Charleston WV

Charleston – Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Charleston is West Virginia’s capital and a hidden gem full of charm, history, and natural beauty. From scenic riverfront walks to a growing arts scene, Charleston offers a welcoming small-town feel with big experiences. Whether you're exploring its historic downtown, enjoying live music, or hiking nearby trails, this city blends culture and comfort with Southern hospitality.

• Population: ~48,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (70-85°F), cold winters (20-40°F), colorful autumns, and mild springs.
• Places To Visit: Capitol Market, West Virginia State Capitol, Clay Center for the Arts, Kanawha State Forest, Haddad Riverfront Park.
• Top Activities: Walking the Kanawha River Trail, enjoying live shows at Mountain Stage, exploring local museums, canoeing, and attending food festivals.
• Famous Food: Pepperoni rolls, Appalachian-style BBQ, hot dogs with slaw, and homemade biscuits at local diners.

Charleston, West Virginia, serves as a vital hub for government, healthcare, education, and energy industries. As the state capital and largest city, Charleston offers a range of job opportunities across both public and private sectors. Here are the top five jobs that are currently in high demand in this region.

Top 5 Jobs in Charleston, WV

Charleston, WV, may not be as bustling as a major city, but it offers students some fantastic places to unwind and have a great time. From scenic spots to entertainment hubs, there's something for everyone in the heart of West Virginia.

Haddad Riverfront Park – This spot is perfect for relaxing by the Kanawha River. You can catch live music during summer events, enjoy picnics, or simply watch the boats sail by. It's a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of student life.

Capitol Street – Lined with cafes, boutiques, and restaurants, Capitol Street is a lively place to explore. It's ideal for grabbing a coffee, browsing shops, or sitting outside and people-watching with friends.

East End Historic District – This area offers a taste of Charleston's rich history with its beautiful historic homes and charming streets. It's a great place for a leisurely walk or a study break stroll.

Appalachian Power Park – For sports enthusiasts, catching a baseball game here with the West Virginia Power is a fun outing. The park atmosphere is festive, and it's a great way to enjoy America's favorite pastime.

Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences – Students can explore artistic and scientific exhibits or catch a performance. Whether you're into art galleries, science exhibits, or live shows, the Clay Center has something that will pique your interest.

Coonskin Park – This park is perfect for outdoor lovers. With hiking trails, picnic areas, and a serene lake, it's a great spot to reconnect with nature, have a barbecue, or play some frisbee with friends.

Charleston, West Virginia is home to a variety of respected public and private colleges and universities. These institutions are known for their dedication to student success, excellence in academics, and strong ties to the local community. From healthcare to technical training, Charleston offers a range of higher education options for students pursuing diverse career paths.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Charleston

West Virginia State University – Located just outside Charleston in Institute, WV, this historically Black public university offers over 20 undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like business, education, and the sciences. It is committed to community engagement and research.

BridgeValley Community and Technical College – With a campus in South Charleston, BridgeValley provides affordable education with a focus on workforce development. It offers associate degrees and certificates in healthcare, technology, and applied sciences.

Marshall University – South Charleston Campus – This regional campus offers graduate-level programs in education, public administration, and business. Known for its flexible schedules, it’s ideal for working professionals in the area.

Mountwest Community & Technical College (Charleston Area Courses) – While based in Huntington, Mountwest offers Charleston-area students access to career-focused programs in allied health, technology, culinary arts, and more.

West Virginia University Extension and Academic Outreach (Charleston) – WVU offers professional and continuing education in Charleston through its outreach programs. These include certificate courses and online learning in leadership, healthcare, law, and energy sectors.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Charleston

University of Charleston – A prominent private university located along the Kanawha River, it offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in pharmacy, business, leadership, and healthcare. The school is recognized for its small class sizes and personalized learning experience.

West Virginia Junior College – Charleston – A career-focused private college, WVJC provides fast-track programs in nursing, medical assisting, dental assisting, and IT. Its hands-on training prepares students for immediate workforce entry.

Strayer University – Charleston Campus – This private, accredited institution offers flexible online and in-person degree programs in business, criminal justice, and information technology, catering especially to adult learners and working students.

National Institute of Technology (Previously Operated in Charleston) – Though no longer active, this for-profit technical college played a vital role in Charleston’s education landscape by training students in business, technology, and healthcare fields.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (Charleston Clinical Campus) – Though based in Lewisburg, WVSOM maintains a clinical campus in Charleston where third- and fourth-year medical students complete clinical rotations. It plays a key role in Charleston’s healthcare system.

Charleston, WV, is home to several high schools that provide quality education, both in the public and private sectors. These schools offer strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and numerous opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Top Public High Schools in Charleston, WV

• George Washington High School – Known for high academic standards, this school offers Advanced Placement courses and strong athletic programs.
• Capital High School – A diverse school with a solid fine arts curriculum and several honors classes that prepare students for college.
• South Charleston High School – Offers various extracurricular activities and strong support services to guide students to graduation.
• Herbert Hoover High School – Recently rebuilt with modern facilities, it focuses on academics, sports, and student achievement.
• Carver Career and Technical Education Center – Ideal for students seeking a technical route, it provides career-focused education in areas like health and automotive technology.

Top Private High Schools in Charleston, WV

• Charleston Catholic High School – A college-preparatory school with a strong track record in academics, service, and spiritual growth.
• Mountaineer Montessori School – While traditionally a Montessori school, it has begun offering innovative education for older students with a focus on individual learning paths.
• Trinity Christian School – Emphasizes faith-based education with a balance of academics and character development.
• Grace Christian School – Offers small class sizes, Christian principles, and a nurturing environment for student success.
• Calvary Baptist Academy – Provides a Bible-centered curriculum with academic instruction and values-based learning.

Charleston, West Virginia may be a smaller city, but it still carries the spirit of competitive sports through its minor league and semi-professional teams. While the city does not host any major league franchises, it supports a passionate fan base and fosters athletic talent at the community level, making sports an important part of local culture.

⚾ Baseball – Charleston Dirty Birds (Atlantic League)

• Charleston Dirty Birds – Formerly known as the West Virginia Power, the team was renamed in 2021 to honor the area's coal mining heritage. They play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an independent league partnered with Major League Baseball. Based at GoMart Ballpark, the Dirty Birds offer family-friendly entertainment and a chance to see future stars in action.

🏀 Basketball – West Virginia Grind (The Basketball League)

• West Virginia Grind – A recent addition to Charleston’s sports scene, this semi-professional team competes in The Basketball League (TBL), a North American league that includes cities without NBA franchises. The Grind provides opportunities for athletes to develop and showcase their skills, often playing in front of loyal local fans.

🏈 Football – West Virginia Miners (Arena Football - Appalachian Arena League)

• West Virginia Miners – In 2023, the announcement of the West Virginia Miners brought arena football to Charleston through the newly-formed Appalachian Arena League (AAL). Scheduled to play indoor football at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, the Miners aim to bring fast-paced excitement and revive professional football entertainment in the city.

⚽ Soccer – West Virginia United (USL League Two)

• West Virginia United – Competing in USL League Two, West Virginia United serves as a development team for college players seeking to turn pro. The team is based in Charleston and plays summer matches, focusing on player development and building local support for the global game of soccer. They also run youth programs in the region.

🏒 Hockey – No Professional Team in Charleston

• While Charleston currently does not have a professional or semi-professional hockey team, there is strong community interest in ice sports. The Charleston Civic Center hosts ice skating events and regional hockey tournaments, helping support the sport within the area.

Though Charleston lacks major league sports franchises, the city boasts a rich sports culture driven by passionate fans and committed athletes. With an emphasis on community engagement, player development, and hometown pride, Charleston’s teams provide exciting action all year round.

Charleston, West Virginia, is a charming capital city with rich history, scenic beauty, and some interesting surprises. From coal history to colorful art scenes, here are some fun facts about Charleston, WV:

1. Capital Since 1885 – Charleston became the official capital of West Virginia in 1885 and has remained the capital ever since.
2. Gold-Topped Capitol – The West Virginia State Capitol dome is covered in 23.5-karat gold leaf and stands taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
3. Home of the First Brick Street – Charleston is one of the first cities in the U.S. to have a paved brick street—Summers Street—which was built in 1870.
4. Birthplace of Booker T. Washington (Nearby) – Just minutes away from Charleston in Malden, WV, Booker T. Washington spent part of his early life.
5. Free Live Music – Live on the Levee is a popular, free outdoor concert series held every summer at Haddad Riverfront Park, drawing thousands of locals and visitors.
6. Hot Dog Capital – West Virginians love their hot dogs with slaw and chili, and Charleston is considered a hub for this unique Appalachian combo.
7. Mountain State Art and Culture – Charleston hosts FestivALL, a citywide celebration of arts, music, dance, and theater every June and October.
8. Hidden Tunnels – Rumors and stories swirl about underground tunnels in parts of Charleston, some dating back to the Prohibition era.
9. Coal Heritage – Charleston was once a major hub of the U.S. coal industry, helping power the nation's factories and homes for decades.
10. Accessible Nature – Within just a few miles of downtown Charleston, you can hike, bike, or fish in Kanawha State Forest, a haven for outdoor lovers.