10 Best Places to Live in West Virginia: Top Cities & Towns 2026

Thinking about moving to West Virginia? It’s a smart choice; this scenic, affordable state offers a welcoming vibe and a blend of natural beauty and small-town energy. Finding a place that’s safe, affordable, and close to essentials can be tricky. The key is choosing apartments in West Virginia within a community that’s budget-friendly, secure, and student-oriented. 
With around 49,316 college students statewide in 2024–25 and major universities like West Virginia University and Marshall University, the state offers a vibrant academic atmosphere paired with the charm of Southern Appalachia. Whether you’re hunting for wallet-friendly rent, a safe neighborhood, or easy access to cafés, libraries, and transit, this guide has you covered. Here’s the lowdown on the best places to live in West Virginia, designed to make your student experience smooth, secure, and memorable.

Top 10 Affordable Cities for Students in West Virginia

Here are the best places to live in West Virginia where students can live comfortably without overspending:

1. Morgantown

Average rent: $1,395/month

Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, is the state's most popular student city, attracting both national and international students with its strong academic reputation, walkable downtown, and vibrant local culture. There is a moderate cost of living and diverse housing options, as you can find many houses for sale Morgantown WV, on and off campus. The variety of student housing in Morgantown WV, both on-campus and off-campus, helps make it manageable for most budgets. WVU’s Downtown and Evansdale Libraries are packed with tech, resources, and comfortable study areas, perfect for picking up ideas on how to recreate a focused study environment at home. From peaceful mountain towns to lively college cities, the list of West Virginia best places to live offers something for everyone.

Places to visit in Morgantown:

• Coopers Rock State Forest
• Downtown Morgantown
• Morgantown Farmers Market
• Caperton Trail
• WVU Core Arboretum

2. Huntington

Average rent: $950/month

Huntington, West Virginia, is a vibrant and affordable riverside city known for its strong college-town atmosphere, thanks to Marshall University. It offers budget-friendly living alongside walkable access to local amenities, cultural events, and a welcoming community vibe. Huntington easily ranks among the best towns to live in West Virginia. Huntington gives you a nice mix of fun and focus. You’ll find artsy cafes like Grindstone Coffeeology and laid-back hangouts like Black Sheep Burrito & Brews. For study time, there’s the Cabell County Public Library and good support from the university. The riverfront is calm and close by, which makes it a great spot to take a break or get some fresh air between classes.

Places to visit in Huntington:

• Pullman Square Downtown
• Ritter Park & Harris Riverfront Park
• Keith-Albee Theater & Memorial Student Center
• Camden Park

3. Charleston

Average rent: $931/month

Charleston, the capital of West Virginia, blends small-town friendliness with urban amenities, making it an appealing choice for students attending the University of Charleston. With a moderate cost of living, affordable homes for sale in Charleston, WV,  are accessible near campus or downtown. Charleston’s riverside charm, with cozy study hangouts like Moxxee Coffee and the downtown Kanawha County Public Library, supports both academics and community connection. If you're planning to relocate, exploring the best places to live in West Virginia can help you find the right fit for your lifestyle.

Places to visit in Charleston, WV:

• WV State Capitol
• Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences
• Coonskin Park & Greenbrier River Trail
• Capitol Market
• WV State Museum

4. Bluefield

Average rent: $795/month

Bluefield is one of the cheapest places to live in West Virginia, making it a great choice for students seeking low living costs without compromising quality of life. Anchored by Bluefield State University, the city offers a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere with study-friendly spots like The RailYard, Black Cat Music Shop, the Bluefield Area Arts Center, and Craft Memorial Library, perfect for both productivity and inspiration. Thanks to the town’s walkable layout, you’ll spend less on transport, making it even easier to manage your grocery budget wisely.

Places to visit in Bluefield:

• Mitchell Stadium
• East River Soccer Complex

5. Clarksburg

Average rent: $950/month

Clarksburg, West Virginia, is among the best small towns in West Virginia that offers students an affordable and peaceful lifestyle and a cost of living well below the national average. Home to branch campuses of Pierpont Community & Technical College and nearby Fairmont State University provides a practical base for students in the area. Cafés like Almost Heaven Desserts and Bluebird Store Café offer cozy spots where students can unwind, focus on part-time jobs and study, or simply relax between classes. The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library also serves as a reliable hub for study sessions and academic support.  

Places to visit in Clarksburg:

• Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center
• Veterans Memorial Park
• Downtown Clarksburg Historic District
• Waldo more Library
• Clarksburg Splash Zone & City Park

6. Weirton

Average rent: $800/month

Weirton, one of the good places to live in West Virginia,  Northern Panhandle, is a safe, affordable city, making it a great option for students seeking a quiet, community-focused environment. While not a traditional college town, it offers many houses for sale Weirton WV, reliable amenities, and access to nearby colleges in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio add to its appeal. Students can enjoy peaceful cafés like Tudor’s Biscuit World, study spots such as the Mary H. Weir Public Library with free Wi-Fi, and a generally low-crime, suburban setting ideal for focused living.

Places to visit in Weirton:

• Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center
• Panhandle Trail
• Marland Heights Park & Pool

7. Wheeling

Average rent: $898/month

Wheeling, a historic city in northern West Virginia, offers students an affordable and culturally rich environment. Home to Wheeling University and near other institutions, it hosts a small but active student population. Nestled along the Ohio River, the city blends scenic charm with a relaxed pace, accessible amenities, and a growing creative scene, making it one of the best places to retire in West Virginia. Local spots like Later Alligator and Table 304 are popular for studying or socializing, while the centrally located Ohio County Public Library serves as a well-equipped hub for research and quiet time. With its compact layout affordable homes for sale Wheeling WV, it provides students with a well-rounded college experience beyond the classroom.

Places to visit in Wheeling:

• Wheeling Heritage Trail
• Oglebay Park
• Capitol Theatre
• Centre Market
• Wheeling Island

8. Beckley

Average rent: $1,190/month

Beckley, a mid-sized city in southern West Virginia, is known for its connection to WVU Tech and its strong educational focus, offering students a balance of city convenience and a laid-back lifestyle. It's more affordable than in many larger cities, especially for those in shared or student-specific housing. Popular third places like Chocolate Moose Coffee and Tea, the Cathedral Café, and the Raleigh County Public Library provide welcoming spots for studying and socializing, while the city's scenic surroundings offer outdoor escapes perfect for weekend breaks.

Places to visit in Beckley: 

• Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine & Youth Museum
• Winterplace Ski Resort
• Grandview & New River Gorge

9. Barboursville

Average rent: $1,180/month

Barboursville, a quiet suburb near Huntington, offers Marshall University students an affordable and peaceful alternative to city living. Known for its clean and safe environment, it’s ideal for focused study, with cozy cafés like Tropical Moon Coffee and Coal River Coffee Company and resources like the Barboursville Branch Library supporting a student-friendly lifestyle.

Places to visit in Teays Valley / Barboursville:

• Barboursville Park
• Tanyard Station shopping and dining
• The Huntington Mall

10. Martinsburg

Average rent: $1,689/month

Martinsburg, one of the nice places to live in West Virginia, is ideal for students wanting more space. It’s home to Blue Ridge Community and Technical College and near Shepherd University, with plenty of houses for sale Martinsburg WV and off-campus options. Students enjoy local favorites like Black Dog Coffee, access quiet study spots at Martinsburg Public Library, and benefit from commuter rail service to Washington, D.C., for internships or weekend trips, making Martinsburg one of the best places to live in West Virginia.

Places to visit in Martinsburg:

• Martinsburg Roundhouse
• Belle Boyd House
• War Memorial Park
• Triple Brick Museum
• Yankauer Nature Preserve
• Martinsburg Mall Farmers Market

Safe Student Housing in West Virginia

Housing quality and campus crime rates vary across the state, so it’s wise to research neighbourhoods and security features before signing a lease. Here are some key safety tips to use when choosing accommodation options within West Virginia real estate:

• Lock up consistently: Always lock doors, windows, and your car, even when you're home. Check locks nightly and report lost keycards ASAP.
• Install and use campus apps: Download apps like Amber App for emergency alerts and quick reporting. Stay connected and protected.
• Use the escort and shuttle services: Use campus escorts or shuttles after dark. Travelling in groups = safer (and more fun).
• Choose housing with access controls: Use campus escorts or shuttles after dark.
• Stay informed and vigilant: Sign up for safety alerts. Know the crime logs. If something feels off, report it.

Best Student Housing in West Virginia

Finding the best places to live in West Virginia can make a big difference in your college experience. Luckily, you’ve got options from shared rentals to dorms and purpose-built spaces. With smart tools like amber, the process becomes much easier.

• University dorms: Perfect for first-years! Stay close to campus, meet new friends, and ease into college life. Less privacy, but super convenient.
• Private rentals: Want more freedom? Rent an apartment or house near campus. Great with roommates, but you’ll handle bills and maintenance.
• Purpose-built student housing: Built just for students. They feature furnished rooms, study lounges, and gyms. A solid mix of comfort, community, and privacy.
• Homestays: You can find many West Virginia homes for sale or live with a local family for a more personal (and budget-friendly) vibe. Great for international students, but expect house rules.

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