Affordable Charleston Storage Units

Moving and storage go hand in hand. Whether you are traveling across town or across the country, moving is an exciting and fresh start. While Storage Rentals of America is here to help you with all your storage needs, we also want to help you get familiar with the area. That's why we put together this resource guide for Charleston.

About Charleston, WV.

Nestled at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers, Charleston is West Virginia's capitol and largest city. It is also the county seat of Kanawha County. The State Capitol building's gold dome is a fixture of the Charleston skyline, and a complex of riverside parks and trails offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Charleston is a college town as well as a growing city with diverse employment opportunities. From markets and museums to live music and great restaurants, there's a lot to discover in Charleston. The city began as a frontier outpost in 1788—Daniel Boone was at one time a member of the Kanawha County Assembly—and it has grown into one of the most vibrant cities in the Appalachians.

What to do in Charleston, WV

Charleston is a cultural hub as well as a seat of government and is known for the spectacular scenery of its surrounding mountain landscape. The city provides a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Some of the most well-known attractions in Charleston, WV include:

• West Virginia State Museum: If you want to learn about the history of West Virginia, there's no better place than the West Virginia State Museum. Located adjacent to the State Capitol building and the governor's mansion, this museum houses a vast collection that spans every facet and era of the state's unique history.
• Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences: There's always something new to discover at the Clay Center! One of West Virginia's most impressive museums, the Clay Center includes not only an art museum and science discovery center but also a planetarium and a live performance events venue.
• Capitol Market: Charleston's Capitol Market offers a little bit of everything. Whether you are shopping for fresh local produce, grabbing lattes with friends, or enjoying a sit-down meal at a fine Italian eatery, this year-round indoor market inside a historic renovated train station is one of Charleston's most unique and lively spots.
• Haddad Riverfront Park: Stretching along the bank of the Kanawha River through Downtown Charleston, Haddad Riverfront Park is a great place to take a hike or stop to enjoy a picnic while you explore the city. The park is also a popular kayak launch site and includes an outdoor amphitheater that hosts a free concert series during the warmer months.

Working in Charleston, WV

Charleston is a decidedly white-collar city, especially when compared with West Virginia as a whole. Just over 89% of Charleston's population is employed in white-collar jobs. Some of the top occupations include office and administrative support, sales, and health services. Government workers account for about 20% of Charleston's job market thanks to city, county, and state governments all being headquartered here.

Charleston, WV Neighborhoods

A medium-sized city spanning just under 33 square miles, Charleston has numerous distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Charleston include:

• City Center: Charleston's City Center is home to the city's vibrant Downtown district, with a variety of unique shops and eateries. Homes here include a number of rental properties as well as some owner-occupied homes. The median real estate price in the City Center is about $170,000.
• Loudon Heights: An affluent neighborhood located across the river from Downtown Charleston, Loudon Heights includes some of the largest and most expensive homes in the city, with a median price range of about $320,000. Loudon Heights is a well-established suburban neighborhood characterized by handsome single-family homes.
• South Ruffner: The University of Charleston is the centerpiece of the South Ruffner Neighborhood, making it equally popular among students and suburban families. There is an assorted mix of single-family homes, duplex and condo rentals, and apartment complexes in the South Ruffner neighborhood, with an average home value of about $246,000.
• West Side: One of Charleston's most affordable neighborhoods, the West Side has a median home price of about $70,000. An urban neighborhood that is conveniently walkable to Downtown Charleston, the West Side has a lot of potential as an up-and-coming neighborhood.

Charleston, WV. School District

Schools in Charleston are part of the Kanawha County School System. This is the largest school system in West Virginia, including 43 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, and eight high schools, as well as several additional education centers. Some of the top-rated schools in Charleston include Overbrook Elementary School, John Adams Middle School, and George Washington High School.

Charleston also offers numerous opportunities for higher education. The University of Charleston is a fixture of the community, and the nearby West Virginia State University is routinely ranked among the very best affordable colleges in the US.

Moving to Charleston, WV Resource Guide

Anybody can use a little help when they move to a new place! Be sure to check out the official City of Charleston, WV website for resources like Parks and Recreation and the local Police and Fire Department. You can also get some great information on local gas, electricity, and other utilities through the Charleston City Alliance.

Charleston, WV Housing

The overall cost of living in Charleston is slightly higher than in West Virginia as a whole but much lower than the US average. Housing in particular, is very affordable in Charleston, where the median home cost is just $128,400 (compared to the $291,700 national average).

Rental rates in Charleston are very affordable as well, ranging from $589 for the average studio apartment to $1,191 for an average four-bedroom rental. Approximately 57% of the homes in Charleston are owner-occupied, while about 43% are renter-occupied.