$216,763Average Value$626Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
The Mayberry of Parkersburg
As suggested by its name, the Parkersburg HS-Washington Avenue Historic District made its mark after the completion of Parkersburg High School. The school drew families involved in the city's oil and gas boom, creating an uptick in residential construction. Today, generations continue to live in the historic district, sharing the responsibility of preserving the neighborhood's historic architecture and strong sense of community. "When I lived there, I always said that Washington Avenue was like the Mayberry of Parkersburg," says Joseph Boggess, former vice president of the Washington Avenue Historical Community Association and associate broker at Re/Max Properties of the Valley. The neighborhood's idyllic main road stretches from the high school to Parkersburg City Park, a major recreational area. Other important destinations, such as Downtown Parkersburg, the Ohio River and busy event venues, are also within reach.
Parkersburg HS-Washington Avenue Historic District's extravagant homes showcase stunning architecture and rich history.
Parkersburg HS-Washington Avenue Historic District sits along the beautiful Ohio River.
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Historic high school makes state championship history
Parkersburg High School is the pride of the neighborhood. In 1917, Ohio architect Frank Packard built the school in the Jacobethan Revival style, with distinct Tudor arches, battlemented parapets and red brickwork. The building is the state's oldest high school still serving its original purpose. Parkersburg High has a B rating on Niche and a successful athletics program. The school has almost 150 state championships — twice as many titles as any other West Virginia high school. "When I was in school, we had just won our 100th state championship. If every sport didn't win a state championship, it was like a failure," says former resident Mike D'Avira. Younger students attend the B-rated Jefferson Elementary Center, then head to Hamilton Middle School or Van Devender Middle. The middle schools have B-plus and C Niche ratings, respectively.
Parkersburg High School is a historic building in Parkersburg HS-Washington Avenue Historic District and is the largest school in the region.
Hamilton Middle School earns a C from Niche and serves the residents of Parkersburg.
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Historic homes preserved by city architectural review board
The neighborhood was primarily built in the early to mid-1900s. Two-story Queen Annes sit next to Tudors, Georgian Revivals, American Foursquares and Colonial Revivals, with a stately Gothic Revival church tucked into one of Washington Avenue's corners. Most buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, meaning their architecture is meticulously maintained. "Any time people want to change their home's exterior, they have to go to the city and file a permit," says Boggess. "An architectural review board then approves or denies the request to maintain the integrity and curb appeal of the houses." Home prices typically range between $115,000 and $300,000 depending on size, age and condition. Investment properties usually cost between $20,000 and $90,000.Shade trees and vintage-looking lamps make wide roads feel cozy and inviting. Front lawns are small to mid-sized, but big front porches help add space. Neighbors are connected, with generations of families living side by side. "Most people don't leave, but the association updates their resident roster every year so neighbors can stay in contact with each other and know who lives on their street," Boggess says.
Take a leisurely stroll through the charming historical neighborhood of Parkersburg HS–Washington Avenue Historic District.
In the heart of the Parkersburg HS–Washington Avenue Historic District, arevlarge brick Tudor blending architectural with historic charm.
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Sports courts and state festivals
Washington Avenue leads directly into Parkersburg City Park between the Veterans Memorial and the pond. During warmer weather, people play baseball, pickleball and tennis on the park's recently expanded athletic courts. The outdoor pool opens in summer, and the playground attracts families year-round. The park is well known for its events, from a summer concert series to citywide festivals. The Mid-Ohio Valley Multicultural Festival happens in June. Entertainment includes banjos and bagpipes, and people enjoy kielbasa and jerk chicken while watching Mexican folk dancers and African drummers perform. In August, crowds come for the State Honey Festival.
Students grab slices at The Pizza Place
19th Street Country Club is a local favorite, serving ice-cold beer and fresh burgers since the end of World War II. Around the corner, players hunch over pool tables to hit the perfect shot at The League Room. After school, high schoolers head to The Pizza Place to split a NYC-style pie. Mother Earth Foods and 19th Street Meat Market are nearby spots for groceries, but a Hometown Piggly Wiggly is less than 1 mile away. Residents are about 1 mile from more restaurants along Seventh Street and State Route 68, and Downtown Parkersburg's small businesses and corporate offices are just half a mile farther.
Residents of the Parkersburg HS–Washington Avenue Historic District head to The League Room to unwind, shoot a game of pool.
A local favorite, The Pizza Place is a go-to spot for residents of the Parkersburg HS–Washington Avenue Historic District, serves up classic NYC-style slices.
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Washington Avenue attracts pedestrians
While Dudley Avenue can get busy when school lets out, the neighborhood has minimal street traffic. "There are stop signs at every other block, and we never really had an issue with people driving too quickly," says Boggess. However, Washington Avenue sees plenty of foot traffic, as its double-wide sidewalks are an uncommon perk for joggers and dog walkers. "A lot of the people who live there sit outside on their porches to people watch. That's something I miss," Boggess says. The neighborhood is on the Broad Street bus route, connecting to Downtown Parkersburg and Camden Clark Medical Center. Commercial flights fly out of the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport 9 miles away.
The West Virginia University Hospital is located in downtown Parkersburg, just minutes from Parkersburg HS–Washington Avenue Historic District.
Residents of Parkersburg HS–Washington Avenue Historic District, WV, can enjoy leisurely walks through streets lined with a mix of architectural styles.
Events are typically exclusive to residents, like the annual block party in August. "I always really enjoyed the block party because it was a nice opportunity for just residents to get together and socialize," Boggess says. "Everybody brings a covered dish, and the association always tries to have some kind of live entertainment." Exceptions are the parades that pass through Washington Avenue, like the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Boggess also says the GFWC Parkersburg Woman's Club tries to get at least one historic home to participate in their annual Holly Trail tour.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Anna Cheng
Video By
Alex Jacobsen
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Betsy Asbury-Parsons
Coldwell Banker Select Properties
(304) 849-6674
136 Total Sales
1 in Parkersburg HS-Washington Ave Historic District
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Rare opportunity to own one of the most attractive homes on one of the most desirable streets in Parkersburg. Recently updated landmark 1939 European estate in the Washington Ave Historic District. This Tudor home is on a fully landscaped, fenced double lot with lush gardens and orchard. This property beautifully combines modern, updated infrastructure with period originality that preserves its
Investment opportunity!! 1014 & 1016 20th Street. This 5 bed 2.5 bath brick duplex is available for immediate addition to your portfolio- or live in one side with income being generated from the other! This 2 story brick home has a 3 bed 1.5 bath unit on the 1016 side, and a 2 bed 1 bath unit on the 1014 side. The house features off-street parking for both units in front, as well as an attached
Bring your imagination and make this your dream home. Large living room with built in bookcases around mantel, French doors into the dining room which has a window seat. The convenience of 2 bedrooms and full bath on the first floor and 2 bedrooms and full bath on the second floor make it suitable for first floor living. Some replacement windows. There is a covered front porch and a large
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
524
Median Age
40
Population under 18
25.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$55,294
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$64,981
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.5%
College Graduates
29%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.5%
% Population in Labor Force
53.8%
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®
46/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
64/ 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.
