Finding a place in WV (Charleston, Huntington: ski resorts, real estate, rent to own)

[LindaCKE]

I'm a self employed web developer looking to leave south FL for a more affordable place. I'm looking for a place where the homes don't cost a lot and are not in a high crime area. I'm a single woman and would like an area that does not have a lot of break-ins.

Are there any areas or towns with homes less than 50k that fit this? I don't need a huge house but not a cabin either, 2-3 bedrooms. Other than that all I need is DSL or cable internet connection availability.

[LuLu108]

I grew up in Ripley. It is very nice there. There are plenty of stores and DSL/Cable access available. There is plenty of scenery. It is very affordable. When I last lived there I had a 3 bedroom, very roomy apt. for $475/mo. You really would have a hard time finding that elsewhere. It is smack in the middle of Charleston and Parkersburg off of I-77. So access to your major cities is easy. Not far from Huntington either. I wouldn't recommend actually living in any of these bigger cities if you want the absolute safest place to live. Not that it's really bad or anything but it is obviously going to be a higher risk when living there, especially in Charleston. There are quite a few gangs, burglaries and stuff like that there. I have lots of family in Charleston so I know. Parkersburg is pretty nice. It is what the locals call the "San Francisco of WV" because there are many gay people who migrate there because it is not widely accepted around many parts of WV. I also have some friends there. Racism can be an issue is some parts of WV. More so in the very small communities. Ripley, generally is not that way. It is not a little town up in a holler or anything. I believe the poplulation is around 13,000- 15,000. Do you have children in school? The school system there is good also. My mom bought a house in Ripley 2 story 4 bedroom built around the 1940's, she purchased it in 1990 for $49K! So you can probably still find a good decent house for anywhere from 50K to 100K easily nowadays. Or even if you want to rent, the rent is so cheap around there! And you are likely to find someone willing to let you rent to own around there also. People are generally, good ol' country folk, honest and hospitable. The zip code there is 25271, you can also look at Ravenswood a little further North of Ripley off I-77 also, the zip code is 26164. I hope this helps you!

[LindaCKE]

Thank you so much. I looked on realtor, Ripley is very nice a little more expensive than some other WV towns but it is very nice. Parkersburg is quite affordable and very low crime as well.
Very helpful info

[GottaHerdOn]

You can also check out Elkins where I am from. Its a nice town too with many things available to do. There are a myriad of rec. sports to do within 45 or so minutes to the ski resorts. Elkins was also ranked as one of America's 100 best small arts towns. It is larger than Ripley but smaller than Parkersburg. I was helping another couple look at homes and I found a lovely home in a great neighborhood for only $49,000. It could use some sprucing up to be up to par with the neighboring homes but that could be easily done and affordable. The mountain views are spectacular in Elkins as well. You should check Elkins out on this site and browse these:

http://www.randolphcountywv.com/Disc...ElkinsArea.htm

http://www.elkinsrandolphcountywv.com/index.php?section=63 (broken link)

http://cityofelkinswv.com/

If you're interested or have any questions just let me know how I can be of any help

[LuLu108]

Originally Posted by LindaCKE

Thank you so much. I looked on realtor, Ripley is very nice a little more expensive than some other WV towns but it is very nice. Parkersburg is quite affordable and very low crime as well.
Very helpful info

you are very welcome! They may be a little more on the price of real estate but it's because of the good schools and the aluminum plant employment. But overall, it is a very nice town with good people. Parkersburg is very nice and you may find a home more in the price range your looking for there because it varies widely. But I can't think of any neighborhood there that is really "bad" or "unsafe", stuff like that would be more so in Charleston. Not saying the risk isn't there but of all the three bigger cities I mentioned before, Parkersburg is the safest in my opinion. There are some areas of course that will be more noisy like where more of the clubs are. They have a mall too. And plenty of stores and restaurants. It is right off the Ohio River too so if you like being on the water it's great. Ripley is not far from the Ohio River also so alot of people do the same for fun there. Ravenswood, a little farther north of Ripley, is right on the Ohio River. But they are a much smaller town.

Hope this helps too.

[LuLu108]

LindaCKE,

I would like to inform you that I've just been reading another thread here about Parkersburg. I think you should maybe read it.... it is titled: "Parkersburg area".
Maybe Parkersburg has really drastically changed over the last couple years. I haven't been down there in about 3.5 years. But it seems drugs and all that comes with that is becoming a problem there.
Just thought you should know, I was quite shocked reading it.
~Lu