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East Palestine

East Palestine

Located in Columbiana County

$135,403 Average Value
$287 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

The persistent community of East Palestine

East Palestine is a small city in Columbiana County, Ohio. Many people might recognize the name. In February 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed from the tracks that run through the center of town, spilling multiple tankers worth of hazardous chemicals. The chemicals then caught fire for days, due to both spontaneous and controlled burns, releasing toxic smoke into the air. The chemical spill may cause long-term environmental damage, but the town stands tall. “The people that live in East Palestine have lived there for years. The train derailment couldn’t make them want to leave. It’s their home,” says Realtor Dawn DeLorenzo with Century 21 Lakeside, who’s been selling in the area for over 15 years. Life goes on in East Palestine because of the residents’ dedication to the community. Trains still roll through town, and businesses still run on Market Street.

Go shopping in East Palestine down Market Street.
Go shopping in East Palestine down Market Street.
In February 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed from the tracks, spilling hazardous chemicals in East Palestine.
In February 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed from the tracks, spilling hazardous chemicals in East Palestine.
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Recovering from the 2023 train derailment

Many residents had to vacate their homes to avoid the contaminated air. After days of spontaneous and controlled burns, the flames were dealt with. The Norfolk Southern Corporation was financially responsible for the cleanup and repair of the tracks, which are now fully functional. Still, the long-term environmental effects of the spill, like contamination of the local watershed, are unknown. In June 2025, the federal government announced a project to study the long-term effects of the chemical pollution.

East Palestine’s railroad industry is alive and still runs through town about every 30 minutes.
East Palestine’s railroad industry is alive and still runs through town about every 30 minutes.

Homes from the 1820s to the 1980s

Despite East Palestine’s environmental complications, its housing market has remained relatively steady. “This is a mature community. Almost every home is older,” DeLorenzo says. “People take great care of their homes. That’s why the values didn’t drop that much after the train derailment.” The median price is about $120,000. This is standard for homes on most of the city blocks, which include 1930s workers cottages, 1920s Foursquares, 1880s Second Empire homes and even 1820s prairie-style homes. Many of these older homes in need of updates can be found for under $100,000. The newest options in East Palestine are 1960s and 1980s ranch-style homes that cost around the median. Homes on spacious lots just outside the town center can be up to $300,000.

Their are 1920s Foursquare houses in East Palestine for buyers to choose from.
Their are 1920s Foursquare houses in East Palestine for buyers to choose from.
East Palestine residents take pride in their homes, keeping them maintained.
East Palestine residents take pride in their homes, keeping them maintained.
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Market Street is the heart of town

The train tracks attract outside industry, but local businesses live along Market Street — the town’s main thoroughfare, running perpendicular to the railway. Almost every office, bank, city building and restaurant sits along Market Street or the adjacent blocks in early-1900s buildings. Murals on the sidewalk express town pride and the lampposts are decorated with East Palestine High Bulldogs banners. Ianazone’s Pizza, China Café and Sprinklz On Top are favorite Market Street eateries that sit next to each other. Sparkle Market is the town supermarket, a few blocks down Market Street. Main Street intersects Market Street and has local joints like Cozza’s Pizza and The Dairy Mill Ice Cream Shop.

There are plenty of shops for you to browse in East Palestine on Market Street.
There are plenty of shops for you to browse in East Palestine on Market Street.
East Palestine residents grocery shop at Sparkle Market.
East Palestine residents grocery shop at Sparkle Market.
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East Palestine City Schools

The city is served by the East Palestine City School District, which earns a B-minus overall grade from Niche. The three schools are across the street from each other on the north end of town. First is East Palestine Elementary, rated a B-minus. East Palestine Middle receives a C-plus. East Palestine High finishes the journey and earns a B-minus as well. The East Palestine High Bulldogs football team has won several regional championships and regularly makes the playoffs.

East Palestine Elementary School has 400 students in grades PK, K-4.
East Palestine Elementary School has 400 students in grades PK, K-4.
East Palestine High School has 264 students in grades 9-12.
East Palestine High School has 264 students in grades 9-12.
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Recreation at East Palestine City Park

East Palestine City Park is the community recreation space. The park has facilities for all kinds of activities; there’s a main play area with an elaborate playground and courts for basketball, tennis and pickleball. The community pool is across the way, and there’s a Little League field next to the pool. The park’s looping drive leads to wooded spaces with paved walking paths. The wooded lawn on the east side has a disc golf course, and a relaxing pond and gazebo.

Meet up with friends and play a round of disc golf at East Palestine City Park.
Meet up with friends and play a round of disc golf at East Palestine City Park.
Enjoy nature at East Palestine City Park.
Enjoy nature at East Palestine City Park.
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Fifty-mile commute to Pittsburgh

East Palestine’s railroad industry is alive and well and still employs many people. However, with the Pennsylvania border on the east side of town, many people commute to Pittsburgh. Downtown Pittsburgh is about 50 miles southeast, and Pittsburgh International Airport is less than 35 miles in the same direction. Youngstown is the nearest larger Ohio city, just over 20 miles north.

Ed Coombs
Written By
Ed Coombs
Anna Dukovich
Photography Contributed By
Anna Dukovich

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

East Palestine Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$184,900
Median Sale Price
$184,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$184,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-23%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$287

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,071
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1930
Months of Supply
1.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,321
Significantly below the national average
1,927
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,706
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,460
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Homes for Sale

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

East Palestine Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,882
Median Age
43
Population under 18
22.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$44,617
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$59,562

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
85.7%
College Graduates
10.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
20''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

6 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

10 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
East Palestine