📍 About HTS & Huntington
Huntington Tower is located at Tri-State Airport (HTS) in Wayne County, West Virginia, serving the Huntington–Ashland metro area. The city of Huntington offers a small-town vibe with access to the Ohio River, Marshall University, and outdoor recreation, making it a charming and affordable place to start your ATC career.
🏡 Where to Live
West Virginia
- Huntington – Affordable housing, urban feel, close to Marshall University.
- Barboursville – Quiet suburb with good schools and shopping.
- Ona – Semi-rural area with newer developments and easy airport access.
Ohio
- South Point – Across the river, affordable homes, short commute.
- Ironton – Quiet town with reasonable cost of living and river views.
Kentucky
- Ashland – Historic downtown, parks, and good schools.
- Catlettsburg – Small town just south of Ashland, peaceful and affordable.
🚗 Commute Times to HTS
- 10–20 min: Barboursville, Huntington, South Point, Catlettsburg
- 20–35 min: Ashland, Ona, Ironton
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Beech Fork State Park: Camping, hiking, boating
- Ritter Park: Local trails, tennis, gardens in Huntington
- Camden Park: Historic amusement park for family fun
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Marshall University: Sports events, theater, community lectures
- Heritage Farm Museum: Living history and exhibits
- Pullman Square: Shopping, dining, and movies downtown
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Tri-State Airport (HTS): Main regional airport – Allegiant, American
- Yeager Airport (CRW): ~1.5 hours – Charleston, WV for broader connections
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG): ~2.5 hours – Major hub
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Barboursville: Very low crime, family-friendly
- South Point: Small town feel, generally safe
- Huntington: Urban areas vary — North end is generally safest
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home price ~$140,000 in Huntington; rent for 1BR ~$800–$1000
- Utilities: ~$150–$220/month for basic apartment
- Groceries: Near national average; gas ~$3.40/gal
- No state income tax: In OH. WV & KY have standard income tax rates
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown Huntington: Historic area with cafes, theaters, and riverwalk
- Barboursville: Safe, clean, with shopping and restaurants
- Ashland: Quaint town center, schools, and community events
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Light snow, occasional ice, cold but manageable
- Spring: Warm and wet with thunderstorms
- Summer: Hot and humid – highs in 80s/90s
- Fall: Beautiful foliage and moderate temps
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Tri-State Transit Authority (TTA): Limited bus service across the region
- Most people drive: Minimal traffic and easy parking at HTS
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Cabell Huntington Hospital – Full-service facility
- St. Mary’s Medical Center – Regional trauma center
- Marshall Health: Outpatient, family medicine, pediatrics
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young Professionals: Breweries, concerts, and sports
- Families: Parks, YMCA, festivals and kid-friendly events
- Volunteering: Food banks, Habitat for Humanity, church outreach
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Backyard Pizza & Raw Bar: Artisan pizza, local favorite
- Black Sheep Burritos: Modern bar with live music and great food
- Le Bistro: Upscale American bistro in downtown Huntington
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Facility: HTS is a low-to-moderate level tower with commercial, GA, and military traffic
- Shifts: Expect mid, swing, and day shifts — not 24/7
- Team: Small, tight-knit crew — strong mentorship and training support
📦 Moving Tips
- Consider storage units if relocating in phases
- Barboursville and Ona offer newer apartment complexes
- Weather is moderate — AWD is useful but not essential
❓ FAQs
- Is Huntington affordable?
Yes — very low cost of living compared to national averages. - Are there good schools?
Yes, especially in Barboursville, South Point, and Ashland. - What kind of traffic is controlled at HTS?
Commercial (Allegiant, American), private, and military aircraft.