There’s something really satisfying about getting a good deal, especially on the things we have to have — like a good place to live. If you’re looking for a great place to live that won’t break the bank, consider these cities.
1. Williamstown
Williamstown, located near Parkersburg in Wood County, has a cost of living index of 93, which is 11 percent lower than the state’s average. Plus it has about 70 percent less crime. It's small, too -- there were fewer than 3,000 people at the 2010 census. The average home value there is $126,500.
2. Charleston
For being the state capital, Charleston is a very affordable place to live. It has a cost of living that is about 12 percent lower than the state’s average. The average home cost in the city is $141,900 and the median rental price is $625 a month. Plus, because it's the biggest city in the state, there's always something to do.
3. Hurricane
Hurricane in Putnam County is located between Charleston and Huntington. Hurricane’s cost of living is about 15 percent lower than the state’s average. The average home value there is $147,700 and the average rental rate is $573 per month. Areavibes says Hurricane is "exceptionally livable."
4. Westover
Westover, located near Morgantown in Monongalia County, has a cost of living index of 94, which is about 10 percent lower than the state’s average. The average cost for a home is $123,000 and the median cost for renting is $645 a month. Areavibes called Westover "exceptionally livable."
5. Lavalette
Lavalette’s cost of living is 13 percent lower than the state’s average and areavibes.com has rated it "exceptionally livable." The average home value there is $144,000. It’s located about 8 miles south of Huntington and nearby Beech Fork State Park (pictured).
6. Fayetteville
Fayetteville is located southwest of Charleston in Fayette County and is home to some of the best outdoor activities in the state. Fayetteville residents pay 18 percent less for living expenses than the rest of the state does on average. Its average home value is $100,100.
7. Ripley
Ripley in Jackson County has plenty of recreational activities including two city parks and the Cedar Lakes conference center. Ripley’s cost of living is 21 percent lower than the rest of the state’s average. Homes there have an average value of $107,300 and rent costs an average of $492 a month.
8. Madison
Madison, in Boone County, has a cost of living index of 87, which is 16 percent lower than the state's average. Its crime rate is also lower -- about 65 percent lower than the state's average. The average house value there is $113,400 and renters pay an average rate of $495 a month.
9. Follansbee
Follansbee in Brooke County has a cost of living index of 88, which is about 16 percent lower than the state's average. The average home there costs $92,900 and renters pay on average $543 a month. While it's a small town of around 3,000, it's only about 45 miles away from Pittsburgh, PA.
10. Ranson
Ranson, located near Charles Town in Jefferson County, has a cost of living index of 96, which is 8 percent lower than the state's average. The average house value is $152,300 and the average rental rate is $698 a month.
11. Teays Valley
The booming bedroom town of Teays Valley in Putnam County has a 99 cost of living index, which is slightly (5 percent) lower than the state's average. Situated between two bigger cities (Charleston and Huntington) it's a great place to live, too. The average home there costs $197,900 and renters pay on average $721 a month.
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