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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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On average, homes in Follansbee, WV sell after 58 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 $145,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover a unique opportunity in a desirable Follansbee location! This detached, concrete-block garage offers a solid structure and is already equipped with electricity, giving you a great foundation to work with. Featuring a one-car bay and plenty of additional room for storage, it’s an ideal space for keeping a vehicle protected from the elements, organizing tools and equipment, or creating
A stunning transformation in Follansbee! This 4, 3 full bath home has received a top-notch renovation by an incredibly talented local craftsman. The kitchen and all 3 bathrooms (2 just added) are what you would see in a half-million dollar + home. Upgrades include: new roof, A/C, upgraded to 200 amp elec. service, custom kitchen, custom baths, all new flooring, bedroom & bathroom added in the
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
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).
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.
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.
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