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
Lisa Straight,
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 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Follansbee, WV over the last 12 months is $166,250, up 21% 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,
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,
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
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
Located in the heart of Follansbee, this is a fantastic opportunity to bring your entrepreneurial vision to life! This fully equipped restaurant is ready for a new owner to step in and make it their own. With its prime location and established setup, the possibilities are endless—whether you're looking to continue its current concept or create something entirely new. Don’t miss your chance to own
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
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.
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
Investment property for sale. Motivated seller . This will most likely need to be a cash sale as home is in need of repairs. No utilities are on. home is being sold As-is. Property is still in the process of being cleaned out.
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!
Welcome to this 4-bedroom ranch style home situated on an half acre of land, offering plenty of space and potential. Inside, you’ll find a large living room featuring hardwood floors and a generously sized primary bedroom. The attached one-car garage provides convenient parking and storage. While the home could benefit from some TLC, it presents an excellent opportunity for buyers looking to add
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,
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).
Spacious 2 bedroom, 1 bath duplex apartment with new carpet, new bathroom, laminate flooring, refrigerator, stove and microwave included . Laundry room with hookup. Pets are negotiable with a 200 non refundable deposit and 25/month fee. Required background check and credit score checks. Proof of income. Utilities must be pay by tenant. Street parking only. Smoking is not allow in the unit.
Come move into this charming two-bedroom, one-bath apartment featuring comfort and a touch of elegance. The bright and spacious living area provides a welcoming space for relaxation and enjoying the beautiful natural light that flows in. You can step outside from your living room onto your private balcony, a perfect spot for enjoying your morning coffee, reading a book outdoors, or unwinding from
Welcome to this fully updated 4-bedroom, 1-bathroom home for rent. This home features laminate flooring, fresh paint throughout, and a brand-new updated kitchen with a stainless steel stove and microwave. Abundant natural light fills the home through the many windows, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. This home is perfect for a family and is now ready for tenants. Washer and dryer
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
