Beckley is a charming and historic city in West Virginia. Its scenic views, cute neighborhoods, and lively community make it easy to see why people from all walks of life are drawn here. Whether you want to settle down or dabble in property investment, our guide covers everything there is to know about buying real estate and living in this much-loved town. So come on, let us show you around! We think by the end, you’ll be considering Beckley as more than just a pit stop!
The Appeal of Beckley
Beckley is a charming city in the mountains of West Virginia. Its welcoming community of 17,000 people is known for its natural beauty. If you love the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do here– making it an attractive holiday spot for anyone who enjoys nature! With its pretty surroundings, Beckley embodies small-town life at its best; see for yourself.
Quality of Life
Beckley is a hidden gem in southern West Virginia that many people miss. This charming and vibrant town has beautiful natural surroundings you won’t find anywhere else.
Living and buying real estate in Beckley comes with its perks—think first-rate facilities, including parks plentiful for leisure activities, bustling markets selling homegrown produce, and quirky eateries dishing up classic Appalachian fare. You’ll also find folks here who are super-welcoming and have a real passion for their area; don’t be surprised if they proudly point out historical sites or share stories from yesteryear! And don’t forget: if you live here, top-notch educational institutions such as WVU Tech and Woodrow Wilson High School are just around the corner.
Economic Opportunities
Although Beckley isn’t famous for its economic opportunities, it does have many benefits. There are jobs in various sectors, such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with big employers like Raleigh General Hospital, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, and Walmart.
Even though the US economy’s current situation isn’t that great, Beckley’s job market is doing well: the unemployment rate is just 4.1%—much lower than the national average of 6.1%. Beckley is a reliable option for people who want to settle down here or even invest in real estate. This small city keeps growing, but it’s still cheap, so you get more bang for your buck!
The Real Estate Market in Beckley is Expanding Exponentially
Affordability and Value
If you’re looking for affordable housing, Beckley, West Virginia, is hard to beat. It’s a nice place with various types of houses, and the median price is way less than the national average. One reason Beckley may be appealing to some is that, unlike other places, it is sectioned off into neighborhoods— each with its unique characteristics— that draw interest from different types of people from various walks of life.
Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Beckley include:
- East Beckley: This neighborhood on the east side is loved for its community atmosphere and big homes with roomy yards– great for those with kids.
- Skelton: Head south of Beckley for cheaper properties than in many areas, plus good links to shops and highways.
- Lanark: After stunning mountain views from your modern new home? In Lanark, you can get just that– as well as peace. It’s an area that’s becoming more popular all the time.
- Princewick: Live only 9 miles from the city center, but feel as if you’re always on vacation! In Princewick, there’s a lot to do, including hiking and fishing; it’s also very peaceful (and affordable).
Real Estate Market Insights
Beckley is a city in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia that has seen a boom in its real estate market. With an average home value of $137,729—up a staggering 11.3% over the past year—it’s clear there is high demand for housing here. In fact, according to Zillow, listed properties only stay up for 11 days before they go under contract!
However, Beckley is not just a hotspot for buyers; it also has a thriving rental market. The city’s expanding economy and its nearness to colleges such as Concord University and New River Community College mean plenty of people want to rent, especially students and young professionals.
In addition, Beckley’s variety of residents– including families, students, and retirees– is luring property buyers who want to invest long-term. And there are more projects on the way: if they go ahead, like building the Big Four Interchange or revamping Beckley Plaza, home values could rise even higher!
Living in Beckley
Cultural and Recreational Activities
Although small, Beckley in West Virginia offers a surprising number of cultural and recreational activities. For example, at the Raleigh County Arts Center, arts fans can see a slew of exhibitions– or do a workshop. And if you’re interested in how mining has shaped the area then a visit to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine will be up your street! However, there is more! Outdoor lovers also have many choices. They can ride bikes on the Greenbrier River Trail, go birdwatching at Grandview State Park, or enjoy leisurely walks and adventurous outings in area parks with beautiful lakes. And for those who want high-energy fun? Places like Lost World Caverns and Ace Adventure Resort offer zip-lining, white-water rafting, and other thrilling sports. In Beckley, you will never be bored!
Education and Healthcare
Beckley excels in both quality education and healthcare. Kids, as well as teens, benefit from some of the best schools in the state, as well as top-tier higher education options like Concord University and New River Community and Technical College.
Beckley offers both public and private schooling choices, making sure every student gets a proper education, no matter their financial situation. Schools such as Woodrow Wilson High School and Academy Christian School offer top-notch learning experiences.
The healthcare system is top-notch too– with top facilities such as Raleigh General Hospital and Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. Here, access to quality care is key– great news for anyone looking for excellent medical services for themselves or their loved ones!
Community and Lifestyle
Beckley is a community known for its friendly and welcoming vibe. Located in Raleigh County, this close-knit town offers the kind of charm you can only find in a small place– plus, there are always people willing to help out if needed!
Throughout the year, the community unites during different events like the Appalachian Festival or Strawberry Festival. These celebrations don’t just honor their culture– they’re a chance for everyone to have fun!
Beckley has a lot to offer when it comes to dining. Whether you’re in the mood for classic American food (such as that served at The Char or Pasquale’s), something different like craft beer from Weathered Ground Brewery, or just need your daily caffeine fix from Mea Cuppa Cafe– they’ve got you covered!
For shopping maniacs, there’s Crossroads Mall, with over 50 stores to choose from! If you are on the lookout for small independent shops where bargains can be found– check out Tickety Boo Mercantile or Antoinette’s Bath House & Boutique.
Transportation and Accessibility
Beckley has a slew of transportation options for residents and visitors. Raleigh County Memorial Airport is known for providing easy access to domestic and international locations.
People can also use public transit like the Mountain Line Transit Authority to get around town—which makes travel even more convenient if they don’t drive themselves!
If you like traveling by train, you’re lucky: Amtrak stations are close by in Prince and Charleston. Beckley also has two major highways– I-64 and I-77– that run through it if you enjoy driving.
Even though Beckley is becoming more popular, it still has less traffic congestion than bigger cities. This means getting in and around the city is extremely easy!
Overall Conclusion on Living and Buying Real Estate in Beckley
In conclusion, Beckley is a place where many people want to live and buy property. The city offers residents a high standard of living as well as affordable homes– all set in a community environment that appeals to individuals at various stages of life.
For example, young professionals will find plentiful jobs in Beckley, and families will feel safe there. Moreover, putting money into Beckley’s property could set you up for a successful and rewarding life. The town has lots going for it!