c.1909 West Virginia Foursquare W/ Hardwoods and Unpainted Woodwork Under $35K

Pros

• Very affordable housing — One of Huntington’s biggest advantages. You can generally get considerably more house for your money than in many U.S. cities.
• More amenities than most WV towns — There are plenty of restaurants, stores, bars, parks, cultural activities, and community events.
• Marshall University — Marshall University gives the city a college-town component, including sports, arts, education, healthcare, and cultural activities.
• Good healthcare access — Huntington has major medical facilities, including Marshall Health and Cabell Huntington Hospital. This is a major advantage over small rural WV communities.
• Outdoor recreation — The Ohio River, parks, trails, nearby hills, and state forests provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.
• Distinctive downtown — Downtown Huntington has restaurants, coffee shops, bars, historic buildings, theaters, and local businesses.
• College-town energy — Marshall brings younger residents, sporting events, concerts, lectures, and other activities that you’d be unlikely to find in a small town.
• Regional location — You’re close to Charleston, Ashland, and southern Ohio, giving you more options for shopping and entertainment.
• Four seasons — Winters are generally less severe than in much of the northern U.S., while the surrounding Appalachian landscape is especially attractive in spring and fall.
• Potentially good value for retirees — Low housing costs combined with healthcare, restaurants, recreation, and a reasonably active community can make Huntington attractive.

Cons

• Crime is a significant concern — Huntington has struggled with higher-than-average crime, particularly property crime and crime concentrated in certain neighborhoods. The city varies considerably from one area to another.
• Economic challenges — The city has experienced population decline, poverty, and the loss of traditional industrial jobs.
• Some neighborhoods are considerably run-down — You can find attractive, well-maintained neighborhoods relatively close to areas with vacant or deteriorating properties.
• Drug/opioid problems — Huntington has been heavily affected by the opioid epidemic. The situation has improved in some respects, but substance abuse remains a visible community issue.
• Limited high-paying career opportunities — There are jobs in healthcare, education, government, retail, manufacturing, and services, but the local economy doesn’t offer the breadth of opportunities found in larger metropolitan areas.
• Older housing stock — Many homes date from the early-to-mid 20th century. Inspection is especially important for older electrical, plumbing, roofs, foundations, and HVAC.
• Flood risk — Areas along the Ohio River and other waterways can have flood exposure. A property-specific flood-zone check is important.
• Public schools are mixed — School quality varies, and families should evaluate the particular school zone carefully.
• Limited airport options — Huntington Tri-State Airport provides commercial service, but you’ll have fewer flight options than from a major airport.
• Somewhat gray/cloudy climate — Like much of Appalachia, the area can have substantial cloudiness and precipitation.
• Car-dependent — Although the city is more walkable in some downtown neighborhoods, most residents still rely on a vehicle.