Industrial roots meet convenience in Martins Ferry
Martins Ferry rests about 4 miles from downtown Wheeling along the Ohio River. “This region is the hub of the Ohio Valley for those who don’t want to live in the city, like Pittsburgh, an hour away, or Columbus, two hours away,” says Markita Thomas, a Re/Max Broadwater associate with four years of experience in the area. “It’s for somebody who wants the in-between lifestyle: a slower pace and a hometown feel, as well as many things going on.” Martins Ferry is one of the state's first settlements. The city’s aged workers' cottages and repurposed warehouses reflect its history as a 19th-century industrial center along the B&O Railroad. The area now has modern amenities, including highway access and commercial development, making it a convenient home base for over 6,000 residents.
Century-old homes on both urban and rural roads
The market is mostly made up of single-family homes built between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. Housing styles include Victorian builds, Capes and bungalows. Residential lots near the heart of the city are densely packed on hilly streets, lined with sidewalks, and sometimes feature modest yards. On the outskirts of town, properties are more secluded off deep country roads. The median price is about $125,000, slightly higher than the median in Wheeling, which falls around $110,000.
A community recreation center and nearby parks
The valley offers plenty of outdoor spaces and activities, from fishing on the Ohio River to hunting in the Belmont County woods. The Martins Ferry Veterans Memorial Recreation Center has a pool and a basketball court that occasionally opens for roller skaters. The rec center is a popular place to hold private parties and events. Community parks with playgrounds and athletic fields are available in Wheeling and the Oglebay Resort. “People often travel over to Oglebay for its parks, ponds, pools and lodging,” Thomas says. About 8 miles away, Oglebay has a zoo, golf courses and trails open to resort guests and visitors with a day pass. Barkcamp State Park, 20 miles west, has more extensive trails, campsites and a sandy beach on Belmont Lake.
Downtown dining serves international flavors
Fourth Street anchors downtown Martins Ferry. The road features old brick buildings that house restaurants, banks and churches, backed by towering trees on the hills in the distance. Thomas says that Hot Rod Tattooing & Body Piercing has been a staple in the community for 28 years, making it the oldest parlor in the Ohio Valley. Belmont Brewerks serves regional ales both indoors and outdoors on a small lawn with picnic tables. New Hong Kong Restaurant is a popular spot for Asian cuisine. “One reason I love it is they put actual pieces of steak in the beef lo mein,” Thomas says. “It’s got the best Chinese food I’ve ever had.” Martins Ferry has a Kroger and Dollar General for essentials, and the closest Walmart is 12 miles west in St. Clairsville.
Students attend Martin Ferry City Schools
Children often begin their education at Anna Marie Ayers Elementary, which earns a B-minus rating from Niche. Martins Ferry Middle scores a C-plus, and Martins Ferry High has a C. High schoolers can choose from 11 athletic programs, ranging from football to bowling.
Annual traditions in town and across the river
Martins Ferry hosts several events throughout the year. The Strawberry Festival kicks off the summer with live music, a car show and vendors selling strawberry treats. Residents gather during the holidays for the Martins Ferry Winterfest, which features a parade, a tree-lighting ceremony and a Jingle Bell Run. People often go to Wheeling for events, including FunFest Fridays, a weekly summer celebration with live music and an inflatable zone at Wheeling Park. Waterfront Hall is a bar and music venue in Wheeling for live entertainment.
Transportation by car and access to medical care in Wheeling
State Route 7 is Martins Ferry’s main thoroughfare. The route heads toward Pittsburgh, 60 miles northeast. It also connects with Interstate 470, which leads to Columbus, 130 miles west. Pittsburgh has the closest international airport. The Eastern Ohio Regional Transit Authority offers a few fixed routes in town. Downtown Wheeling, 4 miles away, has the nearest hospital in the West Virginia University Medicine health care system.
