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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
