Let the numbers do the talking.
Parkersburg, WV vs South Charleston, WV
Parkersburg, WV vs South Charleston, WV: What the data shows
Parkersburg, WV is in Parkersburg, WV while South Charleston, WV is in South Charleston, WV — both in the same state. On home prices, Parkersburg, WV is the more affordable option at $97,700 median — $68,700 less than South Charleston, WV's $166,400. WYLT rates Parkersburg, WV as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and South Charleston, WV as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Parkersburg, WV has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. South Charleston, WV has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Parkersburg, WV has High flood risk and South Charleston, WV has Low flood risk.
Parkersburg, WV is the more walkable neighborhood. Parkersburg, WV scores 33/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus South Charleston, WV's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, South Charleston, WV has the higher school rating — Parkersburg, WV rates 8.3/10 and South Charleston, WV rates 8.5/10.
| Category | Parkersburg, WV | South Charleston, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | $98K ✓ Lower price | $166K |
| Median Rent | $772 ✓ Lower rent | $928 |
| Median Income | $43K | $70K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 33/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 18/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | N/A | N/A |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | High | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Air Quality | Poor | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Families looking for low-cost housingRetirees wanting a small-town vibePeople who can commute by car | Families with childrenPet ownersBudget‑conscious renters |
Bottom line
For families with children, Parkersburg's affordable housing and tight-knit community may outweigh its risks, but ultimately South Charleston's better schools, lower flood risk, and more stable environment make it a safer choice. For retirees or those who value a small-town feel and can commute by car, Parkersburg might be appealing, but for most other buyers, South Charleston is the more well-rounded option.
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