$162,364Average Value$105Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes 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 Ann Gamble,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Parkersburg, WV sell after 28 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 $131,700, down 27% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
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 GintherBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty
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
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
Located in the highly desirable Wyndemere community, this all-brick patio home offers luxurious one-floor living in immaculate, like-new condition. Beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained, this residence blends timeless style with modern updates in a quiet, established neighborhood close to schools, shopping, and dining.The spacious great room features gleaming hardwood floors
Welcome home to Packard Place! Our apartments in Parkersburg allow you to reside in comfort and sophistication while exploring the unique culture of North Parkersburg. Superior amenities, desirable services, and a well-connected address allow you to indulge in all the urban conveniences you want without giving up on the peace and quiet you deserve. Offering a selection of one and two-bedroom
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.
Super Nice recently remodeled and upgraded Garden and Flat style Apartments in Avery Historic District in Downtown Parkersburg. The neighborhood is turning around, and we are committed to continually upgrading and improving this Iconic Property that was once, and will be again, the nicest property in Parkersburg. Give us a look. Once you see the insides of these apartments and the quality work we
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