Moving to or from Huntington?
West Virginia's second-largest city on the Ohio River at the Kentucky-Ohio-WV tri-state corner — home of Marshall University and the 'We Are Marshall' legacy, with a rebuilding downtown and the lowest cost of living in the region.
- 45,000 City population
- 360,000 Metro area
- 1871 Founded
- Tri-State / Ohio River Valley Region
Why people move to Huntington.
- Marshall University and the 'We Are Marshall' legacy after the 1970 plane crash
- Being at the confluence of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio on the Ohio River
- Cabell Huntington Hospital and the region's healthcare anchor
- Ritter Park — a century-old park system with rose gardens and tennis
- Heritage Farm Museum and Village preserving Appalachian history
- Having one of the lowest costs of living of any US city
Huntington is the site of one of the deadliest airplane disasters in sports history — the November 14, 1970 crash of Southern Airways Flight 932 killed 75 people, including 37 members of the Marshall University football team, coaches, and boosters. The 'We Are Marshall' rebuilding story became both a defining West Virginia narrative and a major motion picture in 2006. The Marshall University campus includes a memorial fountain that's turned off every November 14 in remembrance.
Where people live in Huntington.
A quick guide to Huntington's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Downtown
Revitalized core with Pullman Square entertainment district and historic buildings
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Ritter Park / South Side
Historic neighborhood around Ritter Park with large Victorian and early-1900s homes
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Highlawn
Working-class neighborhood near Marshall campus with affordable housing
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Enslow Park
Family-oriented area with Craftsman bungalows and tree-lined streets
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Huntington Heights
Hillside neighborhood with Ohio River views and established homes
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Barboursville
Suburb east of Huntington with newer subdivisions and top retail
Where people spend their time in Huntington.
- Marshall University Campus & Memorial Central Huntington
- Heritage Farm Museum and Village South Huntington
- Ritter Park South Side
- Huntington Museum of Art South Huntington
- Pullman Square Downtown
- Camden Park West Huntington
Planning a Huntington move.
- Huntington has some of the lowest housing prices of any US city its size — entry-level homes often under $150K and median prices well below national averages
- Ohio River flooding is a localized risk in low-lying neighborhoods; check FEMA flood maps before closing
- Marshall University's calendar drives rental-market cycles in August-September and May
- Tri-state tax complexity (WV/KY/OH) can affect commuters; most residents work in WV and pay WV income tax
Moving in Huntington: FAQ.
Is Huntington really that affordable?
Yes — genuinely. Median home prices run 50-70% below national averages, and cost of living is among the lowest of any US city. Entry-level single-family homes under $150K and multi-family homes under $100K are still common. The trade-off is a smaller job market and stagnant population (Huntington has lost residents since the 1960s), though Marshall University and healthcare remain stable anchors.
What's the 'We Are Marshall' story?
In November 1970, a Southern Airways jet carrying 75 people — including 37 Marshall football players, coaches, and boosters — crashed into a hillside near Huntington's airport. It remains one of the deadliest sports-related tragedies in US history. The story of Marshall's rebuilding became the 2006 film 'We Are Marshall.' The memorial fountain on campus is shut off every November 14 in remembrance.
Does Huntington have an opioid crisis problem?
Historically yes — Huntington was at the epicenter of the West Virginia opioid crisis in the 2010s and was featured in the book 'Dopesick.' The city and region have invested heavily in treatment, recovery, and prevention since, and conditions have measurably improved. The story is part of Huntington's honest narrative about resilience and rebuilding.
What's the commute to Charleston WV from Huntington?
About 50 miles / 60-70 minutes via I-64. Many Huntington residents commute to Charleston for state government jobs. Traffic is light by most metros' standards. Some professionals commute to Lexington KY (2 hours southwest) or Columbus OH (2.5 hours north) — longer but feasible for remote-hybrid schedules.
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