West VA Poet Laureate and Buckhannon resident Irene McKinney was best known for her honest, no-sugar-coating exploration of Appalachian living. She said, "I'm a hillbilly, a woman, and a poet, and I understood early on that nobody was going to listen to anything I had to say anyway, so I might as well just say what I want to."
With just over 5,600 people living in nearly 2,150 households as of the 2010 census, Buckhannon is the kind of town where everyone knows your name
West VA Poet Laureate and Buckhannon resident Irene McKinney was best known for her honest, no-sugar-coating exploration of Appalachian living. She said, "I'm a hillbilly, a woman, and a poet, and I understood early on that nobody was going to listen to anything I had to say anyway, so I might as well just say what I want to."
With just over 5,600 people living in nearly 2,150 households as of the 2010 census, Buckhannon is the kind of town where everyone knows your name. Close proximity to the Buckhannon River gives the area a marine feel, despite its location in the very center of West Virginia. In fact, had that river been just a little bit larger - big enough to accommodate more trade - Buckhannon might have been chosen as the state's capital city. Residents don't mind missing out on that distinction, though. Buckhannon has plenty of other claims to fame, such as the annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival, held each May. This event features the Queen's Ball, a carnival, and an extraordinarily selection of strawberry-related food.
If you are coming from either of the coasts, your Buckhannon apartment search will be a breath of fresh air. The cost of living is low, and rental properties in Buckhannon are affordable. You can typically expect to pay the first month's rent and a security deposit in order to move in, but keep an eye out for good deals. Security deposit amounts vary widely, from half of the monthly rent to one-and-a-half times the monthly rent. There are a surprising number of all-utilities-paid apartments, which add convenience to budgeting.
Buckhannon Neighborhoods
Whether you want to be within walking distance of dining, and shopping or you prefer a more rural feel, there is a Buckhannon neighborhood for you.
Downtown: Though prices are a little higher, if you want to be close to the action, Downtown Buckhannon can't be beat. There are plenty of rental condos and apartments in small two or three unit buildings, and there are a number of one, two, and three bedroom house rentals in walking distance to shopping and dining.
Hodgesville/Lorentz: The northwestern section of the city has a more rural feel. Though most homes are owner-occupied, there are still plenty of small and medium sized homes for rent. In many cases, these are mobile homes, which have somewhat lower rental costs than traditional single-family homes.
Sand Run/Swamp Run: There is something to be said for the fun of living in the southwestern section of Buckhannon, simply because you can tell people you live in the Sand Run or Swamp Run area. Prices are low and the area is sparsely settled, so you have plenty of room to roam. Expect to find the most choices if you are planning to rent a small mobile home or a medium-sized singled family home.
Folks that haven't been to Buckhannon often assume that there isn't much to do in such a small city. Residents know that is far from the truth. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping at the Stonecoal Reservoir and the Audra State Park and Campground. Downtown's Main Street has a thriving community of artists that ensure enough theater, music, and festivals to satisfy a much larger group of citizens. The truly daring get comfortable on two wheels, enjoying great company and high adventure with West Virginia Motorcycle Tours. Whatever your passion, you are sure to find some like-minded people in the area.
