Charleston
Living in Charleston, West Virginia, combines city living with natural beauty along the Kanawha River. The state capital offers housing options throughout its distinctive neighborhoods, including the East End, South Hills, and Kanawha City. The rental market shows one-bedroom apartments averaging $941, while two-bedroom units average $1,043. The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences anchors the cultural scene with its performance halls, museums, and planetarium. Residents enjoy outdoor recreation at Kanawha State Forest's 9,300 acres, while the Capitol Market, set in a restored train station, offers local produce and specialty foods year-round. Charleston's evolution from its industrial past has created a modern cityscape of government offices, healthcare facilities, and institutions like the University of Charleston. The downtown area features diverse architecture, from Victorian mansions to Art Deco buildings, particularly throughout the East End district. South Hills offers elevated views of the city, while Kanawha City sits near major medical centers. The West Side continues to develop its arts community. Each June, FestivALL celebrates local culture with performances and art installations throughout downtown. As West Virginia's capital city, Charleston combines accessibility with affordability while maintaining its role as the state's governmental center.
Pascagoula
If you’re looking for a small, peaceful town on the waterfront of Mississippi, Pascagoula is a great option for all of you renters out there. This town overlooks the Pascagoula Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Though it saw some damage during Hurricane Katrina, the town has recovered and is still the charming, quaint town it always was! This welcoming community resides just west of the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Preserve, and residents love visiting the beautiful Pascagoula Beach State Park in town. Popular local eateries like Andersons Bakery and Off the Hook are fun places to visit after finding your new apartment in Pascagoula. And don’t forget to visit local historic spots like the Round Island Light House off of Laurel Avenue!
Columbia
Hugging the Congaree River and stretching east, Columbia is a sprawling city with a history dating back to colonial times. Nicknamed the "Capital of Southern Hospitality," Columbia is a welcoming, warm city -- it is also a college town, home to the University of South Carolina. The university is located downtown, covering over 359 acres. The historic, top-ranking university dates back to 1801, but the oldest structure in Columbia is the Seibels House, built around 1796. It currently serves as a house museum. While there's plenty for college students to do, Columbia provides a variety of activities -- whether you're a golfer, a shopper, or a foodie. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere, from the gorgeous parks to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. The downtown district provides a variety of shops and restaurants along brick-paved sidewalks, and the river and nearby lakes provide opportunities for boating and fishing. College sports fans head to Williams-Brice Stadium to cheer on the USC Gamecocks, and golfers can enjoy a game at Fort Jackson Golf Club. For camping, kayaking, bicycling, and hiking, nearby Sesquicentennial State Park provides 1,400 wooded acres and a large lake to explore.
