Your Huntington, WV Real Estate Questions Answered

Now is a great time to get to know Huntington, WV, the state’s second-largest city. This small town embraces its Appalachian culture and roots but draws from the best of modern living, like street art murals, made-to-order farm-to-table dining, and an investment in green spaces. Part of an area known as the Tri-State, H-Town may surprise you with its unique downtown area, southern hospitality, and access to outdoor activities.

From its mountains and rivers to its museums, come learn what’s so special about Huntington that makes it the perfect place to call home. We’ll profile some of its features so that you can determine if it’s the right West Virginia town for you.

Where is Huntington, WV?

Huntington sits in the southwest corner of West Virginia, along the Ohio River near the confluence of the Guyandotte River. As the anchor of the “Tri-State,” a seven-county area that includes parts of Ohio and Kentucky, Huntingdon has long been a center of manufacturing, commerce, and education for the greater region.

What should I know about Huntington, WV?

Huntington’s history as a settlement started at the edge of the colonial Virginia frontier. It developed slowly at first, but with its river access and proximity to natural resources, like coal and gas, Huntington developed into a bustling town at the end of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. CSX is still operating that same railway today. You can see how important the railroad was to the city’s growth at the historic Heritage Station depot and iconic Red Caboose.

Another fun fact: Huntington is the second busiest inland port, as it ships mostly coal for power plants but also other resources processed in the city. It’s a major rail-to-river transfer point.

Not only has decades of its strategic importance allowed Huntington to thrive, but it also has Marshall University to add to the city’s economic stability and industry diversity.

What is the cost of living in Huntington, WV?

West Virginia is an affordable place to live on the whole, and Huntington is no different. Using Sperling’s Best Places Index as a benchmark, Huntington is overall 25% cheaper than what you’d pay across the nation. Housing, in particular, is about 72% less than what you pay in most of the United States and 10% less than what you would pay in most of West Virginia.

There are two categories where you can expect to spend a little more. The first healthcare will run you about 33% above the national average. The other is miscellaneous costs, like child care.

Looking at the Huntington-Ashland metro, MIT’s Living Wage calculator estimates a family of four with one working and two children would need to bring in $64,258 after taxes to cover all their essential expenses.

What is the average price of a home in Huntington, WV?

Good news if you’re looking for an affordable place to buy a home. Huntington had 262 homes for sale in March 2023 at a median list price of $154,900. That comes out to a median price per square foot of $93. For comparison, the US median sales price in Q4 2022 was $467,000.

The most affordable listing was $7,500 for a vacant lot, while the most expensive was $1.6 million for a 10,000 sq ft home on over 80 acres. You can find a downtown townhome or single-family home or live closer to the mountains, perhaps in a log cabin or a mountaintop retreat.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Huntington, WV?

You can find condo and townhome properties in Huntington. Most of these will be concentrated closer to the downtown core or in the Pea Ridge area. March 2023 had 15 listings on the market.

The most expensive was $464,000 for a 2,582 sq ft condo with two master suites. The least expensive was $97,500 for a two-bedroom townhome.

What is the property tax rate for Huntington, WV?

It’s no secret that property taxes in West Virginia are incredibly affordable. Primary homes in the state are taxed at 60% of their assessed value.

For 2021, the City of Huntington’s millage rate was 1.7112 for residential real estate. Huntington also charges a municipal service fee, a combination of a $108 base fee plus an additional $0.662 per square foot of the property. This fee is paid four times a year. A refuse fee for the weekly garbage pick up is charged at $20 a month but billed quarterly.

What county is Huntington, WV, in?

Huntington is the county seat for Cabell County–pronounced: “cah-bel.” This scenic county is positioned between the Ohio River and the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. West Virginia’s western edge following the Ohio River is part of its border. Other towns are the City of Milton and the Village of Barboursville, which are in the Huntington metro.

Most of the county’s top sights and attractions are around Huntingdon. Visit the Heritage Farm Museum and Village, a replica of a pioneering village, or attend a Marshall University football game at Edwards Stadium. It has two regional hospitals, which makes it the region’s center for medical care.

Is Huntington, WV growing?

Even though the town is one of the economic centers for West Virginia, its population has been in decline for about six decades. In 2022, it had around 46,000 residents, down about 1.3% from the 2020 Census. The drop in population hasn’t been a dramatic fall, but it is still present. It’s part of a statewide trend that began in 2016.

What neighborhoods are in Huntington, WV?

Huntington is a large town, and its size means there are different neighborhoods for you to check out in the city or the closer metro area.

West Huntington is one of the city’s most popular areas to live in. Sitting on one side of the West Huntington Bridge into Ohio, the median home price was $80,000 in March 2023. Families appreciate the St. Cloud’s All-Inclusive Playground, while grocery stores and essential suppliers are along Washington Ave. It has easy access to I-64.

Next door is historic Southside, which brushes up against beautiful Ritter Park and Kiwanis Park. It’s one of the area’s earliest residential areas and has amenities like the Huntington Museum of Art and a YMCA. Eighth Avenue drops residents right into downtown or takes you to I-64. You’ll find homes from the late 1800s and 1900s, often with wide porches and sloped roofs. In March 2023, median home prices here were $139,000.

Highlawn is part of the city’s revitalization plan. The goal is to strengthen its modern infrastructure and amenities while preserving its historic character. It’s working on increasing its pedestrian pathways, enhancing art programs, and encouraging beautification through community gardens and landscaping. Highlawn is along the waterfront and near St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Old Central City is a historic district packed with antique shops, art galleries, farmer’s markets, and more. It has an association that emphasizes the local character of this small neighborhood beside the Huntington Railroad Museum and Kiwanis Park. It had one home for sale at $114,000 in March 2023.

Southeast Hills is an expansive community that starts at the Appalachian foothills in southern Huntington. The rolling hills may reward you with beautiful city and river views. Inside the neighborhood are local markets, a high school, and sports fields. It had 45 homes for sale at a median $174,500 in March 2023.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Huntington, WV?

The Ohio River is one of Huntington’s most prominent features. While the riverbank parks and commercial ventures dominate through the city limits, you can find residential properties with river views or on the waterfront. However, these properties are rare, so you must be patient. Another option are homes along the creeks and waterways that drain into the Ohio River.

How is golf in Huntington, WV?

The city of Huntington lacks golf courses inside of the city limits. However, there are facilities where you can practice your swing. Your best bet starts with Guyan Golf and Country Club in Pea Ridge. For some stunning views, head up Highway 2 to Riviera Country Club. Hit the gorgeous fairways along the Ohio River. To the south, Lavalette has two golf courses, and Beech Fork State Park has a championship golf course among its natural rolling setting.

Are there golf course communities in Huntington, WV?

The City of Huntington or the nearby metro did not have any golf course communities as of 2023.

What areas are near Huntington, WV?

On the West Virginia side of the river, Huntington is at the center of a metro area that includes the towns of Pea Ridge, Milton, and Barboursville. The Tri-State airport is to the west, as is Kenova and Ceredo near where the Guyandotte River meets the Ohio.

Beech Fork State Park has 3,000 acres surrounding the Beech Fork reservoir. Activities include a boating marina, a shooting area, and trails.

On the Ohio side awaits the towns of Chesapeake and South Point. Pass through these to reach the Crown City Wildlife Area. The preserve spans thousands of acres with an expansive horseback trail and camp system.

On the Kentucky side, the town of Ashland is also on the Ohio River. Ashland has more shopping options, a college, and some amusement attractions like Malibu Jack’s.

What to know about living in Huntington, WV

Huntington’s rich small-town culture is driven by the Appalachian culture and southern values. Downtown is anchored by Pullman Square, a retail and entertainment space with local stores and farm-to-table restaurants. Festivals like its famous ChiliFest and Heritage Farm Festival bring thousands to enjoy a day of live music, food, and crafts.

Marshall University is one of the state’s top colleges. Founded in 1837, the public school offers 150 degree programs from undergraduate to professional. Around 11,000 students are enrolled in courses for programs like marketing, psychology, and civil engineering. It’s also the university behind the 2006 “We Are Marshall” movie about the 1970 airplane tragedy.

Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center dates to 1928. It continues to host local and national performances, run a film festival, and be the site of Mountain Stage, a long-running public music show on NPR.

The state’s largest mall, Huntington Mall, has over 150 retailers, including anchors like a Cinemax theater, Kohls, and Field & Stream. It’s based in nearby Barboursville.

The town has a great park system. Ritter Park is probably its crown jewel, as it’s won awards and been called a “top 10 great public space.” The Ritter Park Rose Garden is a beautiful location with over 3,000 roses in 200 varieties. As you’d imagine, it is a popular spot for weddings and photoshoots.

Huntington Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the state. On the 52-acre art campus are over 31 collections and exhibitions. The grounds also are beautiful, with the state’s only plant conservatory and nature trails.

Huntington is proud of its small-town charm; hopefully, you can see why. It’s small enough to still feel friendly and personalized but large enough to have unique dining, retail, and entertainment. If you’re considering living in Huntington, WV, contact a local real estate agent to find the right neighborhood.