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New Martinsville

New Martinsville

Located in Wetzel County

$163,124 Average Value
$137 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

New Martinsville is a small river town with growing events

New Martinsville is situated in a valley along the banks of the Ohio River, with a population of just over 5,000 people. "The small-town America feel is the biggest attraction," says Brian Feldmeier, a broker with THA Realty who has lived in the city for 35 years. Feldmeier says his favorite aspect of living there is being able to know everyone in town. "It's a cool place to be on a low scale of crime and traffic," he adds. In recent years, the city has seen a spike in tourism activity, most notably with the successful Back Home Festival, which was named the "Best Festival in West Virginia" three consecutive times by WV Living Magazine. Even so, Feldmeier says that it's not very common to see new people move into town. "Most of my sales are people who are upsizing or downsizing," he says.

New Martinsville's major employers include local oil and gas plants and the Hannibal-New Martinsville hydroelectric dam, which powers half the city. The small Wetzel County Hospital also provides healthcare jobs.

Older homes come with low property taxes

New Martinsville has a mix of home styles from throughout the 1900s, including bungalows, Folk Victorians and ranch styles. But there's not much from this century along the city's gridded streets. "We are nestled in a valley between two hills, and so we don't have a lot of new construction," Feldmeier says. Smaller or outdated homes go for between $50,000 and $150,000. From $150,000 to $250,000, homes tend to be larger or freshly renovated, and properties with acreage can get up to $350,000. Prices are about on par with those of nearby Ohio River cities, and Feldmeier notes that newcomers to the area are often surprised by the low property taxes. "For your average three-bedroom ranch, taxes are maybe $900 annually," he says.

New Martinsville is a small city where everyone knows their neighbors.
New Martinsville is a small city where everyone knows their neighbors.
Some older homes in New Martinsville have had some modern upgrades to the exteriors.
Some older homes in New Martinsville have had some modern upgrades to the exteriors.
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Flooding risks from the Ohio River

The Ohio River has flooded in the past, and FirstStreet.org rates the flood risk in the area as extreme. "With the dams and technology, they don't happen as often as they did 50 years ago," Feldmeier says. "But when it does flood in the city, everybody comes together to help everyone get reset up."

New Martinsville is along the Ohio River in a valley between two hills on either side.
New Martinsville is along the Ohio River in a valley between two hills on either side.
New Martinsville is made up of beautiful homes, parks and river views.
New Martinsville is made up of beautiful homes, parks and river views.
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Sports games and career courses at Wetzel County schools

New Martinsville School serves pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Niche gives it a C grade. Magnolia High School is rated C-plus. Magnolia High is known for its sports teams, with several state championship wins in the last decade from the track and football teams. In partnership with Wetzel County Technical Education Center, the high school offers health science, welding and electrical courses. Students can also take dual enrollment courses at the West Virginia Northern Community College's North Martinsville campus.

Magnolia High School has an overall rating of a C+ on Niche.
Magnolia High School has an overall rating of a C+ on Niche.
New Martinsville School is a West Virginia Blue Ribbon School and School of Excellence.
New Martinsville School is a West Virginia Blue Ribbon School and School of Excellence.
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Music festivals, street fairs and Ohio River regattas

New Martinsville's headline event is the Back Home Festival, a three-day music festival and street fair. Starting in 2017, the festival has grown exponentially and now draws crowds of over 20,000. Past headliners have included Billy Strings and other well-known rock and bluegrass artists. "There are people that come from all over the county," says Feldmeier, who adds that the festival is just one of the city's many events. "We have a really active chamber of commerce to put on different events that close down Main Street with vendors and music," he says.

The city's stretch of the Ohio River has been the site of numerous hydroplane speedboat racing records over the years. The Vintage Regatta in June keeps that heritage alive with races from antique boats, and RegattaFest in September offers speedboat drivers the chance to set the new fastest record.

Public parks have mini golf, pickleball and a pool

In addition to trails along the Ohio River, the city has several parks. Bruce Park is a central community space with sports courts and a mini golf course. After over 80 years of use, the park's well-loved pool was demolished, and the city plans to add a splash pad in its place. On the north side of town, the Lewis Wetzel Pool is still open and thriving, and offers water slides. Around the pool, Lewis Wetzel Park has sports courts, an enclosed dog park and a lake with rentable paddleboats. "The pool is a big attraction for the kids," Feldmeier says. The city also added pickleball courts in 2025, which Feldmeier says has been popular.

The pond at Lewis Wetzel Park is a great fishing spot.
The pond at Lewis Wetzel Park is a great fishing spot.
After a trip to Walmart the reward is stopping by to see the fish at the pond in Lewis Wetzel Park.
After a trip to Walmart the reward is stopping by to see the fish at the pond in Lewis Wetzel Park.
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Mom and pop shops, plus a local Walmart

Several buildings along the city's historic Main Street date back to the early 1900s, including the Romanesque courthouse and the Lincoln Theater, which still hosts local performances. Among other mom and pop shops, Quinet's is a local favorite for its buffet-style comfort food, with walls full of vintage photographs from the city's past. Heading north, there are more modern options, including a Walmart and plenty of chain restaurants.

Older buildings with local businesses line the downtown streets of New Martinsville.
Older buildings with local businesses line the downtown streets of New Martinsville.
The Walmart in New Martinsville is the all around go to store for the area.
The Walmart in New Martinsville is the all around go to store for the area.
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Several miles to larger cities like Wheeling and Pittsburgh

Residents have to drive for several miles to reach larger cities. Wheeling is about 35 miles away, under an hour along state Route 2. Parkersburg and Williamstown are about an hour south and border the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport. "We fly there on a good basis," says Feldmeier, although he notes that the airport only offers flights that transfer through Charlotte Douglas International Airport. For bigger cities, Pittsburgh is less than two hours away, and Charleston is two hours away.

Pittsburgh splits the Ohio River at The Point into the Allegheny and Monongahela River.
Pittsburgh splits the Ohio River at The Point into the Allegheny and Monongahela River.
West Virginia's capital, Charleston, sits along the Kanawha River.
West Virginia's capital, Charleston, sits along the Kanawha River.
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Catherine Lashley
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Anthony Kelly
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Kelly

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brian Feldmeier, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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

New Martinsville Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$229,000
Median Sale Price
$420,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$279,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
24%
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
207%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$137

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
718
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
1965
Months of Supply
10.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,316
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,366
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,721

Open Houses

  • 139 Paddock Green Dr, New Martinsville, WV 26155

    $299,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 3,044 Sq Ft
    • 139 Paddock Green Dr
    • New 12 days ago

    Pristine split entry home with 3 BR, 2 full baths, kitchen, dining, living on 1st floor; newly remodeled basement with family, laundry/full bath, 4th bedroom. 2 - 2 car garages, 1 has a bonus room that is a blank canvas for you to do whatever you want - in-law suite, game room, apartment, additional living area! New roof/siding, furnace/central air, etc...measurements are approximate.

    Agent Photo
    Jane Ann Gamble
    First Choice Realtors
    (304) 801-2367
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  • 210 Ack Ferry Adn, New Martinsville, WV 26155

    $249,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,246 Sq Ft
    • 210 Ack Ferry Adn
    • New 14 days ago

    Perfect timing! Beat this heat in this move-in ready 3 bedroom/2 bath ranch with inground pool!!!! Large kitchen, hardwood flooring, updated baths, full unfinished basement ready for you to make your own. But wait there's more...4 car parking pad, over half an acre of land and just a couple minutes from shopping. Hurry and call before it's too late! All measurements are approx.

    Agent Photo
    Jane Ann Gamble
    First Choice Realtors
    (304) 689-5835
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  • 41 Rolling Acres Rd, New Martinsville, WV 26155

    $199,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 2,160 Sq Ft
    • 41 Rolling Acres Rd
    • New 19 days ago

    Beautiful brick ranch located in Rolling Acres, extra lot included totaling .51 acres. Newer roof, furnace and central air. Large living room, dining, kitchen, 2 bedrooms on the first floor. Basement has family room with fireplace. The extra lot goes over to Acorn Lane. So many possibilities!!! All measurements are approximate.

    Agent Photo
    Jane Ann Gamble
    First Choice Realtors
    (304) 591-1365
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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

New Martinsville Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,659
Median Age
47
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.2%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$48,797
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$64,714

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.2%
College Graduates
17.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.5%
% Population in Labor Force
49%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
11''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

11 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

37 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
New Martinsville
Brian Feldmeier
THA Realty, LLC
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