Stay away from Huntington!
-
12/29/2008
I lived in WV my whole life. I married, and moved to the Huntington, WV area in 2005. This past fall, we finally moved out of WV for better work elsewhere. While Huntington isn't the worst place to live, it's not the best either. Decaying city, elected government not getting along (so the city suffers), and, slow/no job growth (call centers abound though). Like I said, we moved due to the lack of good paying jobs. We moved to Columbus, but that wasn't the answer either. Coming from two people that value smaller towns and family, Columbus was too big too fast. As for Huntington, the streets were laid out well. Far better than it's sister city Charleston, WV. Generally, the people were friendly. Unlike Columbus. Not sure, but it seems the further north you go...the more uptight these people are. Pathetic. Anyway, real estate is a little over priced for the area. A good deal can be found though. Like they have said in the past, there isn't too much to do there. Unless you want to go to a bar or out to eat. I saw that Huntington, WV was rated the fattest city since I moved to Columbus. Don't think we didn't get picked on for that. Makes a person proud. If you're a drinker, there are plenty of bars. Crime has risen sharply while we lived there, and has become much worse since we left. Many warned us of Columbus before we left, but honestly Huntington has gotten really bad considering the number of incidents and it's size. I would not feel safe there anymore. Of course I don't feel safe in Columbus, Ohio either. Seems like there is a daily shooting, stabbing, robbery, car jacking, and etc. Still, I expect it a little more due to the rapid size increase from WV. Doesn't mean I like it. Next move I make within the year, I will be heading back south. Not to WV as I feel there isn't anything there for us. Just family. We can always call and visit them. We are though going back in size. Sure you're opportunities will be greater in a larger city, but there are small things in a smaller city that you can't get in a bigger one. Friendly people are one of them. If Huntington has nothing else, that is it. Of course you have your butt head every now and then. LOL
Sandy | Columbus, OH