Mountainous West Virginia city working toward revitalization
At the base of the East River mountain range in southernmost West Virginia, Bluefield is a former coal town on the rise. Bluefield's cool mountain climate earns it the nickname "Nature's Air-Conditioned City," and temperatures reaching 90 are rare enough that they are cause for a free lemonade — a Bluefield tradition since 1939. The coal industry's downturn has caused economic decline in Bluefield and the surrounding region for many years. However, the city is working toward financial and community development. "Bluefield has renovated a lot of the town, and now it has neat restaurants and a movie theater," says Britney Greer, Realtor and Salesperson with Country Roads Real Estate. "It's coming back to life."
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Movies and dining in growing downtown Bluefield
In its heyday, downtown Bluefield was a busy shopping destination with a JCPenney, Montgomery Ward and other storefronts. The addition of Mercer Mall, just east, led shoppers away from the city center. But the foot traffic is coming back, Greer says. In 2024, the city kicked off a long-awaited project to tear down seven buildings and make way for new opportunities. Downtown mainstays include places like the Railyard, which serves burgers and milkshakes. Next door, the newly renovated Granada Theater plays movies and hosts concerts. Grant's Supermarket sells meats and fresh produce in Bluefield, while residents can head to nearby Princeton for Kroger and Walmart.
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Low prices and high demand in Bluefield
Like West Virginia, Bluefield is attractive for its affordability, Greer says. Bluefield's single-family homes are on the market for a median price of $150,000 —nearly a third of the national median. However, the city struggles to meet the demand for apartments and homes. Various styles line the sloping streets, including condos, townhouses, mobile homes and historic properties. The South Bluefield Historic District features stately Colonial Revival, Four Square and Neoclassical Revival homes from the 1930s and '40s on large, manicured lots.
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Bluefield High and Graham High battle for the win
With a longstanding rivalry between Bluefield High School in West Virginia and Graham High School across the border in Virginia, locals show up to support their hometown football team. "It's a big tailgating event when they play," Greer says. The area is served by Mercer County Schools, which covers Bluefield and several surrounding towns. While the district encompasses 24 schools, Bluefield has a dedicated kindergarten through Grade 12 pipeline. Bluefield Primary, Intermediate, Middle and High Schools earn between C-plus and B-minus grades from Niche.
Bluefield draws in a younger crowd with two nearby Universities. Bluefield State University is a public, historically black university offering various graduate and undergraduate programs. It features colleges of arts, education and social sciences, business, STEM and health sciences. Across the border in Virginia, Bluefield University is a private Baptist university with 36 undergraduate and 15 graduate programs.
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Rafting on the New River
Mountain beauty is one of Bluefield's draws, from the flowering blue chicory in the summer — which gave the city its name — to the fiery fall foliage. Locals venture about 33 miles to Winterplace Ski Resort for winter sports and to the New River for kayaking and rafting. Hiking and biking are popular pastimes, and City Park features a 14-mile trail network. A recreation center features group fitness programs, and a dozen city-run parks provide sports facilities, playgrounds, and green space.
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Bluefield cools down at the Lemonade Festival
Bluefield turned its love of lemonade into an annual celebration. Whether the temperature hits 90 or not, the Lemonade Festival takes place each August, featuring vendors, bounce houses and a parade. In keeping with tradition, the festival is free. In the latter half of the year, the city sets up a drive-through light show at City Park. "My son likes to drive through it because they change it up every year, so it's not like if you've seen it once, you've seen it forever," Greer says.
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Public transit to Mercer and McDowell Counties
Bluefield is relatively remote, but there are convenient transportation options. Bluefield Area Transit provides bus routes throughout Mercer and McDowell counties. U.S. Route 460 crosses through the city and connects to the interstate system. Interstate 77 is within easy reach, just east. In 2024, the city was awarded a $25 million Department of Transportation grant to improve pedestrian infrastructure. The grant will add bike lanes, sidewalks and crosswalks on College Avenue, among other changes. Bluefield Regional Medical Center is the only hospital in the city and provides inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic, medical, surgical and emergency care. About 50 miles north, Raleigh County Memorial Airport offers direct flights to Charlotte, Tampa and Douglas International Airport.
Bluefield has a history tied to the railroad industry.
Rt 77 is a major highway inthe region running through Bluefield.
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Lower-than-average crime rates
According to FBI data, violent and property crime trends have been below state and national averages over the past five years. The Bluefield Police Department engages with the community through presentations at schools, civic organizations, and other city groups. Through the Fraternal Order of Police, officers also donate charitable time and dollars through back-to-school shopping programs and other endeavors.
Written By
Liz Coughlin
Photography Contributed By
David MacNeill
Video By
Emily McNamara
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On average, homes in Bluefield, WV sell after 409 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Bluefield, WV over the last 12 months is $180,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A flipper's delight! This 2,000+ square foot home is a blank canvas ready to be transformed into exactly what you envision. The finished basement provides valuable extra living space, while the main level features a generously sized living room and dining room-- perfect for future entertaining. A new roof and guttering were installed in 2022, giving you the peace of mind on major exterior
Located just minutes from Bluefield's local amenities, this property offers a convenient setting close to the college, restaurants, and everyday essentials. Public utilities are available at the road, making it an easy starting point for future plans. Call today for more info!
Looking for vacant property near the trails. This property is located off of Rt 102. and is not far from the trails in Pocahontas Va. Whether you are wanting to build your new home or just needing vacant land to park your RV or camper this is your opportunity. 0.46 acres. There is public water available in this area. Land will need septic system. Investors looking for places to have mobile homes.
Looking for an investment? Nice home with upstairs apartment with its own private entrance. Home features hardwood floors, large living room with fireplace, and 5 bedrooms. Home could be easily opened up into a large one family home but has been used as two separate rentals. Sold as is, cash or conventional loan only. Call today to schedule a showing!
This adorable brick ranch sits on 60+ beautiful acres of east river mountain, offering endless possibilities for its next owner. Inside, the home has been refreshed with all-new flooring and fresh paint, giving it a clean, welcoming feel. Outside, the land truly sets this property apartwhether you're dreaming of hunting, farming, creating trails, or simply enjoying nature, there's plenty of room
The one you've waited on is here! This gorgeous brick ranch in Bluefield, VA has the space you need and more. 3 bedrooms on the main floor and one downstairs, 2 full bathrooms and a finished basement area currently used as a den. Expansive two-car garage, a covered back patio and a double lot totaling around an acre! The views of East River Mountain are breathtaking from the windows in the living
Step into this beautifully remodeled home featuring 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, along with a garage apartment. The kitchen is spacious and beautifully finished with plenty of cabinet space, while the hardwood floors throughout add warmth and character.The fully updated bathrooms are absolutely stunning, with modern finishes that really stand out. On the main level, you'll also find a half bath and
Enjoy single-level living in this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with plenty of room for everyone. The kitchen features newer appliances, and an extra room offers flexible space for a home office, hobby area, or storage.A large walk-in closet provides even more storage options.(br)(br)Outside, the nearly one-acre lot includes a flat yard with a fenced section and an attached carport.
Step into this adorable 3-bed, 2-bath home with fresh updates throughout. Featuring new flooring, an updated bathrooms, and new kitchen cabinets, plus a roof that's approx four years old. Enjoy the screened porch. Call today! New survey to be completed prior to closing with new lot to be approx .25 AC. Seller states home was built in approx. 1997.
Looking for a move in ready property? Newly renovated and within walking distance to restaurants and amenities that Downtown Bluefield has to offer! Heat pump replaced in 2024 as well as updated plumbing and electrical. Newer appliances all of which convey. Both bathrooms have unique river rock tile, and a copper rainfall shower-head installed in the upstairs full bathroom! This home would
Set on more than 12 secluded acres just outside city limits, this 2022 home offers space to roam, privacy to enjoy, and everyday convenience in one rare package—priced to sell. Situated on a permanent foundation and located near the Hatfield & McCoy trail system and trailheads, this property is ideal for ATV and outdoor enthusiasts. The well-maintained doublewide features 4 bedrooms, 2 full
CLASS AS BUSINESS HIGHWAY BUT CAN BUILD HOME IF IT WILL BE USED AS BUSINESS USE OF HOME. A;; PUBLIC UTILITIES AVAILABE. EASY ACCESS TO RT 460 AND THE HATFIELD MCCOY TRAIL SYSTEMS. ESTABLISHED NEIGHBORHOOD WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS. Listing Agent related to seller.
Kathy WilliamsCOLDWELL BANKER HENDRICK REAL ESTATE
PAULI HEIGHTS APARTMENTS IS AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN BLUEFIELD, WEST VIRGINIA.ESTABLISHED IN 2005, THIS LOW INCOME TAX CREDIT PROPERTY IS SURROUNDED BY LOCAL CONVENIENCE. IT'S LOCATION GIVES FAMILIES ACCESS TO COMMUNITY ATTRACTIONS SUCH AS GROCERY, GAS, AND SHOPPING ALL WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE. PAULI HEIGHTS IS ALSO EN ROUTE OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION THAT PROVIDES DAILY ACCESS
Now accepting applications for newly remodeled apartment. This is a very clean quiet place. Noises heard outside the apartment is not acceptable. All one level with.*No smoking.*No pets. Must have proof of income. Maximum two occupants.Not Hud approved.
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