📍 About CRW & Charleston
Charleston Tower operates at Yeager Airport, located just east of downtown Charleston, WV. This capital city is nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains and offers a slower pace of life, low cost of living, and access to natural beauty — perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and those seeking a smaller-city lifestyle.
🏡 Where to Live
Best Neighborhoods – Singles & Couples
- Downtown – Walkable, historic charm, close to dining and entertainment.
- Kanawha City – Riverside, affordable apartments and access to trails.
- South Hills – Beautiful hillside homes, close to downtown.
Best for Families
- South Hills – Top schools, safe, scenic, and suburban.
- Teays Valley – 30 minutes west, great schools and newer housing.
- Cross Lanes – Affordable, family-friendly with parks and amenities.
🚗 Commute Times to CRW (Yeager Airport)
- 5–15 min: Downtown Charleston, Kanawha City, South Hills
- 15–30 min: Cross Lanes, Dunbar, St. Albans
- 30–40 min: Teays Valley, Hurricane, Nitro
🎓 Top School Districts
- Kanawha County Schools – Public school system covering Charleston metro
- Putnam County Schools – Highly rated district including Teays Valley and Hurricane
- Charleston Catholic High School – Private, college-prep education
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Hiking: Kanawha State Forest, Coonskin Park, Wine Cellar Park
- Whitewater Rafting: New River Gorge National Park – world-famous rafting 90 min away
- Camping/Fishing: Kanawha River, Sutton Lake, Summersville Lake
- Skiing: Winterplace Ski Resort (1.5 hrs south)
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Clay Center: Museum, planetarium, theater, and concerts
- Capitol Market: Indoor/outdoor market with local goods and restaurants
- West Virginia State Museum: Learn state history at the Capitol Complex
- Festivals: Live on the Levee (summer concert series), Vandalia Gathering, and more
- Breweries: Short Story Brewing, Fife Street Brewing, Bad Shepherd
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Yeager Airport (CRW): On-site – Regional flights via American, Delta, and United
- Tri-State Airport (HTS): ~1.5 hrs west – Serves Huntington and Ashland
- Pittsburgh International (PIT): ~3.5 hrs north – Major international hub
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- South Hills: One of the safest and most desirable areas in Charleston
- Teays Valley: Low crime, excellent suburban reputation
- Kanawha City & Cross Lanes: Generally safe, check local neighborhood data
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Home Prices: Median around $175,000–$250,000
- Rent: 1-bedroom averages $850–$1,100/month
- Utilities: ~$150–$220/month depending on the season
- Groceries: Below national average (milk ~$3.10, eggs ~$2.50)
- Gasoline: ~$3.30/gallon
- Taxes: West Virginia has state income tax (~3–6.5%)
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- South Hills: Quiet, tree-lined streets, top schools
- Downtown Charleston: Walkable with bars, restaurants, and arts
- Teays Valley: Growing suburbs, newer homes and shopping
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold and sometimes snowy; average highs in the 40s
- Spring: Rainy but mild; temps in the 50s–70s
- Summer: Warm and humid, with highs in the 80s–90s
- Fall: Crisp air and scenic foliage, 50s–70s
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- KRT Bus System: Serves Charleston metro with fixed routes
- Driving: Easy commutes and manageable traffic
- Parking: Affordable downtown parking options and street availability
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- CAMC (Charleston Area Medical Center): Largest hospital system in the region
- Thomas Health: Saint Francis and Thomas Memorial Hospitals
- Urgent Care: MedExpress, CAMC Urgent Care, walk-in clinics throughout the area
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young Professionals: Events downtown, brewery scene, and rec leagues
- Families: Parks, festivals, libraries, and school events
- Faith/Volunteering: Active church groups and local non-profits
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Downtown Favorites: Black Sheep Burrito, Pies & Pints, 1010 Bridge
- Local Eats: Bluegrass Kitchen, First Watch, Lola's Pizza
- Breweries: Bad Shepherd, Fife Street, Short Story
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Proximity matters: South Hills and Kanawha City offer the best short commutes
- Shift work: Prepare for early mornings and rotating schedules
- Controller community: Small but tight-knit and helpful
📦 Moving Tips
- Snow prep: Snow tires recommended for winter hills
- Huntington/U-Haul: Book trucks early if relocating during summer or PCS season
- Best rental months: April–June and September
❓ FAQs
- Is Charleston walkable?
Downtown is — other areas require a car - Is it affordable?
Yes. One of the lowest costs of living in the U.S. - Is Charleston family-friendly?
Yes, with safe neighborhoods and many parks/schools