Kenova 84 Exceptional
Kenova Livability #6 ranked city in West Virginia#796 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Kenova

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Employment Employment

    The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.

  • Schools Schools

    Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.

What's it like Living in Kenova?

Located in the state of West Virginia, Kenova is a small city with a population of 3,095 people. At 99%, the majority of the Kenova population is White; this is followed by 1% American Indian and Alaskan and 0% Black. With an average age of 53 years, Kenova residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Kenova. With an average one way commute time of only 14 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Kenova, West Virginia. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Kenova and in the areas around Kenova is a much easier task.

Kenova, WV receives 79/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #13 in West Virginia and #1,856 in the USA. Compared to the national average, Kenova ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Kenova has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Kenova ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). On a more negative note, Kenova does not have favorable ranks for the following: education (F) and employment (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

The impact of the cost of living on your monthly financial situation cannot be overstated. Whether it's housing expenses, grocery bills or healthcare costs, it's crucial to ensure that your chosen place of residence is not only comfortable but also affordable. Fortunately, in Kenova, the cost of living is 21.91% below the national average, offering the assurance that after meeting your financial obligations, there may be a surplus left in your wallet. This financial advantage not only promotes financial stability but also opens up opportunities for savings and a better quality of life. In a world where expenses can be overwhelming, Kenova stands out as a place where you can enjoy both comfort and fiscal responsibility, ensuring a brighter financial future.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 0 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Kenova boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Kenova, the unemployment rate stands at 0.5%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Kenova has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Kenova is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Kenova come in at $127,041, which is 33.9% lower than the West Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Kenova, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 6.5% lower than the West Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Kenova

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Compare Kenova, WV Livability

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      Kenova transportation information

      Statistic Kenova West Virginia National
      Average one way commute14min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work66.0%82.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.7%9.9%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.6%0.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk12.6%2.9%2.8%
      Working from home7.1%3.1%4.6%
      Source: The Kenova, WV data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.