Let the numbers do the talking.
Fairmont, WV vs St. Albans, WV
Fairmont, WV vs St. Albans, WV: What the data shows
Fairmont, WV is in Fairmont, WV while St. Albans, WV is in St. Albans, WV — both in the same state. On home prices, St. Albans, WV is the more affordable option at $127,200 median — $32,900 less than Fairmont, WV's $160,100. WYLT rates Fairmont, WV as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and St. Albans, WV as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Fairmont, WV has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. St. Albans, WV has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Fairmont, WV has Low flood risk and St. Albans, WV has Low flood risk.
St. Albans, WV is the more walkable neighborhood. Fairmont, WV scores N/A/100 versus St. Albans, WV's 4/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, St. Albans, WV has the higher school rating — Fairmont, WV rates 8.3/10 and St. Albans, WV rates 8.5/10.
| Category | Fairmont, WV | St. Albans, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $160K | $127K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $907 | $853 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $60K ✓ Higher income | $57K |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 4/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 1/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 1/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 60 min | 60 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | B | B |
| Violent Crime | Low | Low |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Families with school-aged kidsRetirees looking for a quiet communityRemote workers who can work from home | familiesstudentsbudget buyers |
Bottom line
For a family with school-aged kids, I would recommend St. Albans due to its higher school ratings and lower home prices. For a retiree seeking a quieter community, Fairmont may be a slightly better fit, given its more peaceful atmosphere and easier access to Marshall University. Ultimately, both neighborhoods serve their purpose, and the choice between the two should be based on individual priorities, such as the importance of public transit or the desire for a more vibrant downtown.
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