Mineral Wells is a natural springs location turned neighborhood
Mineral Wells is a community among the forests of central Wood County. The area began as a vacation destination for people to bathe in nearby natural springs, which were believed to have healing properties. Over time, the area evolved into a neighborhood, and the construction of Interstate 77 made larger cities, like Parkersburg, more accessible to locals. Retail and restaurant options are also nearby, whether in the neighborhood or just a few miles away in downtown Parkersburg. Residential streets maintain a suburban atmosphere, with sizable yards and mature trees.
Surprisingly suburban homes and occasional new construction
Although Mineral Wells is in a rural part of the county, residential streets look very suburban with smaller lots, mature trees and mid-sized, manicured yards. A few roads have sidewalks, and basketball hoops occasionally overlook the street, inviting kids to play outside. Some residents park cars, trucks and RVs along the street even though many homes have private driveways, carports and attached garages. Most homes have Colonial-inspired, New Traditional, bi-level and ranch-style architecture, costing about $125,000 to $350,000. "There's a couple different developments," says Blaine Ritchie, managing broker at Coldwell Banker Commercial Select Properties who's sold homes in the area. "Some from the 1970s, some from the 2000s and there's still some new construction that happens out there occasionally." The Windsor Estates Subdivision sells custom brick homes on roughly 2- to 5-acre lots. These cost between $500,000 and $600,000, plus a $42 monthly homeowners association fee.
Students attend schools in the neighborhood and in Parkersburg
Young students may attend Mineral Wells Elementary School, which has a B-minus Niche rating. Older students head to Parkersburg to attend Edison Middle School, which has a B-plus rating and ranks as the second-best public middle school in Wood County. Next is Parkersburg South High School, which has a B-minus and a busy athletics program. The school's friendly crosstown feud with Parkersburg High School has lasted over 50 years, and South's wrestling team has won over 25 state titles.
Mineral Wells has natural land, sports leagues and a golf course
The community is surrounded by natural land, including forests, open fields and several waterways. Seasonal flooding from Little Tygart Creek, Lockhart Run, the Little Kanawha River and Whites Run can impact surrounding homes. At Mineral Wells Baseball & Softball, coaches lead youth leagues and games from six different diamonds. The Links at Woodridge is the state's first 18-hole links-style course. The public course also offers a clubhouse, golf simulator and a pro shop. It also hosts several events, from private gatherings to annual tournaments and scrambles.
Nearby restaurants range from eclectic cafes to national chains
Being farther from city life means the neighborhood's retail and entertainment options are limited. "If you're looking for something to do on a Friday, you're not going to stay out there," Ritchie says. However, the community has more restaurant options than expected. Chef Chen's is the go-to for Chinese takeout, and Rise and Restore Coffee Company sells lattes and handmade goods from inside an eclectic country-style interior. Locals enjoy a beer and bar grub on the outdoor patio at Mineral Springs Pub. The pub also hosts live music a few nights a week and free pool on Thursdays. A few national chains, such as Cracker Barrel and McDonald's, surround the on- and off-ramps to Interstate 77. Convenience stores cover everyday needs, but a Walmart Supercenter is less than 4 miles away.
Interstate 77 is the community’s main connection to Parkersburg
Without public transportation or substantial pedestrian infrastructure, people rely on cars to travel to, from and around the neighborhood. Elizabeth Pike, or State Route 14, bisects the community and connects to Interstate 77. "You can be in Parkersburg in 10 minutes with the interstate right there," Ritchie says. The highway reaches Parkersburg in about 7 miles and connects to the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport 16 miles north. The nearest hospital is WVU Medicine Southgate Plaza, 5 miles away in Parkersburg.
