Considered Parkersburg's first suburb, Avery Street Historic District dates back to the late 19th century. After the unexpected discovery of petroleum in the area sparked an economic boom, the neighborhood played a pivotal role in housing entrepreneurs and city leaders. Today, those legacies live in the brick walls of Avery's buildings, where the architectural significance creates a distinct identity for the community. The community’s borders touch downtown, sustaining the neighborhood's long connection with the central business district. Stores, restaurants, attractions and more are outside residents' doorsteps.
The Oil and Gas Museum in Parkersburg has many historical examples of industrial innovation.
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Historic homes document years of architectural change
The neighborhood preserves over 12 types of historic architecture and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. In Avery Street Historic District, American Foursquares, bungalows and other single-family homes come in Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Victorian, Colonial Revival, Tudor and Prairie styles, among others. An architectural review board protects the exterior character of historic buildings by approving alteration proposals and providing design guidelines to homeowners and contractors. These guidelines extend to new construction to keep a cohesive look within the neighborhood. A recently completed five-year project for the downtown area has made several buildings eligible for historic tax credits and grants through the state historic preservation office.
Depending on the size and condition of the home, homebuyers can expect prices to fall between $25,000 and $220,000. Apartments and townhomes for rent are just as common as homes for sale, so many renters also live in the community. Street parking is the standard, but some residences have carports, one-car driveways or alley access.
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Downtown's attractions and restaurants within walking distance
The neighborhood is just outside downtown, so residents can easily access major offices, boutique shops and restaurants. "We have 11 locally owned and operated restaurants in Downtown Parkersburg,” says Amanda Stevens, executive director at Downtown PKB. “That's pretty incredible for the size of our community." Along Market Street, Parkersburg Brewing Co. serves American bar fare and local beers, while Chams Lebanese Cuisine brings Mediterranean flavors to the table. Market Street also has a Private Outdoor Designated Area, which allows pedestrians to carry alcoholic drinks outdoors while browsing attractions. Residents can see a show at the Smoot Theatre or learn about local industry at the Oil & Gas Museum. "One of our biggest attractions is Discovery World,” Stevens says. “The children's museum has brought over 50,000 people in foot traffic just in the past year."
The closest grocery store, a Hometown Piggly Wiggly, is about 1 mile away on Seventh Street.
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Walking to the state's oldest high school
Students in the neighborhood start at B-rated Jefferson Elementary Center, followed by C-rated Van Devender Middle School. Students are within walking distance of Parkersburg High School, the state's oldest high school which is still serving its original purpose. The school has a B rating on Niche, and its standout athletics program has won nearly 150 state championships. The neighborhood is also within walking distance of Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School, which is currently unrated.
Parkersburg High School is a historic building and the largest school in the region.
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Market and Avery streets lead the community's traffic
The district is moderately walkable, with sidewalks lining most streets. Downtown is within walking distance, but most people still travel by car. Market and Avery streets are the area's primary thoroughfares, with 13th Street being the area's largest cross street. Market and 13th can get congested during peak traffic, but noise levels remain low. The neighborhood is less than 1 mile from Fifth Street, which crosses the Ohio River and connects to Highway 50, a major state route. The Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport is about 10 miles away.
One block away, Camden Clark Medical Center provides emergency services.
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Exploring the rivers and Blennerhassett Island
Avery Street is about 1 mile from several natural spaces, like the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers, where residents enjoy kayaking, boating and fishing. Point Park follows the Ohio River, offering multi-purpose trails and open-air concerts. Island Belle Sternwheeler ferries people over to Blennerhassett Island, the historic site of Aaron Burr's treasonous military exploits. Inside the neighborhood, Qunicy Park's hill provides scenic city views.
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Downtown Parkersburg hosts major annual events
Avery Street enjoys all of downtown’s events. The city just celebrated its first Restaurant Week, and The Taste of Parkersburg is one of the city’s largest festivals, drawing thousands of people annually to enjoy curated food and wine pairings. Summer brings the Downtown Throwdown BBQ & Brewfest to Bicentennial Park and a summer concert series to Point Park.
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Important to know crime information
CAP Index gives the area a crime score of 5 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. Some categories of violent crime, however, rate as high as 8 out of 10.
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.
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This Historical home has so much to offer, from her 8 bedrooms to her Library, garden room on the front and her music/parlor room, that has an actual piano that can stay with the home. The open concept that stretches from the living room to the dining room to the Music room is separated by beautiful pocket doors. The home has been finished on three floors and partially finished in the basement
Spacious Duplex with Income Opportunity Listed Under Appraised Value - TLC Potential!Discover the potential of this large, spacious duplex, featuring two generous units, each offering over 1,500 sq. ft. of living space. One unit (upper) is ready to go while the other (lower) needs rehabbed, providing an excellent opportunity for customization and added value. Potential opportunity for a
Three bedroom, 1 1/2 baths, 1,440 sq. ft. located in a park like setting. New roof, windows, drywall, moldings, heating and A/C, appliances and sunporch. Unique and one of the few cast-concrete homes in the city, this home has a lot to offer. Must be seen to be appreciated! Very well insulated throughout! This is a real MUST-SEE!
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
Rent Great newly renovated 2 BR or 1 bath in Parkersburg, WV. Tenant pays electric, cable and internet. Hardwood floors, all appliances, gym, lounge, pet friendly with fee. Close to everything. Off street parking.
For Rent. Newly renovated 2 Bedroom 1.5 bath townhome. Spacious, hardwood floors, all appliances, washer dryer hookups, some decks ($25.00 upcharge), pool, gym, walking distance to downtown, public debt, and the hospitals.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Betsy Asbury-Parsons,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,478
Median Age
40
Population under 18
22.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$38,628
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$50,736
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81%
College Graduates
18.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6%
% Population in Labor Force
50.8%
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®
36/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
62/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
