Apartments for Rent in West Virginia

West Virginia

West Virginia, known for its "wild, wonderful" beauty, is a largely rural, mountainous state with four distinct seasons, so if you love the great outdoors, it's a great place to look for an apartment. The best cities for plenty of choice in apartment rentals are Charleston, Huntington and Parkersburg.

The state's economy is largely based on coal mining, with numerous major mines dotting the state. Long-wall coal mining is the basis for the state’s economy, although it has diversified into manufacturing in recent years (particularly glass, aluminum and steel). Poultry and eggs are the main agricultural products, primarily for regional distribution.

Tourism in West Virginia centers on the great outdoors and the heritage of the Appalachian regions, where music and art have developed unique styles and preserved a rich pioneer and mountain history. For those seeking luxury, the Greenbriar Resort is one the country's most exclusive spa/hotels, often entertaining world dignitaries.

Outdoor Attractions

Almost any outdoor sport that you can do in a land-locked state can be done in West Virginia. Camping and hiking are particularly popular in the Allegheny Highlands and the Monongahela National Forest, where Spruce Knob is a particular challenge for climbers.

The New River Gorge area offers some of the best whitewater rafting to be found in the eastern half of the U.S. Cheat Lake is another popular spot, offering great fishing and water sports such as wake boarding. The vast tracts of forestland offer exceptional hunting.

Colleges and Universities

West Virginia University has a main campus in Morgantown as well as three branch campuses. The main campus features law, dental, medical and nursing schools as well as several regional hospitals. Marshall University in Huntington is another prominent university and has a great rivalry with WVU. There are also several community and private schools across the state.

Real Estate and Housing

You can find a great place to rent in West Virginia for very little money – housing is typically 20% below the national average. Add in the low cost of living (almost 10% below the national average), and you can live here for very little money. Even in Charleston, apartments for rent are less expensive than in almost any other state. Huntington, Parkersburg and Wheeling have many apartments and lofts (in converted industrial era buildings) that are very affordable. If healthcare is a consideration, look for an apartment in or near Morgantown, which has a great college town atmosphere and the best hospitals and medical centers in the state.