A quiet lifestyle and community focus make Follansbee feel like home
Follansbee is a small city in West Virginia's northern panhandle known for its slow pace of life. "The community is nice. It's small-town living, but it's close to everything. It's close to Wheeling and you can get to Pittsburgh easily," says Amanda Middleton, a Realtor and salesperson with Howard Hanna and a longtime area resident. "It's very quaint, and that's what people like. You know your neighbors, and it's a nice, quiet place to live." The community is home to just over 2,600 people along an industrial section of the Ohio River. While some businesses have closed, causing job loss and population decline, others are going strong, like Wheeling-Nippon Steel. Despite the struggles the area has faced, residents are proud to call this community home, coming together to support locally owned businesses and to socialize at city parks.
Dutch colonial home with gambrel roof in Follansbee.
The Ohio River runs along Follansbee’s industrial section.
1/2
Vintage and contemporary homes along the Ohio River
Many homes around Follansbee's downtown area are century-old Victorian, Craftsman and bungalow homes. These sit close together on small lots, making it easy to get to know the neighbors. Sidewalks line the streets, offering walkability through the community and to the downtown shops and restaurants. Ranch-style houses are typical in other areas, often on quarter-acre lots in suburban neighborhoods. Follansbee's west side, along St. John's Road, is more rural. Buyers here can find spacious properties surrounded by dense forest. Homes in the area typically cost between $60,000 and $290,000. Much of downtown is at risk of flooding from the Ohio River. Brooke County has several resources on its website to educate buyers about flood risks.
Victorian house features ornate trim near downtown Follansbee.
American Foursquare home stands on a quiet block in Follansbee.
1/2
Sports, swimming and picnicking at Follansbee Park
Follansbee has many options for recreation. "There's a community pool in the area where Main Street is. There are ball fields for the kids and a nice wellness center," Middleton says. "It's just a cool area. They're big on community, like baseball games and things like that." Follansbee Park is home to the city's pool, open from May through August. It also has picnic shelters, a playground and plenty of grassy areas shaded by tall, leafy trees. The Bluewave Center is a fitness center in a former school building, with exercise equipment, a spa, pickleball courts and a coffee shop.
Follansbee Park sign marks the entrance to the city’s recreation area.
Wheeling-Nisshin Steel field lies near the Ohio River in Follansbee.
1/2
Main Street has food, furniture, groceries and pharmacy stops
Locally owned restaurants line Main Street, covering a mix of cuisines. Diners can choose from a pizza shop, a Chinese restaurant and a pub. Fast-food chains like Burger King, McDonald's and Domino's also have locations in town. A stroll along Main Street leads past stores selling furniture, antiques and gifts. Other stores include Tractor Supply Co. and a pharmacy. Groceries are available at Riesbeck's on Main Street or Walmart, about 8 miles north of town.
The Grind coffee shop serves espresso and pastries on Main Street.
Blondie’s Hair Salon offers cuts and styling in Follansbee.
1/2
Brooke County schools focus on career choices
Students might attend Hooverson Heights Primary School, which is unrated by Niche, for kindergarten through second grade. Jefferson Intermediate School gets a B-minus and serves third and fourth grades. Brooke Middle School and Brooke High School each get a C. The high school offers a variety of career-oriented programs, including biomedical sciences, carpentry, education and welding.
Brooke Middle School has a variety of 15 sports and extracurricular activities for students of Follansbee.
Students of Follansbee prepare for college at Brooke High School.
Brooke Intermediate School North in Follansbee teaches third and fourth grades.
1/3
State and U.S. highways offer commutes through the region
West Virginia Route 2 serves as Main Street and connects to nearby cities. It offers a 4-mile drive south to Wellsburg or a 21-mile drive to Wheeling, the largest city in the panhandle. Route 2 also connects to U.S. Route 22, giving residents a 40-mile commute to Pittsburgh. Trinity Medical Center East is the closest hospital in Steubenville, Ohio, about 7 miles away. The Market Street Bridge that leads to Steubenville is currently closed and slated to be replaced, a process that could take eight to 12 years. Due to the closure, drivers need to drive north to Route 22 in order to cross into Ohio.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Photography Contributed By
Matthew Bloch
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amanda Middleton,
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 Follansbee, WV sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Follansbee, WV over the last 12 months is $147,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to 826 Allegheny St in Follansbee, WV — a comfortable 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a layout that just makes sense and extra space that could be used as a potential 4th bedroom (home office, playroom, or guest space). The standout feature is the main-floor primary suite, complete with a private full bathroom, offering the convenience of one-level living while still providing
Welcome to this inviting two-story home offering plenty of space and convenience. Featuring 3 bedrooms—with the option for a 4th bedroom or home office—this property includes 2 full bathrooms and 1 half bath. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable layout with room to grow, while outside a private fenced-in backyard provides the perfect spot for pets, play, or relaxing evenings. A detached garage adds
Calling all investors and entrepreneurs!! 830 Main St Follansbee! Currently set up as a store front and apartment, this property with a prime location offers endless possibilities! Most recently the home of the Winemakers loft, once a clothing store, this multi-unit commercial property could also be converted into multiple apartments. The main level features a store front, office space, employee
What you have been looking for! This cozy ranch home is in move-in condition. The kitchen is newer, and this house is ready for you! There is a very nice basement with a shower. The furnace is about 10 years old, and the roof is about 15 years old. Per the seller, there is a small trickle of water from a natural spring that runs against the basement wall. It has been that way for 65 years! There
Welcome to 833 Highland St in Follansbee ~ a fully refreshed 4-bedroom, 1-bath home with over 1,900 sq. ft. of living space and a price that’s honestly hard to find at only $125,000! This one has had tons of renovations throughout, including all new flooring and light fixtures, a brand new Concord furnace, and a new water heater, to name a few. The kitchen has been completely remodeled with new
Great opportunity to buy this 1.5 story, cape cod style fixer upper located in Follansbee, WV and sitting on approximately 60x100 lot. The interior has 1439 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom plus a full basement.
Calling all Investors! Almost 1 acre off the corner of Route 2 and Archer Hill Rd where a traffic light will be installed by the State to make this even more desirable. With a very high traffic count, there are many opportunities with this land. The owners are also open to a ground lease or a build to suit of some sort. Call today to set up a tour!
Spacious 4-bedroom brick home ready for its next chapter! Step into a welcoming entryway that leads to a large living room and a bright eat-in kitchen. The main level offers the convenience of a bedroom and full bath, while upstairs you'll find 3 more bedrooms and another full bath. The basement features a partially finished bonus room with a charming wood-burning fireplace-perfect for cozy
This spacious 4-bedroom home sits on a flat, easy-to-maintain lot and features a welcoming front porch perfect for relaxing evenings. Inside, you’ll find a large, inviting living room and a formal dining room ideal for family gatherings or entertaining guests. Conveniently located near schools, shopping, highways, and restaurants, this property offers both comfort and accessibility. With a strong
Charming 4-Bedroom Home in The Orchard! ?Step into timeless character and modern comfort with this beautiful 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath home nestled in the heart of The Orchard. You’ll fall in love with the original woodwork, pocket doors, and spacious rooms filled with old-world charm.Enjoy peace of mind with newer mechanicals, roof, furnace, and central air, plus the convenience of first-floor
Prime Development Opportunity – 10 Acres on Route 2 with High Visibility & Traffic Count!Unlock the potential of over 11 acres of premium land located right on Route 2 at a high-traffic corner lot—offering unmatched visibility and access. This is a rare opportunity in a strategic location that's ideal for commercial, retail, or mixed-use development.Key Highlights: • Heavy traffic count
Welcome home to 500 Gilbert Ave, a beautifully maintained 2 story home with 3BR's and 1.5 baths. Situated in a prime location, in pristine condition, ready for you to move in. New refinished oak floors, new LVP in kitchen and both baths. New paint throughout and completely remodeled bathrooms. Enclosed backyard perfect for privacy, relaxation and entertaining. Excellent curb appeal providing a
Follansbee, clean 1 bedroom apartment wall air conditioner in living room, laminate in living room and bed room washer dryer hookups and extra room for storage , trash removal included in rent, tenant pays own utilities, (no pets). no smoking or vaping.
Welcome home to this well maintained and inviting two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment offering comfort, functionality, and a modern feel throughout. Designed with both style and convenience in mind, this apartment is perfect for individuals, couples, or small families seeking a comfortable place to call home. Step inside to discover durable laminate flooring throughout, providing a sleek look
This is a clean 1 bedroom apartment, just washer dryer hookups, it is 1st. floor and about 1 mile from rt. 2, it has an extra small room for computer, storage, etc. Located in northern West VA, not St Albans/Cross Lanes as noted above. Please see map, Tenants pay own utilities, electric and water we pay for trash removal, (no pets).
Welcome home to this well maintained and inviting two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment offering comfort, functionality, and a modern feel throughout. Designed with both style and convenience in mind, this apartment is perfect for individuals, couples, or small families seeking a comfortable place to call home. Step inside to discover durable laminate flooring throughout, providing a sleek look
This charming two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment offers a comfortable and modern living experience. Located in a well-maintained building, the unit comes with all-electric utilities, which help keep energy costs predictable and eco-friendly. Off-street parking is provided, ensuring a dedicated spot just outside the building for easy access. As you enter the apartment, the spacious living room
For Rent: 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath – Convenient Location. This recently updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers comfort, convenience, and great value! Located in aquiet, accessible neighborhood, this home is perfect for modern living.Features include brand-new vinyl flooring throughout. New refrigerator and stove in a functional kitchen. Open living/dining area filled with natural light.
Ask about our Optional Security Deposit Terms! Step into comfort and convenience with this thoughtfully designed 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment, offering a perfect blend of functional living and everyday ease. Located in a well-maintained residential building, this home is ideal for anyone looking for a welcoming space that feels both private and practical. The living room offers plenty of room
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.
