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Parkersburg

Parkersburg

Located in Wood County

$162,364 Average Value
$105 Average Price per Sq Ft
7 Homes 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.
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.
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.
Charming brick colonial adorn the streets of Parkersburg.
victorian homes are common in 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Isabel Butler
Written By
Isabel Butler
Joseph Furio
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Furio
Ellie Brown
Video By
Ellie Brown

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jane Ann Gamble, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing 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

Parkersburg Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$169,900
Median Sale Price
$131,700
Median Single Family Sale Price
$161,200
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$335,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
6%
Last 12 months Home Sales
40
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-27%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$105

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,521
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Median Year Built
1962
Months of Supply
2.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,878
On par with the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,359
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,325

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Aug 3
    1 - 3pm

    181 Red Peak Cir, Parkersburg, WV 26104

    $149,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,200 Sq Ft
    • 181 Red Peak Cir
    • New 12 days ago

    This charming brick and wood sided one-level home offers the perfect blend of comfort and style with thoughtful updates throughout. Featuring three bedrooms and one beautifully remodeled bathroom, the home showcases laminate flooring in every room and a modern bathroom design with crisp white subway tile and neutral grey tones. A new central AC unit ensures year-round comfort.The sunken

    Dona Cronin EXIT Riverbend Realty

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  • Sunday, Aug 3
    1 - 3pm

    53 Central Dr, Parkersburg, WV 26105

    $225,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,268 Sq Ft
    • 53 Central Dr
    • New 11 days ago

    What a great home. Downsizing to one-floor living or just starting out, this home is for you. The home has been well-maintained and has undergone some updates. Will go with any loan program. Excellent price. Won't last long! Being sold "As Is".

    Kimberly Ginther Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty

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  • Sunday, Aug 3
    1 - 3pm

    1209 Camden Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101

    $105,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1209 Camden Ave
    • New 30 days ago

    Welcome to 1209 Camden Ave, where opportunity meets potential! This spacious 3-bedroom home boasts large rooms, perfect for creating your dream living space. Enjoy your morning coffee on the inviting side porch or unwind in the private back patio, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings.Featuring 1.5 bathrooms, this home offers ample space for family and guests. With a little TLC, you can

    David Atkinson Appalachian Realty Group, LLC.

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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

Parkersburg Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
29,911
Median Age
43
Population under 18
22.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$41,430
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,917

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.9%
College Graduates
16.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6%
% Population in Labor Force
51.5%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
2''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

34 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

18 / 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.
Parkersburg
Jane Ann Gamble
FCR Real Estate
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