Huntington, WV Area Guide

Huntington was founded in 1871 as the western terminus of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, engineered as a planned city where coal and timber could transfer from rail to river. Railroad magnate Collis P. Huntington laid out the grid, and the city grew quickly as a shipping and industrial hub at the confluence of the Ohio and Guyandotte rivers. That railroad heritage remains visible today at Heritage Station, a restored depot that now houses artisan studios and community events. The Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, a 1928 vaudeville palace with original architectural details, still hosts the Huntington Symphony Orchestra and touring performances. The Ritter Park Historic District preserves early-twentieth-century residential streets, while Old Central City's antique district occupies storefronts that date back to the city's manufacturing era. Huntington's industrial past shaped the built environment renters encounter now, from converted downtown buildings near Pullman Square to the brick neighborhoods radiating out from the historic core.

Huntington's dining scene reflects its working-class roots and university energy in equal measure. Downtown and the Pullman Square area anchor the restaurant district, where locals gather for everything from craft burgers and globally inflected tacos to casual American fare. Jim's Steak and Spaghetti House, a Huntington institution open since 1938, draws generations of residents for its no-frills spaghetti plates and enduring comfort food. The city's West Virginia character shows up in hearty, unpretentious cooking, though Marshall University's presence has gradually brought more diverse flavors and independent cafes to the mix. Craft beer culture has taken hold downtown, with several spots pairing local brews alongside their menus.

Most Huntington residents rely on personal vehicles to get around, with Interstate 64 serving as the primary route for regional travel east toward Charleston and west toward the Kentucky border. U.S. Route 60 runs through the heart of the city and connects surrounding communities like Barboursville along the corridor. The Tri-State Transit Authority operates several bus lines throughout Huntington, with a single ride costing $1, and Amtrak provides passenger rail service through the city's historic station. Sidewalks are common throughout established neighborhoods, though dedicated bike lanes are limited. Tri-State Airport in nearby Ceredo serves the region with commercial flights.

Ritter Park is Huntington's most beloved green space, offering walking and jogging trails, fountain gardens, 11 tennis courts, and a rose garden with more than 3,500 plants. The park also features a nationally recognized playground and hosts community events throughout the year. Harris Riverfront Park provides access to the Ohio River with open lawns and scenic views downtown. For family fun, Camden Park — one of the oldest amusement parks in the country — sits just west of the city. The Huntington Museum of Art includes outdoor trails and a plant conservatory, rounding out a diverse mix of green spaces for residents to enjoy year-round.

Huntington ranks among the more affordable mid-sized cities in the region, with a median household income of around $38,000 and rental rates well below national norms. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment sits at approximately $771 per month, while studios average around $661 and two-bedroom units average around $1,018. Rents in nearby Barboursville trend slightly higher across most unit sizes, reflecting the variation that comes with moving toward the suburban fringe along the U.S. 60 corridor. The city's housing stock includes a mix of older single-family homes, apartment buildings, and smaller rental units spread across downtown, established residential neighborhoods, and areas near Marshall University.

Huntington's shopping scene blends downtown character with suburban retail convenience. Pullman Square in the heart of downtown brings together shops and dining in a walkable setting, while Heritage Station, a restored railroad depot, hosts local artisans and serves as a gathering point for community events. The Old Central City neighborhood is home to an established antique district, drawing browsers in search of vintage and collectible finds. Just outside the city along Interstate 64, the Huntington Mall anchors a larger retail corridor with major department and big-box stores. During summer months, the Central City Farmers Market operates three days a week, offering locally grown produce and goods.