome all your thoughts regarding the ideal spot for retirees.

Thank you all !!

[middlesis]

Originally Posted by home in WV

I'm sorry it took me so long to respond. The Holidays make for a busy time! I've only been in the Ripley area for 2 years so I'm sure there are people MUCH more informed than myself.

I'll be happy to answer anything I can. I am frequently through Ripley's downtown. There is a Primative shop there that I can't get enough of. I love their garden items.

We actually (unfortunately) are considering a relocation out of state. Neither of us want to actually go but things in WV can be so unpredictable and work comes and goes. Now that we have a family, it gets to be too much worry.

If you need any information, just post here.

Would you be able to offer input into other areas of West Viriginia for a couple of retirees? thank you