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
Debra Douglass,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Parkersburg, WV sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Parkersburg, WV over the last 12 months is $160,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Now offered at a $5,000 price reduction! This charming 1930s three-story home sits on a spacious double lot with full access, offering timeless character and excellent renovation potential. While it does need updates and will not qualify for traditional FHA financing, it is an ideal candidate for an FHA 203(k) renovation loan—perfect for buyers looking to personalize and restore a home with solid
Welcome to 1718 Avery Street, where historic charm meets everyday comfort in the heart of Parkersburg’s historic district. Listed on the National Historical Registry, this beautifully maintained home offers a thoughtful blend of timeless character and practical updates—both inside and out.Step onto the wide southern-style front porch, perfect for enjoying warm evenings or morning coffee. Inside,
This property presents a great opportunity for an FHA 203(k) renovation loan or a smart investment project. The main floor includes a modest kitchen, dining room, spacious living room, one bedroom, and a second bedroom with an attached bath. Upstairs, you’ll find two more bedrooms and a full bathroom. The basement offers extra living space with a game room, large family room, bathroom, and
Now offered at a $5,000 price reduction! This charming 1930s three-story home sits on a spacious double lot with full access, offering timeless character and excellent renovation potential. While it does need updates and will not qualify for traditional FHA financing, it is an ideal candidate for an FHA 203(k) renovation loan—perfect for buyers looking to personalize and restore a home with solid
Welcome to 29W Wildwood Dr! This SPACIOUS 4 Bedroom, 3 1/2 Bath home, features 2-Master Suites 1 on the 2nd Floor and one on the Lower Level with a Backyard PANARAMIC View has so much to Offer!! Make an Appoint Today before its gone!
MOVE IN NOW! Rowan Apartments is a 36-unit, three building, multi-family community located in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. The buildings house an assortment of two- and three-bedroom garden apartments ranging from 800 – 1,100 square feet. Units are equipped with high-efficiency electric furnaces, Energy Star light fixtures, and smart thermostats, as well as in-unit washer, dryer and
Discover your new apartment at Murdoch Heights Apartments, an affordable apartment community designed for individuals 55 and older. Located in the heart of Parkersburg, WV, our one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments offer the comfort and convenience you deserve. Our desirable location puts you just minutes away from local restaurants, shopping centers, and Friendship Park. Drop by the leasing
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