Unhealthiest Place To Live? Huntington Is Much Better Than That!

In recent months the country's attention has started to move back to Huntington, West Virginia. Not for the retelling of a tragedy that has affected many in our community dealing with Marshall University, but for the way certain residents in the area take care of their health. Everyone could probably make much better decisions in the way they eat and exercise, not just residents in Huntington, West Virginia. There are so many more reasons Huntington is much better than that.

The real estate market in the Huntington area is not all gloom and doom. Did you know according to statistics obtained from the Huntington Board of Realtors that the total volume of sales for 2009 was only down about 3.5 percent when compared to 2008? As many cities in our country have dealt with double digit declines in the real estate market, Huntington has remained somewhat stable allowing residents the ability of not seeing their home's value decline drastically over a very short time. The residential market is primed to see similar results in 2010 with the extension of the tax credit to first time home buyers and the introduction of a tax credit for repeat home buyers. For additional information on these credits, visit www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.

Educational opportunities are plentiful in Huntington which is home to the second largest university in the state of West Virginia. Our town is also home to one of only about three medical schools in the state and home to a Forensic Science Graduate Program that ranked number one in the country for its students receiving the highest overall test scores on a national assessment test in 2009.

As many cities in our country deal with layoffs that have occurred as a result of the downturn in our national economy, Huntington has not been immune to its effects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the month December 2009, the unemployment rate for Cabell County was 6.8 percent. This is higher than the same time last year, but the amount for the county is lower than the state average of 8.6 percent and the national average of 9.7 percent for the same time period respectively. The Cabell County average is much lower when compared to areas hardest hit by the recession such as Flint, Michigan which according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics preliminary numbers estimate unemployment for the same time period at 16.6 percent.

Our community is concerned with Huntington's well-being and want it to be a nice and enjoyable place to live. Such organizations as HADCO (Huntington Area Development Council), Create Huntington, Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, and many others work hard to promote our community. This is a town that has not given up on what can be accomplished if we work together for a common goal. Join with the many residents in our great community and help make a difference. Let's not let the country think we are the unhealthiest city in the country, but the most determined to make our city the best place it can be. Make 2010 a year to remember in Huntington, West Virginia for it being a continuation of improvement of the area and the residents who call it home.

Spring Is Near!

We are only weeks away from the first day of spring. The real estate market has been in full swing this year even with the worse than normal winter. The repeat buyer and first time home buyer tax credits have helped in the prospective purchase of a home more appealing since their inception. These tax credits have pushed some buyers over the edge with their decision to buy a home and now are enjoying the benefits of home ownership. As the weather continues to improve, many homeowners will be trying to decide on what renovations or improvements to make on their home. Where is the best places to spend money when remodeling a home? I have written in the past on this very subject. What renovation ideas do you have out there? Do you have any questions on future renovations and the return you might receive when trying to sell your home? I would be glad to answer those questions and help in your decision of what to do to improve your home. Enjoy this great weather!

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