Bellaire blends industrial roots with convenience
Bellaire is a small village along the Ohio River and the West Virginia border. In the 19th century, an industrial community formed here around glass manufacturing, which is reflected in the workers cottages and repurposed warehouses that still stand today. Though it’s no longer known as the Glass City, the village has become a relatively affordable home base for just under 4,000 residents. “The price point is the draw to Bellaire,” says Markita Thomas, a Re/Max Broadwater associate with four years of experience in the area. “It also has a little plaza with a Kroger, and it’s right up the way from St. Clairsville and Wheeling.” In Bellaire, locals can access bigger urban hubs in Ohio and West Virginia without the high costs of city living.
A mix of urban and rural housing in Bellaire
The market consists of single-family cottages, ranch-style homes and some Victorian houses. The median sales price is $150,000, lower than in other Belmont County cities, like St. Clairsville, which has a median of $210,000. Residential streets away from the river often sit on steep hills. Lots are densely packed, and most areas don’t have sidewalks, though properties become more spread out on the outskirts of the village to the west.
Recreation ranging from water sports to walking trails
Residents have access to plenty of outdoor spaces, like the Ohio River for fishing and boating. Union Park provides a shaded green square with benches and a veterans memorial off Belmont Street. The Great Stone Viaduct, a B&O Railroad bridge that links to West Virginia, is not only a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s become a popular spot to bike and walk since the village added a paved trail and an overlook in 2022. About 20 miles west, more extensive hiking trails are available at Barkcamp State Park, which also has a sandy beach and campgrounds surrounding Belmont Lake.
Independently run businesses and big-box options in town
Belmont Street houses a growing commercial district. Aged buildings on the road typically have multiple stories, with local businesses operating out of the ground floor. “Community Coffee and Tea is a very nice spot downtown, and the All American Family Restaurant has great food,” Thomas says. Additionally, Gulla’s Lunch, known for its hot dogs, has served homestyle cooking since the 1920s, and 24/7 Pizza is popular for take-out and delivery. Bellaire has a Kroger and a couple of dollar stores, and the nearest Walmart is 10 miles south in Moundsville.
Three schools in the Bellaire Local Schools district
Children begin their education at Bellaire Elementary, which receives a B-minus from Niche. Bellaire Middle has a B rating, and Bellaire High scores a C. The Bellaire Big Reds unite the community through athletic events, especially in the fall for football season. St. John Central Grade School for prekindergarten through eighth grade and St. John Central High provide private education. The two schools are often lumped together and called St. John Central Academy. The schools have not received ratings from Niche.
Exploring museums and celebrating holidays
Bellaire has a few attractions and traditions. The National Imperial Glass Museum, named after the Imperial Glass Factory, preserves old glassware collections from the 19th century and teaches about the history of the craft. The Brick Museum, also known as Bellaire’s Unofficial Lego Museum, features life-sized Lego sculptures. Throughout the year, Bellaire celebrates holidays together, including Christmas with the Belmont Street parade and July Fourth with fireworks by the viaduct. The Ohio Valley Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays between May and September.
Transportation and health care nearby
State Route 7 skirts along the river and facilitates most traffic in and out of the village. Route 7 intersects with Interstate 470, which heads toward Pittsburgh, 60 miles northeast. Pittsburgh has the closest international airport. Wheeling, 5 miles away, has the nearest full-service West Virginia University Medicine hospital.
