Huntington vs Charleston (Wheeling, Washington, Man: environment, hotels, income)

[Lorann]

Hi All,
I've been reading alot on this forum, but still have a few questions. We are considering moving to either Huntington or Charleston from AZ. Jobs aren't an issue, hubby is a pharmacist. Our main issues are schools (we have a 2nd grader) and the chemical plants near Charleston.
Charleston seems to have better schools, are Huntington schools really that bad??? Is there a lot of air pollution or environmental issues due to the chemcial plants? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Both cities sound like such great places.

[tbailey1138]

Being from Huntington, I have to say that I prefer it over Charleston. Huntington has a lot of nice parks and it's largest park is very convenient to downtown. It also has a lot going on in terms of entertainment as Marshall University is here and there are also many different festivals/activities going on throughout the year. Huntington also offers a lot in terms of theater and art as it has many local theater companies and the largest art museum in the state. Many of the local schools have been named as WV Schools of excellence and within the next few years, nearly all of the schools in the county will have been newly replaced. Huntington also has a lot to offer in terms of shopping, having WV's largest mall and a lot of new development going on downtown. Crime is also lower in Huntington. According to information listed in the local newspaper today, Huntington crime rates a 651 while Charleston crime rates a 1073. In terms of pollution, you can follow this link to see the air quality in both citites http://www.wvdep.org/Item.cfm?ssid=8&SS1ID=699 To find some other info and to also look at some school stats, check out http://www.greaterhuntington.com/default.asp This site has some good info on a lot of questions you may have. You can also check out Huntington's website at http://www.cityofhuntington.com/ for some further info. Hope this helps.
Tim

[Lorann]

tbailey,
Thank you so much for the response and all the info and great links. I really do appreciate it! Huntington sounds like just the place we want to be. I grew up in OR, and living in AZ I do miss the green. Thanks again.

[atlantagreg30127]

I'm originally from Charleston (now live in Atlanta), but still have a few relatives that live in the Charleston area. I will say that I had one day hoped to return "home" but according to family, the city has gone downhill quite a bit in the last few years. Growing drug/ghettoish related issues, and folks are starting to migrate to the burbs to a degree. Not all doom and gloom but not what it used to be.

I always enjoyed going to Huntington and think if I ever go back home I'd pick it or even further north in Wheeling over Charleston, today. In Huntington you have more artsy stuff, and in Wheeling you're reasonably close to Pittsburgh and Columbus if you want "big city things" without actually having to live in a larger city.

[awakenthesun22]

I've lived in both Huntington and Charleston. I liked Huntington a lot more, there's just more to do with the parks, univeristy sports, etc. Huntington isn't as dirty either.

[GottaHerdOn]

Hi, I'm 20 and I attend Marshall U. in Huntington. As you know with any city, there are some good neighborhoods and there are some, well not so nice of neighborhoods. There are some really great schools and neighborhoods in Huntington though. I like Charleston, but I think the education system is better in Huntington. I'm in the Education program and based on my clinicals that I've done in the field. Its an ok area

[Lorann]

Thanks everyone for the responses. We'll be visiting the area in mid-March, can't wait to check it out in person.

GottaHerdOn,
As I understand it, there are only 2 public high schools in Huntington, which one is better? We want our daughter to go to the best schools possible, elementary thru high school. If you have any additional info on specific schools, that would be much appreciated. Also, what are some of the nicer neighborhoods in Huntington?

[tbailey1138]

Some of the nicer neighborhoods in Huntington are around Ritter Park, off of Washington Boulevard, on North or South Boulevard, around the Huntington Museum of Art and Stamford Park. There are also some nice houses on 3rd Avenue as you head into downtown. Some of those houses can be expensive, but they are very nice. I'd avoid most of the housing between 16th street and 20th street as a lot of this is student or low income housing. In terms of High Schools, Huntington High serves most of the city while Spring Valley serves part of the West End. Both are newer schools with good opportunities for learning. You also have the option of some private schools including St. Josephs, Grace Christian, Our Lady of Fatima and Covenant School. Hope this helps.
Tim

[Lorann]

Thanks tbailey. Private school isn't an option for us, we come from a family of public school educators
I can't wait to get there and check it all out. Is there anything we should definately see or visit while we're there? Thanks again to everyone for all the help.

[tbailey1138]

Glad to hear that you are coming to visit. You might consider coming in mid-April if you can so that you would have warmer weather and see some of the trees and flowers in bloom. For a place to stay when you come, you might consider The Pullman Plaza Hotel or the Holiday Inn. Both are in the heart of downtown right next to Pullman square. For a list of places to visit, you definately want to start with Pullman Square on 3rd Avenue and walk around that area and then up to 4th Avenue to see some of the local shops/restaurants and get a feel for downtown. Some places to at least stroll by on 4th Avenue would be the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, The Peanut Shop-open since the 1920's (if you have a sweet tooth) and the Old Village Roaster (if you like coffee). There are some other clothing and furniture shops on 4th Avenue if you wish to visit those as well. There are several dining options downtown and some of the local favorites are Jim's Steak and Spaghetti(on 5th Avenue), Chili Willi's(Tex Mex), Jewel City Seafood(eat in seafood Market) and Arthur's (upscale Seafood) along with other national chains close by. Other places to visit would be Ritter Park(follow 8th Street from 3rd Avenue), The Huntington Museum of Art, The Memorial Arch and the Huntington Mall, if you want to get an idea of what the shopping is like. Here are some links to some of the places listed above:
http://www.pullmanplaza.com/index.php
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/...questid=414713
http://www.pullman-square.com/
http://www.hmoa.org/
http://www.huntingtonmall.com/home/index.ch2
http://www.keithalbeearts.org/
http://www.ghprd.org/
Hope this helps. Many of the surrounding small communities also have lots to look at as well so keep that in mind. Let me know if you need anything else.
Tim