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
Joy Havens,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Follansbee, WV sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Follansbee, WV over the last 12 months is $162,500, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investment opportunity in Follansbee, WV! This four-unit residential rental property includes two houses and two mobile homes, all situated on one property. All four units are currently rented with long-term tenants in place, offering an established rental history for the next owner. The property features a variety of unit styles and several recent exterior improvements. Unit 1 is a one-bedroom,
This adorable two bedroom ranch style home is well kept and move in ready. Stop paying rent and take control of your life with home ownership. This home has a new roof and includes all of the appliances. Just move your belongings in and start living. The charm begins with the white picket fence and extends throughout the home. Sit on the front porch with a cup of tea or step out on the sunporch
Welcome to your own private retreat. Nestled on approx. 2 breathtaking acres, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home offers an incredible combination of privacy, peaceful surroundings and picturesque views. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the serene setting and natural beauty surrounding this pristine property. Step inside and you'll immediately fall in love with
NEW ROOF! NEW KITCHEN PLUMBING! NEW APPLIANCES! NEW PAINT! Charming and full of potential, this well-maintained home at Follansbee offers comfortable living with convenient access to 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,
Riverfront Opportunity in Follansbee!Looking for an affordable home with potential? This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home located along the river in Follensby is a great opportunity for a first-time buyer, someone looking for a weekend getaway, or an investor looking to add another rental property to their portfolio.With a little TLC, this property has the potential to shine.
Build Your Dream Home in Hooverson Heights! Discover the opportunity to build your dream home on this approximately one-acre lot in the desirable Hooverson Heights area of Follansbee, WV. The property already features a two-car garage, providing valuable storage or workspace while you plan and build. Public water, sewer, electric, and natural gas are available, making this an ideal location for
Calling all investors, flippers, and savvy buyers! Opportunity knocks at 442 Rose St., Follansbee, WV. This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath fixer-upper is packed with potential and ready for your vision. Featuring a fenced-in yard and plenty of space to add value, this property is an excellent candidate for a renovation project, rental investment, or affordable home makeover. With the right updates, this
Welcome home to this well-maintained Colonial offering comfort, functionality, and plenty of space. This charming home features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a convenient first-floor laundry room, and a versatile bonus room that can be used as a home office, playroom, family room, or additional living space. Enjoy outdoor living in the enclosed patio, providing the perfect private retreat for
HUD-rented property currently rented at $495 per month through December 2026, offering immediate income potential. This cozy residence is perfect as a starter home or an ideal option for those looking to downsize into a comfortable retirement home. Conveniently located in Follansbee, with easy access to local amenities. Great opportunity for investors or owner-occupants alike! New furnace in 2016
Bring Your Vision to Life in Follansbee! Opportunity is knocking! Situated on a large half-acre corner lot in a quiet Follansbee neighborhood, this unique property is ready for its next chapter. Originally built as a home and most recently used by a nonprofit organization, the property is zoned for residential use only, offering a rare chance to create the home you've always envisioned. Restore
Enjoy easy one-level living in this recently updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath Ranch home situated on a spacious 0.42-acre lot with a large fenced backyard. Step inside to an inviting living room featuring a built-in bookcase and fresh, neutral, buyer-friendly décor throughout. The fully equipped kitchen w/quartz counters flows into a comfortable dining area with direct access to the covered back
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).
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