Grafton is a small West Virginia city with a rich history
For a city of just over 4,500 people, Grafton has a lot to be proud of. "It's where Mother's Day originated. Anna Jarvis invented Mother's Day in Grafton, and they have a museum," says Christina Crabtree, a Realtor with eXp Realty, who has sold homes in the area. "It's a very historical little town. They do a lot of parades and a lot of traditional stuff." Grafton embraces its history through multiple events and points of interest. This area in Taylor County is home to the only two national cemeteries in the state and hosts West Virginia's official Memorial Day celebration each year. In addition to its history, Grafton offers a small-town pace of life with easy access to the Mountain State's outdoor recreation.
Home options include historic and contemporary styles
Grafton has a wide variety of housing, from classic early 20th-century styles to 1970s and '80s contemporary homes. Victorians, Craftsmans and American Foursquares sit next to each other on the streets near downtown. Some streets feature dense housing, while others have several vacant lots. Buyers can find ranch-style homes and contemporary properties on the city's edges. Most parts of the community have lots of trees and greenery, adding a natural feeling to the area. The prices in Grafton are one of the area’s biggest draws. “It’s more affordable than neighboring cities like Morgantown. I think affordability is a big thing for buyers,” Crabtree says. Homes typically sell for $20,000 to $330,000, with houses on the lower end typically being on the smaller side and needing some repair.
Heritage events keep residents busy
Mother's Day began in Grafton on May 10, 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a celebration at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church to honor her mother. Today, the church is the International Mother's Day Shrine and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can tour the church and learn about Jarvis' life and the holiday's history. Grafton has hosted West Virginia's official Memorial Day celebration for over 150 years. The event includes ceremonies at each of the national cemeteries in the area and a parade featuring several local organizations. The city combines Memorial Day weekend with its annual Spirit of Grafton festival, a whole weekend with live music, fireworks, a carnival and a petting zoo.
State and city parks offer plenty of recreation
Grafton is just 4 miles north of Tygart Lake State Park, a large natural area with several activities. This lake offers beachfront relaxation, hiking trails through the forest or fishing and boating on the water. There are also several campgrounds and a lodge for visitors who want an overnight trip. Grafton City Park is another campground along the Tygart Valley River with a public boat ramp. A park on Railroad Street is home to the city pool, a basketball court, picnic shelters and a large playground with castle-like features.
National chains and locally owned eateries around the community
Businesses in the community include a mix of chains and locally owned options. A Dairy Queen on U.S. Route 50 is notable for being one of the last in the country to still have its original signage. Leonard's Grill on Main Street serves sandwiches and other American fare in a casual setting with outdoor seating. Stores in town include an Ace Hardware, Dollar General and Walgreens. Groceries are available at Gump's IGA or Walmart.
Taylor County schools serve the Grafton area
Anna Jarvis Elementary School receives a C-minus from Niche, while Taylor County Middle School earns a C-plus. Grafton High School gets a C and offers dual credit courses through West Virginia University. The school also has a chapter of the National Technical Honor Society, which aims to recognize and empower students in career and technical education.
U.S. highways provide commutes through the Mountain State
U.S. routes 50 and 119 are the main highways passing through Grafton. Highway 50 leads west to the city of Bridgeport or east through West Virginia and Maryland. Highway 119 offers a 26-mile drive north to Morgantown. Residents don't have to travel for medical care, as Grafton City Hospital is in the heart of the community.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
