Huntington Is Full of Surprises (Mountain-state trivia)
Think you really know Huntington? You may know it as a college town, but it's also a city with hot dog joints that could fuel a small uprising, an expansive system of public parks, and a local arts and music scene that is steadily growing. Let's run through the facts, stats, and Appalachian flexes that showcase what makes Huntington's local flair worth the road trip.
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
What Makes Huntington Huntington?
The weird, useful, and surprisingly relevant facts that shape everyday life here.
Common nicknames for Huntington
The Jewel City, The River City, H-Town
Local Reality Check
People think it's all steel mills, but the industry has long been changing
You're most likely moving from
Rural southern Ohio, eastern Kentucky towns, or elsewhere in West Virginia for college
Strangely large concentration of
Parks, craft beer spots
Music scene
Live music and comedy at The Loud, The Foundry for bigger events
You'll have to see it to believe it
The odd and quirky, slightly retro amusement park - Camden Park
Unique Geography
Wedged up against Ohio and Kentucky where the Big Sandy meets the Ohio River
Huntington is home to
Marshall University, Marshall Health, and Heritage Station (a former B&O Railroad passenger station)
Well known for
Being featured in Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and previously having America's unhealthiest city title
Fun history fact
Founded in 1871 by railroad tycoon Collis P. Huntington as a C&O Railway hub
Celebrity sightings
Actor Brad Dourif, American Idol winner Noah Thompson
Noteworthy Census stat
Population of 46,842 as of the 2020 census
Most interesting sub-culture within Huntington
The Marshall University Herd faithful who pack Joan C. Edwards Stadium every Saturday
Population
2nd largest city in West Virginia
Huntington is roughly the same geographic size as
Princeton, New Jersey (about 18 square miles)
A Local Event Worth Experiencing Once
Huntington hosts several Pride events throughout the year - not just during Pride month! Any chance I can get to go to these, I'm always sure to have a great time. The community comes together, a street is blocked off, and oftentimes there are drag performances that put most sporting events to shame.
— Hannah Wyatt
West Virginia Local Expert
Ready to See If Huntington Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Huntington guide for the bigger picture.