Getting Around Beckley: Winding mountain roads and easy commutes
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: what getting around Beckley really takes.
Hannah, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Hannah is a born and raised West Virginian who briefly tested life across state lines before realizing the pull of the hills is undefeated. She has lived in both northern and south central West Virginia, moved more times than she can count during college, and knows Charleston well enough to give directions using landmarks instead of street names. She writes fiction, spins yarn into sweaters, drinks Charleston coffee like its a personality trait, and somehow keeps four pets fed. Editing West Virginia guides comes naturally when you know the people shine... even when the sun does not.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
How Do You Get Around Beckley?
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: the daily logistics nobody puts on the listing.
The time I spend getting to/from work every day is
Just under 20 minutes if you avoid red lights and rush hour
Traffic congestion areas to avoid
Harper Road near the Walmart at literally any hour, strip malls during holiday shopping season
Ability to get around without a car
It's theoretically possible, but realistically masochistic unless you really love walking uphill or you're really good at managing bus systems
Locals dream of driving around in a
Brand new pickup truck or off-roading vehicle that can handle all four seasons of Beckley weather
The reality is that most locals drive
A late-2000s Toyota sedan or pre-owned Subaru with a faded WVU Mountaineers sticker on the back
Quirky local driving habit
Treating every yellow light like a suggestion or personal challenge, rather than a rule
The likelihood of finding parking
Chances are great (almost embarrassingly easy unless a local fest is going on)
#1 driving tip
Learn to be wary of the hills and West Virginia potholes or your ride will see the consequences
Where I Go for a Quiet Escape
I'd have to say that the New River Gorge Overlook is a good place to catch your breath outside of Beckley, even just for an afternoon. You can take in the view of the New River, but you also get to look at the bridge's impressive architecture up close.
— Hannah Wyatt
West Virginia Local Expert
Ready to See If Beckley Fits You?
Compare neighborhoods, check the routes, or head back to the full Beckley guide for the bigger picture.