Kenova's identity on West Virginia's borders with Ohio and Kentucky
The Ohio and Big Sandy rivers mark West Virginia’s borders with Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. The two come together at the city of Kenova, the name of which reflects the three states. “You’re right there on West Virginia’s borders with Kentucky and Ohio, so you’re right there in the tri-state area,” says Preston Cole, who has owned and operated the Property Professionals real estate agency with his wife Debbie in the Huntington area since 1982. “So you get a lot of people that will come back and forth.” Kenova still has remnants of its past as a railroad town, including the elevated track that runs through town before crossing the Ohio River. Despite residents often commuting elsewhere for work, the city holds onto its identity with locally owned businesses and popular community events.
Cottages, prairie-style and Victorian homes throughout the town
Kenova is laid out on traditional gridded streets, with homes featuring small yards and narrow back alleys. Most houses were built in the early to mid-20th century, though some date from the last few decades. National-style cottages and bungalows can sell between $35,000 and $160,000. Ranch-style, Victorian and prairie-style homes, such as American Foursquares, make up the higher end of the market, going from $125,000 to $270,000.
School choice in Wayne County, but students attend nearby schools
The Wayne County Schools district serves the community and receives a C-plus overall grade from Niche. The district has a robust school choice program, allowing students to apply to any school with open seats. However, most students still attend the nearby schools, starting at Ceredo-Kenova Elementary, which receives a B grade from Niche. Ceredo-Kenova Middle gets a B-minus rating. C-rated Spring Valley High offers several Advanced Placement courses for its students, including U.S. History and Chemistry.
Virginia Point Park at the confluence of the Ohio and Big Sandy rivers
Kenova’s point at the confluence of the Ohio River and Big Sandy River was once federal land with strategic importance for trade and national defense. The area, now known as Virginia Point Park, was transferred to the city in the middle of the 20th century for recreation. Today, the area features a campground, a boat launch and fishing on the rivers. The community’s Dreamland Pool was once one of the largest in the country. The outdoor facility is popular over the summer with families, who can also enjoy the adjacent playground.
Local staples like Stewarts and Griffith & Feil
Oak Street is the main commercial strip through Kenova, flanked by hardware stores, pharmacies and fast food spots. The corridor also has several local dining staples, such as the classic drive-in Stewarts Original Hot Dogs. Gino’s features pizza and pasta in a homey interior, while Tres Hermanos Nunez is a favorite for Mexican cuisine. Several storefronts are located a couple of blocks away on Chestnut Street, including a classic soda fountain. “The Griffith & Feil Soda Fountain is there, and a lot of people have gone there for years and years,” Cole says. Save A Lot offers discount groceries, while the Food Fair supermarket is in Ceredo.
Volunteers carve 3,000 jack-o'-lanterns each year for AutumnFest
Kenova partners with its smaller neighbor, Ceredo, for C-K AutumnFest each fall. While the event features a pageant, a parade and local vendors, the biggest draw is the famous “Pumpkin House.” Built in 1891, the property was once notable for its architecture and history, but is now better known for the 3,000 jack-o’-lanterns that adorn the home each October. “All the volunteers go and carve up hundreds and hundreds of pumpkins and display them,” Cole says. “It’s become a pretty big spectacle there for a week.”
Easy commutes to Huntington or across the river to Kentucky
Despite Kenova’s location on the Ohio and Kentucky borders, the city is only connected to Catlettsburg, Kentucky. To cross into Ohio, residents head 8 miles east to Huntington, the region’s largest city. Commuters generally drive to their destinations, with Interstate 64 running through Kenova. But the community is also served by the Tri-State Transit Authority, with hourly bus service Monday through Saturday. Huntington Tri-State Airport is just 3 miles south and offers flights to hubs like Charlotte. The closest hospital is the UK King’s Daughters Medical Center, 7 miles away in Kentucky.
