Fayetteville, oak hill, Summerville area (Charleston, Beckley: job market, schools, living)

[drinkthekoolaid]

Hi guys just trying to learn more about what the route 19 corridor towns are like.

I don't see much discussed in this area.

How is living there? How are the local schools? How are the local people and pace of life there? Is it a closed off area where it's hard for new people to be accepted or are people accepting of new comers?

Sorry for so many random questions

It seems to be a really beautiful area, lots of outdoor recreation etc. It seems like it could have a lot of positives going for it.

[Chriscross309]

Originally Posted by drinkthekoolaid

Hi guys just trying to learn more about what the route 19 corridor towns are like.

I don't see much discussed in this area.

How is living there? How are the local schools? How are the local people and pace of life there? Is it a closed off area where it's hard for new people to be accepted or are people accepting of new comers?

Sorry for so many random questions

It seems to be a really beautiful area, lots of outdoor recreation etc. It seems like it could have a lot of positives going for it.

I've never lived in that part of the state, but I could speak a little bit about it. It's certainly a slow pace of life, but you'll get different vibes from each of those towns you've mentioned. Oak Hill is easily the worst of these communities with a lot of drugs flowing in and out of there. Fayetteville is the up and coming star in the region. It has lots of young people, small businesses, tourism, and probably the most expensive land. Summersville is a sleepy mountain town that resembles other WV towns more so than the other two. I have never heard anything positive or negative about the schools in those three towns. The Summersville area is getting a few new school buildings.

I believe that these areas are accepting and welcoming of new comers. Especially Fayetteville.

[drinkthekoolaid]

Originally Posted by Chriscross309

I've never lived in that part of the state, but I could speak a little bit about it. It's certainly a slow pace of life, but you'll get different vibes from each of those towns you've mentioned. Oak Hill is easily the worst of these communities with a lot of drugs flowing in and out of there. Fayetteville is the up and coming star in the region. It has lots of young people, small businesses, tourism, and probably the most expensive land. Summersville is a sleepy mountain town that resembles other WV towns more so than the other two. I have never heard anything positive or negative about the schools in those three towns. The Summersville area is getting a few new school buildings.

I believe that these areas are accepting and welcoming of new comers. Especially Fayetteville.

Thanks for the honest and unbiased feedback I really appreciate it.

Fayetteville and Summersville sound pretty interesting. I might have to make an excuse to stop and check Fayetteville out some time from what I've seen and read and how you explained it, I might think I would be interested.

Anything else you can think to share would be welcomed

[mmccul]

Originally Posted by Chriscross309

I've never lived in that part of the state, but I could speak a little bit about it. It's certainly a slow pace of life, but you'll get different vibes from each of those towns you've mentioned. Oak Hill is easily the worst of these communities with a lot of drugs flowing in and out of there. Fayetteville is the up and coming star in the region. It has lots of young people, small businesses, tourism, and probably the most expensive land. Summersville is a sleepy mountain town that resembles other WV towns more so than the other two. I have never heard anything positive or negative about the schools in those three towns. The Summersville area is getting a few new school buildings.

I believe that these areas are accepting and welcoming of new comers. Especially Fayetteville.

Great analysis. Of the three, I would lean toward Fayetteville. It has a much younger, more eclectic vibe. Tons of folks in their 20s move there from all over the country for summer jobs as raft guides, etc. Tourists are flowing in and out of Fayetteville with the national park right there. In short, it seems very accepting and welcoming to newcomers. Not to mention that whole region is absolutely gorgeous…one of my favorite areas of the state.

[drinkthekoolaid]

Originally Posted by mmccul

Great analysis. Of the three, I would lean toward Fayetteville. It has a much younger, more eclectic vibe. Tons of folks in their 20s move there from all over the country for summer jobs as raft guides, etc. Tourists are flowing in and out of Fayetteville with the national park right there. In short, it seems very accepting and welcoming to newcomers. Not to mention that whole region is absolutely gorgeous…one of my favorite areas of the state.

Great write up thanks

How is Fayetteville for raising a family? Is there a job market or would that most likely be a good candidate for remote work? How is internet there?

[NOVAmtneer82]

Originally Posted by drinkthekoolaid

Great write up thanks

How is Fayetteville for raising a family? Is there a job market or would that most likely be a good candidate for remote work? How is internet there?

Can't speak for raising a family but unless you work in a restaurant or the seasonal white water rafting industry (or Wal-Mart) then it is not a great job market. Perfect for remote work though as long as you can get high speed internet. Beckley is a nearby larger 'city' with about 20k people and half hour away - they have a small airport with flights to Charlotte and are a retail center for southern WV. Charleston with a metro population of around 250k is about an hour and some change to the north - there's an airport there with flights that will get you to airline hubs in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago and DC and to leisure destinations in Orlando and Myrtle Beach. The entire Fayetteville/ New River Gorge area is absolutely beautiful.