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
Michelle Dodrill,
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 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Fairmont, WV over the last 12 months is $274,450, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
***OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, JUNE 28TH 1-3PM***Charming in-town 4-bedroom home with classic character. Step inside to airy 9-foot ceilings and sunlit living spaces that flow effortlessly from the welcoming foyer to a generous living room and dining area. The bright kitchen features a cozy breakfast nook overlooking the backyard—perfect for morning coffee. Two staircases add convenience and timeless
LIKE-NEW, loaded with upgrades! Prime location just minutes from Middletown Commons, shopping, dining, and convenient access to I-79. Packed with the upgrades you want, including a NEW roof, NEW heated gutters, & a NEW Level 2 electric vehicle charger in the garage. Inside, you’ll find 3 LEVELS OF FINISHED SPACE, gorgeous granite countertops in the MASSIVE kitchen, soaring ceilings, and a
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
A beautifully maintained 3 bedroom 2 full bath ranch home offering the convenience of single level living and like-new condition throughout. Featuring a spacious and open kitchen/living area and a private back patio, this home is perfect for entertaining and relaxing. Numerous upgrades have been completed since the purchase, adding style and value throughout the home. Located in a quiet
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
Enjoy peaceful waterfront living on the Tygart River with this unique property offering endless potential for your future home, getaway, or outdoor retreat. All utilities are already on site, and the homesite is located outside of the flood area, making it a great opportunity to build or create your own riverfront escape. Spend your days fishing, kayaking, gardening, or simply enjoying the
Welcome to modern, low maintenance living in this brand new townhouse development located in an up and coming area. Featuring a stylish contemporary exterior and thoughtfully designed interior, these townhomes offer comfort and convenience. The main level has an open concept kitchen and living space with a half bath and one car garage. The three bedrooms are located upstairs including a spacious
New construction Grant Floor Plan by TJ Custom Homes in Heston Farm! Conveniently located just minutes from Pleasant Valley Exit 135 off I-79, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath split-level home offers an open and functional layout designed for modern living. Situated on a beautiful lot with unobstructed views of the breathtaking West Virginia mountains and river, this home provides a truly one-of-a-kind
New construction split-level, Grant Floor Plan, by TJ Custom Homes in Martin’s Perch! Conveniently located in Fairmont just minutes from Middletown Commons, offering easy access to shopping, restaurants, the FBI, UHC, and other major employers. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home features an open first floor plan with vaulted ceilings and stainless steel appliances included in the kitchen. Enjoy
Experience the ease of single-level living with this beautifully upgraded Celina Floor Plan by TJ Custom Homes in Heston Farm. Situated on a spacious double lot, this home offers stunning views of the West Virginia mountains and a thoughtfully designed layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The open-concept main level features a spacious kitchen with solid surface countertops,
Perched in the gated community of Canterbury Woods in Whitehall, this spectacular 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath home offers a blend of elegance, comfort and stunning views of Fairmont! The curb appeal and beautifully maintained setting is sure to have a lasting impression. The inviting, open floor plan is designed for modern living, with spacious bedrooms and thoughtfully crafted living spaces throughout.
This immaculate, well maintained 4 bedroom, 2 and a half bath home is conveniently located in the heart of Fairmont and is truly move in ready. Featuring new carpet throughout, a spacious bonus room, and a bright sunroom that opens to a freshly painted deck, this home offers plenty of space to make your own. Outside, you'll find a fenced side yard that's perfect for pets or gardening. The newly
A romantic, rustic, whimsical, story-book style home! Designed after the Cotswold cottages in England, this home served as an archetype for Fairmont. Built by C.S. Bartlett, and designed by Will Parker Nuzum, this unique home was constructed of local limestone with palm plaster walls. This cozy floor plan includes Built-in bookcases, hidden storage, and a private stone patio that adds to its
Conveniently located just off the White Hall exit on 1-79, Middletown Flats offers modern living near the newly renovated Middletown Commons. Within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and shops, these 48 two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment homes feature upscale finishes, including luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, and stainless-steel
Property Id: 2506485NOTE: THIS RENTAL LEASE WILL END NOVEMBER 18, 2026. Spacious 4 to 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom residence is available for rent in Fairmont, featuring beautiful furnishings. Note that HUD is not accepted and no pets are allowed. The rental period concludes on November 18th, as the property owners are returning in November to reside there personally. This residence would suit
Property Id: 2605692Available is a three bedroom one and a half bath home with an extra shower in the basement has a full unfinished walk out basement. Has fenced in yard off street parking central heat central air conditioning. Walk to stores and schools and universities Short drive to I-79.
Property Id: 2609171Landlord pays water, sewage and garbage We just finished up with a one bedroom one bath apartment on Speedway Avenue in Fairmont, West Virginia. It’s a basic apartment stove and refrigerator. Just ordered from Lowe’s. More updated pictures coming soon. Must be able to climb steps convenient location to I 79 parking is first come first serve on street parking also
Property Id: 2609283Available is a three bedroom two bathroom home with a fenced in yard. One car off street parking additional on street parking is typically available. Spacious home close to everything in Fairmont schools universities shopping highways interstate. Some people have made the living room downstairs into a bedroom for additional space washer dryer hook ups unfinished
Property Id: 2610683Available July 1 is a four bedroom two bathroom home centrally located in Fairmont close to All universities schools, churches shopping, major highways off street parking for at least two cars fenced backyard.
Property Id: 2579092This is a garage that can be used as a small business or can be used for storage. 1172 square feet of open space, a bathroom, and a small office that has a door and picture window to see the sunshine.Everthing in garage will be taken out upon being rented. It is used for storage right now.
Property Id: 2610712Available is a half of a duplex three bedroom 1 1/2 bath has a basement nice Fairmont location close to churches schools. I 79 quiet neighborhood has a front porch and a back porch.
Property Id: 2605669Available is a three bedroom two bathroom home with the garage, central air conditioning, central heat front and back porches central Fairmont location fenced in backyardClose to churches schools shopping interstate
Property Id: 2604320Available July 1 is a four bedroom one bathroom home sits on a double lot parking for probably four cars then there’s on street parking after that access by the alley behind the house. Sort of reminds me of a farmhouse in the middle of the city pets considered on a case by case basis with increased rent for pets
Apartment features gas heat and cooking, private entrance, multi car semi off street parking, deck with grill included, security lighting. Located in a quite friendly neighborhood easy access to interstate located centrally between Morgantown and Clarksburg. Close to many shops and convinces walking distance to parks, trails, and river access and entertainment areas. 5min away from Fairmont
Spacious 1Bed 1Bath apartment with plenty of natural lighting. Washer/Dryer hookups on main level. New heating/central AC unit and windows. Located in a nice neighborhood close to several essential amenities including Grocery and shopping. 1 mile to FSU and just minutes to I-79
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