Relocate-Belle, WV 20min. Charleston? (South Charleston, Bluefield: crime rate, homes, transferring to)

[Tamgirl]

So far this site has been so helpful on different areas we have concidered transferring to, THANK YOU ALL!!!!

So the job we are concidering is in Belle about 20min south of Charleston according to Mapquest.
Any suggestions on a place to raise children? We are a family of four really hoping to move from Ca. to that area to be closer to family in Michigan and Tennesse.

From these readings I would love to move to Bridgeport but according to mapquest it's like 2 hours away. But I had read from someone they said Bridgeport is like 1hr/1.5 to Bluefield? Is that a mistake or is mapquest off? I mean from what I gather roads are tough, if anything I would tack on a few mins for drive time, right?

We don't care about fat smokers riding ATVs and aren't afraid of hillbillies! Yes we are used to more stores, bigger cities, and traffic, but that's not necessarily what we are looking for when we move. Safety, and just some good living is a priority!

[Tamgirl]

I know I have read everyone gets a comment about their move. I was just using other's words when I said, "hillbillie, ATV, fat, and Smokers!"
Are there any suggestions?

[creamsoda005]

Belle is...kind of dumpy and polluted due to local chemical plants. It's south east of Charleston. I would think living in Charleston or somehwere north or west of Belle would be the best bet. Anything east of bell is the DUMPS...places like Cedar Grove, London, Glasgow--not big in crime, but just trashy. Bridgeport to Bluefield is about a 4 hour drive, although Bridgeport would be a nice place to live if it was closer. And yes, you should tack on a few minutes to the drive because mapquest doesn't take into account the curves and mountains in the roads which slow a driver down.

[Cooljonesgirl]

Coming from CA, you may be in for a culture shock. Creamsoda is correct, Belle is dumpy. You may like Kanawha City, Cross Lanes or South Charleston. The most positive thing about this state is the cost of living is very cheap compared to most other states.

[NCinWV]

Kanawha City is great but homes can be expensive if they are anywhere near the river. South Charleston is nice and more affordable. It is a separate municipality from Charleston. City services are wonderful in South Charleston. Even lower crime rate than Charleston.
The area has most of the familiar chain stores (Target, WalMart, Circuit City, Kohls, Pier One, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, JC Penney, and many others). The South Hills/Bridge Road area of Charleston boasts upscale specialty shops.
Restaurants tend to be chain focused but there are some really good locally owned places. You just have to find them. Came across an incredible Thai place in Dunbar (about 15 minutes from Chas.) called The Thai House.
Not as diverse as other cities but Charleston is more diverse than most other parts of the state.
Higher ed options nearby: University of Charleston, West Virginia State University, Marshall University Graduate College, WVU-Tech (in Montgomery near Belle), WV Junior College.
I've only lived here a couple of years but I've found a lot to like about the area.