$162,378Average Value$106Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Oil and gas define Parkersburg’s past
Life in Parkersburg revolves around industry and history. In the mid-1800s, four Parkersburg residents helped found the Reorganized Government of Virginia, which led to West Virginia's formal establishment. Around the same time, an unexpected discovery of petroleum wells boomed the city's mining, creating a chain reaction that birthed the entire nation's oil and gas industry. The city's economy still thrives around its fossil fuel and manufacturing industries, as well as federal opportunities. In downtown, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service employs more than 2,500 out of a population of almost 30,000. "There's a lot of people who have been living there for generations," says Michael D'Avria, a former local. "There are people who went off to college in other states just to come back, and now, their kids are going to the same schools that they did."
The Oil & Gas Museum stands as a prominent showcase of the history and evolution of the oil and gas industry, illustrating its critical influence on energy development and technology in Parkersburg.
Residents of Parkersburg can step back into time at The Oil & Gas Museum and relive it.
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Historic homes amplify unique Victorian architecture
Older brick Colonials, American Foursquares and multifamily properties congregate near the center of the city. Diverse Victorian homes dating back to the late 1800s are within the Julia-Ann Square and Parkersburg High School-Washington Avenue historic districts, and ranch-style homes with larger lots sit close to the city's boundaries. The median home price in Parkersburg is around $155,000, substantially lower than the national median of $407,000. The city reduces blight and encourages growth through incentivizing programs like The Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Loan Program, The Emergency Repair Program and The Urban Renewal Authority.
Charming brick colonial adorn the streets of Parkersburg.
victorian homes are common in Parkersburg.
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I-77 and Highway 50 make commutes quick
Parkersburg is commuter-friendly, experiencing moderate traffic. "You can live in the country or the city, and the commute times are all low," says Christopher Cochrane, a 23-year local and real estate developer. "You can get from one side of town to the other in 10 minutes." The city is at the crossroads of Interstate 77 and Highway 50, which stretch across the state and connect to larger cities, like Columbus and Pittsburg, in about two or three hours. Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority buses travel all over Parkersburg, and the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport is within 11 miles.
Trophy fishing and treasonous history on the Ohio River
With nine public parks and immediate access to the Ohio River, the city supports all sorts of recreation. City Park is Parkersburg's largest park, offering playgrounds, sports courts and a public swimming pool. It also hosts various events, like the Holiday in the Parks Lights Tour and the annual Trout Fishing Derby. Corning Park invites boating with its launches onto Worthington Creek, which connects to the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers. Point Park is Downtown Parkersburg's diamond. Its 750-seat amphitheater holds several summer concerts against a sweeping riverfront backdrop. People walk or bike to the Island Belle Sternwheeler to catch a ferry to Blennerhassett Island, a spot infamous for its historical connection to Aaron Burr and his treasonous plot against the United States.
Spectacular views from Fort Boreman Historical Park overlooking the Ohio River in Parkersburg.
Enjoy a winters day stroll along the scenic Ohio River at Point Park in Parkersburg.
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Browsing Market Street with a beer in hand
Parkersburg's commercial scene is limited, but organizations like Downtown PKB bring more opportunities to the central business district. Market Street has a Private Outdoor Designated Area, which allows pedestrians to carry alcoholic drinks outdoors while browsing downtown. Throughout the city, national chains and locally owned shops line other primary thoroughfares. Grand Central Avenue is home to Grand Central Mall, the city's largest commercial center.
Residents will love living close to Grand Central Mall for many various dining and shopping options.
Grand Central Mall is know for the city's largest commercial center in Parkersburg.
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WVU's Medical Center teaches and serves
Students attend schools within the Wood County Public School District, which has a B-plus score on Niche. It is ranked the fourth-best school district for athletes in the state. The B-rated Parkersburg High School is particularly known for its athletics, having won 147 state championships. The city also has two unrated technical colleges and a West Virginia University satellite campus, which has a B-minus rating. Camden-Clark Medical Center, one of the university's teaching hospitals, is located downtown, providing community-wide medical services.
Parkersburg High School boasts a B-from niche and particularly known for its athletics, having won 147 state championships.
West Virginia University satellite campus, which boasts a B-minus rating near Parkersburg.
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Christmas homes tour during Winterfest
Downtown is the hub for many city events. The Taste of Parkersburg is one of the largest, attracting thousands of people wanting to wine and dine. Another popular food and drink festival is the Downtown Throwdown BBQ & Brewfest in August. Bicentennial Park brims with vendors selling local craft beer and freshly smoked barbeque. The winter months bring Winterfest, a one-day extravaganza. People gather to tour Julia-Ann Square's Victorian homes or watch a tree-lighting ceremony finished off by fireworks.
Protected valley weather and neighborhood initiatives
Parkersburg has mild weather year-round. "We're off the Appalachian Mountains, so we're kind of in a protected valley. We don't get tornadoes or really big storms," Cochrane says. Temperatures are lowest in January, and July is typically the hottest and rainiest month. A muraled flood wall separates the city from the Ohio River, mitigating most annual flooding.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Parkersburg saw a 28% decrease in violent crime between 2022 and 2023. Still, the city's violent and property crime rates are higher than the nation's averages. The Parkersburg Police Department has instituted a Safer Neighborhoods Initiative that provides rebates of up to $200 to cover security camera installations.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Furio
Video By
Ellie Brown
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jane Wyatt,
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On average, homes in Parkersburg, WV sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Parkersburg, WV over the last 12 months is $145,000, down 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the heart of the beautiful and sought-after Washington Avenue Historic District, this spacious four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is full of character and ready for your personal touch.You'll love the flexible layout featuring a main-floor bedroom, convenient main-floor laundry, and a partially finished attic that offers extra space for a studio, office, or bonus room. The property also
Welcome to this spacious and inviting 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath brick home, perfectly situated on a double lot with alley access in the heart of the desirable Plum Street area.This home features an updated kitchen, main-floor laundry, and a convenient first-floor bath, offering everyday comfort and functionality. The full unfinished basement provides abundant storage, while the finished third floor
Welcome to 2617 Liberty Street, a beautifully maintained home that perfectly blends classic charm with modern updates. This inviting two-bedroom residence features original hardwood floors in excellent condition, a cozy fireplace, and an abundance of natural light. The kitchen is a highlight, showcasing with stainless steel appliances, butcher block countertops, open shelving, and distinctive
Located in the heart of the beautiful and sought-after Washington Avenue Historic District, this spacious four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is full of character and ready for your personal touch.You'll love the flexible layout featuring a main-floor bedroom, convenient main-floor laundry, and a partially finished attic that offers extra space for a studio, office, or bonus room. The property also
Welcome to this spacious and inviting 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath brick home, perfectly situated on a double lot with alley access in the heart of the desirable Plum Street area.This home features an updated kitchen, main-floor laundry, and a convenient first-floor bath, offering everyday comfort and functionality. The full unfinished basement provides abundant storage, while the finished third floor
Welcome to 2617 Liberty Street, a beautifully maintained home that perfectly blends classic charm with modern updates. This inviting two-bedroom residence features original hardwood floors in excellent condition, a cozy fireplace, and an abundance of natural light. The kitchen is a highlight, showcasing with stainless steel appliances, butcher block countertops, open shelving, and distinctive
Cozy apartments nestled in a quite safe community. Complex has a pool, tennis court and basketball court. Some buildings are security buildings. Owner pays trash, gas. sewer and water. Tenant pays Electric.
Welcome to Lakeview Estates, where everyday comfort meets the charm of Parkersburg living. Our pet-friendly community offers thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom layouts that bring ease and style together, along with 1,056 square feet, only yours to enjoy. From spacious bedrooms and walk-in closets to sleek vinyl flooring and helpful on-site management and maintenance teams, these
Find a beautiful home at Dutch Hills Terrace Apartments. The welcoming atmosphere of our apartments in Parkersburg, WV, is second to none, not to mention that we have a number of attractive amenities and a peaceful location. Still, you wont feel like youre living in the countryside, especially with so many desirable destinations within reach. Read on to find out whats in store for
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