Once a hub of West Virginia’s coal industry, Fairmont has experienced the same decades-long decline as the rest of the state. However, in recent years, low real estate prices and a prime location between more expensive cities have led to its population stabilizing, with many anticipating growth in the future. “I think of Fairmont as a blank slate—there’s so much potential,” says Misty Rohaly, a Realtor with Keystone Realty Group. “We’re seeing a lot of younger families moving in and making a lot of these older houses their own.”
A quaint ranch sits on a raised lot in Fairmont.
A row of older homes in the West End of Fairmont.
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Historic homes in need of renovation
The median price for homes in Fairmont falls in the high $100,000s, well below the national median in the low $400,000s. The West End has a collection of centennial homes in various styles, while Garden Village is known for midcentury designs. New construction is cropping up in South Fairmont, which is closer to the highway. A large number of homes will require some attention from potential buyers. “Our population tends to be older, so their homes often need renovation,” says Rohaly. “By the time they’re ready to sell them, they haven’t updated in a while.”
Though it largely functions as a bedroom community for commuters to Morgantown, Clarksburg and Bridgeport, Fairmont is home to multiple manufacturing companies. The area’s primary hospital is Fairmont Medical Center, which employs over 300 people.
The area’s primary hospital is Fairmont Medical Center with over 300 employees.
The Garden Village section of Fairmont is home to midcentury designs.
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A top ten school district for athletes
Marion County Schools serves the city’s students and receives a B-minus from Niche, which rates it one of the top ten school districts in West Virginia for athletics. The district includes over 20 schools, including Fairmont Senior High School, which boasts several state championships for its football team, including 2023.
Established in 1865, Fairmont State University has an enrollment of over 3,000 students. The university is particularly well known for its National Security program. “They just elected a new president, and he’s got a lot of plans for expansion,” she says. “That school is growing, growing, growing.”
Fairmont State University has over 40 degree programs and some not offered anywhere else in West Virginia.
Fairmont High School has an overall rating of a B+ according to Niche.
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Kayaking on the Tygart River
Fairmont’s Parks and Recreation Department oversees seven public parks and resources, including Morris Park, which features over 100 acres of walking trails, wooded landscapes and sports facilities. Oliver Avenue Park contains the Fairmont Community Garden, with plots available for rental throughout the growing season. Valley Falls State Park has over 1,100 acres of scenic waterfalls, forests and rapids flowing down the Tygart River. “So much centers around the river,” says Rohaly. “People picnic, kayak, innertube—it’s a hub during the summer.”
Morris Park is the home of the annual Christmas Lights Festival.
Valley Falls State Park is just a short drive from Fairmont.
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"The pepperoni roll capital of the world"
A long-time staple for hungry miners, the Country Club Bakery invented the pepperoni roll in Fairmont. As a result, many locals still consider Fairmont the “pepperoni roll capital of the world.” Once the site of the Middletown Mall, the development of Middletown Commons has attracted a wide variety of national brands, restaurants and some mom-and-pop shops. As a result, the southside of the city has become one of its most highly trafficked areas.
The Pepperoni Roll was created in Fairmont at the Country Club Bakery to feed coal miners.
Middletown Commons is home to a wide variety of national brands, restaurants and some mom-and-pop shops.
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Do some putting at the Coal Mining Museum
Local attractions include the Marion County Historical Museum, the Telephone Museum and Coal Country Miniature Golf, which combines an 18-hole course with a coal mining museum. Every Tuesday, the Fairmont Farmers Market opens in Palantine Park, offering local produce, pastries and more.
A local attraction is the Telephone Museum which is open seasonally.
The Marion County Historical Museum is open to the public during to week for tours.
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Right between Morgantown, Clarksburg and Bridgeport
Interstate 79 is one of the main highways in the city and leads directly to Morgantown, some 20 miles northeast. Twenty miles in the opposite direction takes commuters to Clarksburg and Bridgeport. “The infrastructure is better in Fairmont than other places,” says Rohaly. “So traffic isn’t really an issue here unless construction is going on.” Fairmont-Marion County Transit Authority provides a bus line that is reachable through several routes or its dial-a-ride service. The North Central West Virginia Airport offers limited flights into the Carolinas and Florida.
Important to know
The FBI states that violent crime in Fairmont is somewhat higher than the rates for both West Virginia and the country at large. City property crime was higher than the state rate but lower than the national.
Fairmont has a continental climate, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency confirmed high levels of fracking-related radioactive waste at the site of a closed wastewater plant. That same year, the EPA approved a multimillion-dollar cleanup plan, which has not yet been completed.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Kelly
Video By
Chris Freeman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shannon Muma-Wallace,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Fairmont, WV sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Fairmont, WV over the last 12 months is $242,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
UPDATED + Move-In Ready CORNER LOT w/ FENCED Yard! Oversized windows POUR in lots of natural light, shines off refinished hardwood floors! Tranquil view to trees leads way to an instant WOW, + make this home quite special. NEW Kitchen w/ white shaker cabinets, granite counters, SS appliances, + custom pantry! CHOICE of 1st floor Primary Suite OR private 2nd story Primary Suite. NEW fixtures,
Don't miss this opportunity! Spacious 3-bed, 3-bath home overlooking the West Fork River and the Rails-to-Trails. Newer laminate flooring, a bedroom is conveniently located on the main level, with two additional bedrooms on the second floor. The basement offers a laundry area with washer and dryer included, a dedicated workshop, and a versatile finished room ideal for a workout space, game room,
Investor special! Needs work. Selling AS-IS This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is being sold as-is for cash conventional or renovation loan only. With solid potential and a nice backyard, it’s a great opportunity for renovation, or rental. Has been a rental home for the past eight years. Owner financing is a possibility with a substantial down payment. SEE AGENT REMARKS
Escape to the outdoors with this private, sloped, wooded property—over 30 acres abundant with wildlife and perfect for hunting, camping, and year-round recreation. A small stream runs along the road frontage at the base of the slope, adding to the natural charm. Secluded and serene, yet only 26 minutes from Morgantown and just 10 minutes to I-79, this property offers both privacy and convenience.
Investor Special with Strong Potential! Opportunity knocks with this property ready for your vision and renovation expertise. This home will require updates and is ideal for investors, flippers, or buyers looking for a full renovation project. The property features a nice-sized backyard and a 2-stall garage, adding long-term value and flexibility for future resale or rental income. With the right
Charming 2BR, 1.5BA Ranch on 1.5 Acres – Hobbyist's Dream! Enjoy peaceful, single-level living in this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home nestled on 1.5 acres along Little Creek. Featuring an open floor plan with a spacious living room, formal dining room, sunroom, and a bright eat-in kitchen, this home offers both comfort and functionality. Gleaming hardwood floors flow through the
Charming three bedroom home with modern upgrades on a great street near downtown Fairmont. This fully remodeled treasure blends the original character of hardwood floors with stylish modern updates. Open concept living and dining room is perfect for entertaining or cozying up to the gas fireplace. Main floor also features a brand new modern kitchen equipped with all new appliances and a must see
Welcome to Country Estates, where space, comfort, and updates come together on a beautiful 1/2 acre corner lot. This well-maintained colonial home offers 4 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, including two primary suites - great flexibility for guests, multi-generational living, or office space. You won't believe the size of the main primary suite, featuring abundant closet space and clever
Investor opportunity just minutes from the FSU! Well located one level ranch with three bedrooms. This property features two separate entrances with porches, off-street designated parking, and a functional layout all on one level. Being sold as-is See agent remarks please.
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home with huge garage near the beautiful Tygart River and Pebble Beach area in Colfax. This well kept property offers true one level living with level yard and a peaceful country feel just minutes from I-79 and downtown Fairmont. You'll love the spacious 2-car garage with attic access for plenty of additional storage. Nestled in a quiet setting yet conveniently located,
Exceptional Value in Mount Vernon Heights – *Motivated Seller*Priced Reduced Well Below Appraised Value. This one-owner, two-story home with a full basement offers space, comfort, and outstanding value. This property provides a rare opportunity for instant equity. The home features four spacious bedrooms and four full bathrooms, offering flexibility for comfortable living, guests, or
This 22.86 acre tract located on River Run Road in Taylor County, West Virginia, offers a rural land ownership opportunity with diverse terrain and access suited to a variety of uses. Situated in a region of rolling hills and mixed timber cover, this property provides a combination of wooded privacy and topographic interest favorable to recreational pursuits and natural resource
Located at 3574 Freedom Highway in Marion County, West Virginia, this +/-19.48 acre property offers a combination of residential comfort and usable land in a convenient setting near Fairmont. The property includes a three bedroom, three full bathroom single level home with additional finished space in the basement. The home features a dedicated foyer entry that leads into the main living areas. A
We are conveniently located just off the White Hall exit on I-79, Middletown Flats offers modern living near the newly renovated Middletown Commons. Within walking distance to a variety of restaurants and shops, these 48 two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment homes feature upscale finishes, including luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. All
Utilities Included in $1200 monthly rent ($1,500 for double occupancy)Security Maintenance Deposit $1,200 ($1,500 for double occupancy)Background check requiredIncludes FREE high speed fiberoptic service with free WiFi Owners agent will inspect monthly and randomly. Family owned and we will demand the unit be well kept. Two traffic lights to I 79 exit
Property consists of 6 apartment buildings built from 2003 to 2016 in a peaceful, rural setting, yet located just 1.5 miles from Exit 132 (South Fairmont) of Interstate 79. Convenient to Fairmont, Bridgeport, Clarksburg and Morgantown.
Property Id: 63273Safe, quiet, family-friendly neighborhood. Large Backyard.Short walk to Watson Elementary, short drive to East Fairmont High School. Front-Loading Washer and Dryers.New mini-split Heating and Air Conditioning system installed in 2026. Utilities not included.Nonrefundable Fee for pets.
Newly Renovated 1 bedroom second Floor apartment, private entrance,front porch, off street parking. Everything in apartment has been replaced new,large bedroom, all ceramic bathroom with Tub, price is $875 plus electricPets ok ? with fees and approval
2 bedrooms/1.5 bathrooms, MOVE-IN CLEAN apartment, with a garage and central air. NO PETS--NO EXCEPTIONS. NO SMOKING--NO EXCEPTIONS. Tenant pays electric, gas, water and sewerage. Garbage is included with the rent. Stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and disposal are furnished. Washer/dryer hook-up in your own laundry room. Dedicated off-street parking. Free rental application necessary prior
RENT-TO-OWN!!! 2-level home on quiet dead-end street. Great neighborhood in Fairmont!Home is in disrepair on inside. Handyman special! Bring this home back to life. PLEASE TEXT or Call and I can provide more pictures. It will not let me upload them all due to size
2 bedroom/1 bathroom MOVE-IN CLEAN apartments available now. $825, garbage included. Tenant pays electric, water and sewerage. NO PETS ALLOWED. NO SMOKING ALLOWED. Stove and refrigerator furnished. Washer/dryer hook-up in your own laundry room. Dedicated off-street parking. Free rental application necessary prior to signing a one-year lease. Security deposit and references required. Government
2 bedrooms/1.5 bathrooms, MOVE-IN CLEAN apartment, with a garage and central air. NO PETS--NO EXCEPTIONS. NO SMOKING--NO EXCEPTIONS. Tenant pays electric, gas, water and sewerage. Garbage is included with the rent. Stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and disposal are furnished. Washer/dryer hook-up in your own laundry room. Dedicated off-street parking. Free rental application necessary prior
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