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?
Reach out to
Amanda Middleton,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Follansbee, WV sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Follansbee, WV over the last 12 months is $152,750, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
It’s all about location! Whether you’re looking to shop, dine, bank, enjoy the park, or spend a day at the pool, this spacious 3–4 bedroom brick home offers 1,800+ square feet of comfortable living in a highly convenient setting. Recently remodeled, the home features new flooring, an updated kitchen and baths, new appliances, and updated wiring. Situated on a level corner lot, you’ll also
Charming ranch- style home located in Follansbee. This home offers 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bath, and 2 car garage. Situated on .28 acres, a large backyard, metal roof, and conveniently located with easy access to town, but gives the feeling of being in a rural setting.
This lovely home has that WOW! factor you're seeking! When you enter the foyer of this beautiful brick and vinyl home, you'll be welcomed with warm, inviting colors and a recently renovated wood staircase. The expansive living room can incorporate your dining area on one side of the gorgeous fireplace, and the living room furniture on the other. But the kitchen is the real showstopper! The
OWN THIS HOME APPROX. $883/MONTH WITH SOME ZERO DOWN LOAN PROGRAMS! Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom home offering comfort, convenience, and thoughtful updates throughout. The beautifully updated kitchen is a standout feature, complete with sleek granite countertops, pull-out drawers for effortless organization of kitchen essentials, and a convenient hot water dispenser. Enjoy casual meals in
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
Don’t miss your chance to own this solid brick ranch tucked away on over 1.5 acres at the end of a quiet, private dead-end street. This home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort and privacy, starting with a welcoming living room featuring warm wood paneling, a cozy fireplace and large windows that bring in plenty of natural light.With three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms,
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
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
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
Charming and full of potential, this well-maintained home at Follansbee offers comfortable living with convenient access to schools, shopping, and local amenities. Situated on a manageable lot, 1050 Clifton Street features inviting living spaces, functional layout, and plenty of opportunity to make it your own. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, downsizing, or looking for an investment
Commercial Opportunity for sale in the heart of Follansbee! Almost half an acre on a corner lot that comes with 3 potential income producing properties! This property includes the bank building, the house next door which is currently rented, the big parking lot, and the commercial building next door all in one package! Call today to set up a tour! Properties being sold as is where is.
Don’t miss this excellent investment opportunity! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home is currently occupied by a long-term tenant paying $750 per month, providing dependable, immediate income. A great option for both new and seasoned investors.
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).
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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