c.1900 West Virginia Home W/ Garage and Stunning Fireplace Under $58K

Excellent investment property.

The Pros

1. High Affordability & Accessible Housing

   • Low Homeownership Barriers: Median home values typically range between $100,000 and $140,000, making it easier for first-time buyers and real estate investors to find accessible entry points.

      

   • Everyday Savings: Overall living expenses—including groceries, utilities, and rental rates—sit well below national benchmarks.

      

2. College-Town Energy & Culture

   • Marshall University: The campus brings youthful energy, NCAA Division I sports (Thundering Herd athletics), guest lectures, and student-driven arts programs to the city.

      

   • Arts & Entertainment: The university’s Marshall Artists Series brings national touring broadway shows, concerts, and speakers to local venues.

      

3. Revitalized Downtown & Local Dining

   • Heritage Station & 9th Street Plaza: Downtown Huntington features a walkable core anchored by independent coffee shops, craft breweries, local bakeries, and long-standing eateries (like the iconic Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House).

   • Active Festival Schedule: The city hosts regular community events, music festivals, food trucks, and seasonal street fairs centered around Pullman Square.

      

4. Parks & Riverfront Recreation

   • Ritter Park: Frequently named one of the top public parks in the region, featuring extensive walking trails, an award-winning rose garden, a dog park, and playgrounds.

   • Outdoor Access: Located near Harris Riverfront Park on the Ohio River, with easy access to hiking, kayaking, and camping across the surrounding Appalachian foothills.

      

5. Regional Healthcare Hub

   • Huntington serves as a medical center for the tri-state area, anchored by Marshall Health, St. Mary’s Medical Center, and the Cabell Huntington Hospital system (which includes the Hoops Family Children’s Hospital).

The Cons

1. Elevated Crime Rates

   • Both property crime and violent crime statistics in Huntington trend higher than national and state averages.

      

   • Neighborhood Variance: Crime rates vary significantly by neighborhood. Areas around Ritter Park, South Side, and near the university tend to be well-regarded, while other pockets suffer higher rates of property crime and vagrancy.

      

2. Underperforming Public Schools

   • Public schools within Cabell County serving the city proper generally post below-average scores on state proficiency tests. Families seeking highly rated public options often look toward suburban districts outside the city limit (like Barboursville) or local private schools.

      

3. Substance Abuse Impact & Public Health

   • Like many industrial communities across the Rust Belt and Appalachia, Huntington has faced severe challenges related to the opioid epidemic. While local mitigation programs and public health initiatives have made progress, the visual and economic impacts of addiction remain noticeable in parts of the city.

      

4. Limited High-Paying Local Jobs

   • Apart from healthcare, higher education, and regional retail, local career options in corporate or high-tech sectors are scarce. Many specialized professionals commute or work remotely.

      

5. Aging Infrastructure & Flooding Risk

   • Certain neighborhoods feature aging housing stock, vacant properties, and roads in need of repair.

      

   • Low-lying areas near Four Pole Creek and low spots near the riverfront are vulnerable to localized flash flooding during heavy rainfall.