Discover the Heart of Huntington, West Virginia: A Gem of Appalachian Charm
Huntington, West Virginia is a city where history, innovation, and natural beauty intertwine to create an inviting community. This vibrant city sits along the majestic Ohio River, offering residents stunning views and a serene atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with its bustling downtown. People here find a blend of small-town warmth and the conveniences of modern urban life, making Huntington a delightful place to call home.
The heart of the city pulses with an impressive cultural scene. Marshall University breathes youthful energy into the area, encouraging a robust blend of art, music, and academic pursuits. Residents enjoy a variety of festivals and events year-round, none more cherished than the annual ChiliFest, which brings the community together for delicious food and lively entertainment.
Nature enthusiasts are in for a treat, with Huntington's beautiful parks like Ritter Park, offering walking paths, sports facilities, and picturesque picnic spots. Those seeking adventure can explore the nearby Ohio River for an exhilarating day on the water.
Huntington truly offers a welcoming and dynamic place to live, where the spirit of community thrives alongside cultural diversity and natural splendor. Whether walking through its scenic parks, exploring its historic streets, or engaging with its innovative spirit, you'll find a city rich with opportunities and warm-hearted people.
How Parents Can Help Minimize the Need for Braces in Their Children
Dr. Joseph H. Thompson
Many children eventually require orthodontic care, but there are meaningful ways for parents to encourage healthy dental development and possibly reduce the need for braces. This begins with instilling consistent oral hygiene routines from an early age. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly helps prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to gum disease or cavities—both of which may contribute to tooth misalignment over time.
Beyond cleaning habits, it's important to address behaviors that can interfere with natural tooth positioning. Prolonged thumb-sucking, extended pacifier use, and tongue thrusting during swallowing are all habits that can gradually push teeth out of alignment. Guiding children away from these behaviors, ideally before the age of four, helps preserve the integrity of developing bite patterns.
Jaw and facial development also play critical roles in how a child's teeth grow in. Encouraging children to eat firm, fibrous foods—such as apples, carrots, and nuts—can help build strong jaw muscles and promote proper bite alignment. It’s also essential to observe how your child breathes. Habitual mouth breathing can affect the shape of the jaw and facial bones. In many cases, nasal breathing supports healthier oral and skeletal development.
Regular dental checkups provide a chance to monitor the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Baby teeth serve as natural guides for permanent teeth. If they are lost prematurely due to decay or injury, other teeth may drift into the empty space. This can interfere with proper alignment and may require intervention, such as space maintainers, to preserve room for the adult teeth.
The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early assessments allow professionals to identify developing issues and consider interventions that may reduce the need for braces in the future. While genetics influence alignment, promoting healthy habits and early care lays a strong foundation for a confident, functional smile.
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About the author
Dr. Joseph H. Thompson, a Huntington, WV native, earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from West Virginia University, ranking 5th in his class. He began his academic journey as a chemistry major at Marshall University before pursuing dentistry.
Avoiding Pricing Pitfalls When Selling Your Home
Brody Nash
Choosing the right asking price is one of the most important steps in selling a home, yet it is also where many sellers make costly mistakes. It can be tempting to set the price based on what you want to earn or what you have invested over the years, but buyers focus on what the market supports today. When those expectations do not match, the result can slow down or even derail a sale.
The biggest risk of overpricing is that a home sits on the market too long, losing critical momentum in the early days of listing.
When a property is first introduced, it captures the most attention from buyers and agents. This is when interest is highest and activity tends to peak. If the home is priced above market value, potential buyers often pass without scheduling a showing. As weeks go by, the property begins to look stale, and even price reductions may not revive interest. Buyers may assume the home has hidden issues, when in reality the only problem was the starting price.
Undervaluing a property carries its own risks. While setting a lower price can draw attention and encourage multiple offers, it may also cause doubts about the quality of the home. More importantly, it could mean leaving money on the table if the home would have sold for more in line with comparable sales.
The most effective strategy is to base the price on objective data. Looking at recent sales in the neighborhood, considering upgrades or needed repairs, and understanding local market trends all help determine a fair range. Buyers compare every home they tour with others in the area, so pricing in line with those comparisons increases the chance of serious offers.
Emotions often complicate this process. Sellers may feel attached to improvements they have made or believe their home carries unique value. Others may set a price based on what they need to fund their next purchase. Unfortunately, buyers rarely take personal circumstances into account. They evaluate homes against market standards, not seller expectations. This is why leaning on a real estate professional’s expertise can be helpful, as it brings perspective grounded in facts rather than feelings.
Another misstep is assuming that an inflated asking price gives more room to negotiate. In reality, many buyers simply avoid listings that feel out of reach. Rather than negotiating down from an unrealistic number, they focus on homes already priced in their comfort zone. By trying to create extra space for bargaining, sellers often reduce the number of people interested in the property altogether.
Timing is also a factor that cannot be ignored. Housing markets respond to broader economic forces, such as rising or falling interest rates, as well as seasonal trends. In a slower market, buyers have more leverage, and overpricing can leave a property sitting idle. In stronger markets, setting the right price can generate competition, sometimes leading to multiple offers and a final sales price above asking.
The purpose of smart pricing is not to undervalue the home but to spark strong interest early, when activity is at its highest. A home that attracts the right buyers from the start often sells faster and with less stress, creating a smoother path to closing.
In the end, pricing is about strategy, not guesswork. Sellers who resist the urge to chase an inflated number and instead trust market data give themselves the best chance at success. Avoiding common mistakes like overpricing or underpricing creates a clearer path to a fair, timely sale.
About the author
Brody is a natural in the real estate business with a sociable personality and a love of West Virginia! He is passionate about God, his family, technology, sports, and of course, his work at Century 21.
Workforce & Industrial Development
Nestled along the Ohio River, Huntington serves as a strategic industrial gateway in West Virginia, offering direct access to key transportation corridors such as I-64, CSX and Norfolk Southern rail lines, and the Port of Huntington Tri-State—one of the nation’s busiest inland ports. The city’s central location enables efficient distribution throughout the Midwest and Southeast, making it a prime location for logistics, advanced manufacturing, and energy-related industries.
Recent developments, including the expansion of the Huntington Industrial Park and the revitalization of riverfront infrastructure, underscore the region’s commitment to supporting industrial growth. Local officials report strong demand for both modern warehouse space and build-to-suit industrial sites, with several pad-ready parcels available for immediate development.
Huntington’s workforce advantages are bolstered by partnerships with Marshall University and the Robert C. Byrd Institute, which provide tailored training in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and logistics. West Virginia’s Workforce Development Board and local programs help connect employers with skilled labor and upskilling opportunities.
Competitive state and local incentives further enhance Huntington’s appeal. West Virginia offers programs like the High-Tech Manufacturing Credit and the Governor’s Guaranteed Workforce Program, while the Huntington Area Development Council assists companies with site selection, permitting, and customized incentive packages.