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Brooklyn Myers housing

Rent vs buy in Beckley -what makes sense?

First post here. Rent is about $867/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
4 upvotes

3 Replies

Donna J.
wish I knew this sooner
40 upvotes
Jacob Baker
this is the way
32 upvotes
Leah G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a physical therapist, 44, moved here 9 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in North and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.

**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
14 upvotes
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