Charleston Area
Discover a vibrant, welcoming community with scenic mountain views, affordable living, and a growing arts and culture scene in Charleston.
Welcome to the Neighborhood
West Virginia’s capital city sits at the crossroads of nature and culture. It’s a place where outdoor adventure and city life coexist effortlessly. Charleston offers an exceptional quality of life that blends the energy of a city with the heart of a small town. Charleston is ideally situated with easy access to the rivers, mountains, and forests that make WV special: including the nation’s newest National Park: the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. It’s the perfect blend of urban amenities with nature at your doorstep.
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Outdoor Recreation
Charleston is the perfect home base for outdoor lovers who want adventure within easy reach of city life. With mountains, rivers, and lush forests surrounding the city, there are countless ways to enjoy the great outdoors – whether you’re hiking, biking, paddling, or simply soaking in the scenery.
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Cuisine & Culture
Charleston’s cuisine and culture reflect its Appalachian roots and creative spirit, especially when it comes to food, music and the arts. With a vibrant mix of locally owned restaurants, live music venues, art galleries, and community festivals, the city serves up authentic, welcoming culture on every corner.
Savor Cuisine & Culture -
Housing
Low cost of living and affordable housing, with home prices and rental rates well below the national average, make Charleston an attractive and budget-friendly option for those looking to relocate – especially as demand grows in this welcoming and vibrant community.
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APPLY NOW
Ready to take the next step on your move to Charleston? Applications are now open, so start filling out your application and begin your ascent today.
Education
The Hope Scholarship program offers qualifying West Virginia’s K-12 students an opportunity to build an individual learning experience that works best for them. The scholarship allows K-12 students to receive financial assistance that can be used for tuition, homeschool curriculum and other qualifying expenses.
As part of the West Virginia education system, Kanawha County Schools offer a supportive learning environment with dedicated teachers, a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs, and a strong commitment to student success across the district. It is also home to the University of Charleston, and West Virginia State University as well as BridgeValley Community and Technical College and West Virginia Junior College. Marshall University has a satellite campus in South Charleston and the main campus is within an hour’s drive.
Community Organizations
Charleston is home to West Virginia’s state government, bringing all the amenities and professional services that support effective governing. It is home to vibrant community organizations and nonprofits that enrich local life through arts, recreation, and social support. Groups like Bike Charleston and West Virginia Pedal Pals promote safe, inclusive cycling while nonprofits like the United Way provide essential services to families in need. Cultural hubs such as Taylor Books and WTSQ-LP radio help spotlight local talent and events, while nearby Kanawha State Forest offers extensive trails maintained by outdoor advocates. There are endless networking opportunities year-round. Together, these organizations foster connection, creativity, and well-being across the city. There are countless opportunities to get involved and give back in the Charleston area.
Local Employment
If you have someone moving to Charleston with you, they will find a wide range of job opportunities across healthcare, education, government, and business sectors. Whether they are a teacher, nurse, office professional, or tradesperson, the region offers strong employers like local hospitals, schools, and state agencies, as well as growing industries in finance, manufacturing, and hospitality. It’s a great place to build a career with meaningful work, supportive employers, and a low cost of living to match.
Healthcare
Are you thinking about healthcare options? As the capital city, Charleston offers excellent healthcare, with major providers like Charleston Area Medical Center and WVU Thomas Hospitals, as well as accessible community clinics like WV Health Right and Cabin Creek Health Systems—ensuring quality care for everything from primary visits to advanced specialty services.
Come see for yourself
You don’t have to wait for Ascend to explore all that West Virginia has to offer. In the meantime, plan a scenic road trip or a peaceful mountain retreat—whether you’re looking for luxury, outdoor thrills, or a little of both. West Virginia has something for every kind of traveler. Start your adventure with help from the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Charleston Area Alliance.
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