East Bank, WV

Tucked along the eastern bank of the Kanawha River in Kanawha County, East Bank is a quiet river town with a laid-back pace. Laid out along Route 61 about twenty miles southeast of Charleston, the community hugs the water with forested Appalachian hills rising right behind the residential streets. It offers a peaceful setting where neighbors know each other and the drive into the capital city is a straightforward, scenic commute along the valley.

ATTRSuperDalio / CC0

Local pride runs deep here, anchored by a famous sports heritage. East Bank High School was the home of basketball legend Jerry West, who led the team to a state championship in 1956 before rising to stardom with WVU and the Los Angeles Lakers. The town still celebrates that legacy, even renaming itself "West Bank" for a day each year in his honor. For prospective residents looking for affordable valley living, river views, and a relaxed small-town feel, East Bank is a quiet spot to call home.