
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Located in the state of West Virginia, Wheeling is a mid-sized city with a population of 27,630 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (91% White). Given that fact, Wheeling could be considered less diverse than other cities. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 50% of the Wheeling population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Wheeling. With an average one way commute time of only 19 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Wheeling, West Virginia could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Wheeling and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the West Virginia and national averages.
With a livability score of 67/100, Wheeling is ranked #9,550 in the United States and #84 in West Virginia. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Wheeling has higher than average grades for the following: cost of living (A+), education (B+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Wheeling. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F), crime (F) and employment (D-).
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Wheeling apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Wheeling real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Wheeling. Median real estate prices in Wheeling come in at $201,001, which is 4.6% higher than the West Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Wheeling, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 3.2% higher than the West Virginia average.
| Statistic | Wheeling | West Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.1% | 82.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.4% | 9.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.9% | 0.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.6% | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.1% | 3.1% | 4.6% |