Charleston is a pretty laid back and scenic city in the central part of West Virginia. It has tons of museums and lively nightlife, as well as outdoor opportunities like fishing, camping, hiking and water sports. If you’re planning to move to Charleston but you’re not sure where to look, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll give you a breakdown of where to find apartments and what you can expect to get with your hard-earned cash. Let’s get started!
Charleston, WV is less than three hours from Columbus, OH and easy driving distance from Pittsburgh, Louisville and Charlotte, NC. Though the summers are hot and the winters are icy, it doesn’t have the extremes of some cities. That’s right, here you’ll find all four seasons, and we hear spring and autumn are just lovely. The West Virginia University campus here draws a thick college crowd giving the streets and local cafes a decidedly young vibe. Despite this, there are also lots of families, seniors and retirees throughout Charleston, so no matter what demographic you fall under you won’t be alone. Rental prices are pretty average; however, one thing that is unique to Charleston is the large square feet to rent ratio. You’ll get a lot of space for your money in Charleston, so get ready to stretch those legs. The size of outdoor space and backyards is also distinct, with most rental houses offering spacious yards and gardens.
If you are looking for an apartment, what you pay will largely depend on the number of bedrooms. Two-bedroom apartments average about $800. The monthly rent will go up or down depending on the apartment’s size. Many apartment complexes typically include a swimming pool, gym, Internet, cable, washer and dryer, and a basketball court. One thing to note, however, is there aren’t as many apartments for rent as there are houses, so you may want to begin your search early to secure a place you like. Furthermore, a lot of apartments only allow cats or small dogs. If you have a large four-legged friend, make sure you ask about weight and breed restrictions.
In terms of houses for rent, you’ll find a decent number of options, as well. Homes in Charleston tend to be spacious and for about $1,100 you can rent a three-bedroom house with 1600 or 1700 square feet. You will likely get air conditioning, hardwood floors, a patio, storage space, a garage and possibly a basement. If that doesn’t sell you, backyards usually come standard. Four-bedrooms go for about $1,400 to $1,500 and will have similar amenities. Like with apartments, it’s not difficult to find furnished houses for rent. However, they typically require a one to two-year lease. Make sure you’re certain about your living arrangement before you sign that long lease.
No matter where you end up, we’re sure you’ll find a happening pad. Charleston’s a great place to live as a renter — good luck with your housing search and enjoy the move!
