Infrastructure and home updates point to future growth in Pea Ridge
The Interstate 64 corridor between Huntington and Nitro has seen many developments in recent years. For the Barboursville suburb of Pea Ridge, that's most notably included infrastructure improvements. But it's also led to a noticeable shift in housing development as many buyers find themselves enticed by the community's access to great schools and commercial options. "West Virginia has gone in and redone a lot of their wastewater treatment plants here recently, and that has spurred more capacity, which allows for more development. That's mostly been happening down in the Milton and Barboursville areas," says Realtor Chuck Boggs III, Realtor and appraiser for Valley View Properties. "The towns are investing in stuff that will produce future investment. Sewer and water are things that are still not always developed where we live."
Wide price ranges for standalone homes and attached townhouses
Pea Ridge has a diverse set of housing options for a suburban community along Cabell County's stretch of I-64. "There's a lot of redevelopment. Or they're tearing down old and building new, because most of the developable land has been done already," Boggs III says. Regardless of age and upkeep, standalone single-family homes are typically found in small, established subdivisions like Guyan Estates and gated communities like Timberlake. Cottages, split-levels and ranch-style homes from the 1960s through the late 80s usually sell for $100,000 to $300,000. Some need maintenance, selling as investment properties for $25,000 to $80,000. Newer homes from the 90s through today often sport a new traditional or Colonial Revival aesthetic. These start around $350,000, rarely exceeding $500,000, although larger homes in communities overlooking fairways, like Timberlake, have higher priced outliers around $700,000. Pea Ridge also has numerous rental apartments and townhouse communities. Attached townhouses and duplexes usually sell for $75,000 to $200,000.
Highly rated schools with award-winning teachers
Students begin school close by at the Village of Barboursville Elementary, which has an A-minus Niche rating, partly achieved by its smaller than average class sizes and teaching staff, some of whom have won West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s November 2024 Above and Beyond Award. Barboursville Middle School also earns an A-minus rating and offers participation in the National Junior Honor Society, plus outside opportunities, like Youth Leadership Association. Most students end up graduating from Cabell Midland High School, rated B. Although West Virginia's legislature recently made it easier for high school students to choose where they attend, so students apply for enrollment at Huntington High, also rated B.
Easy highway access but traffic is increasing
Two access ramps on either side of Pea Ridge make it easy to reach commercial landmarks and major employers throughout the region. However, the area's growth has also led to increasing traffic slowdowns on U.S. Highway 60, a main commercial thoroughfare and commuter route.
Dog-friendly brewpubs and numerous grocery stores
Most commercial options are on U.S. 60, although a few businesses can be found on Pea Ridge Road, like Hill Tree Roastery. Groceries are easy to shop with two supermarkets in the community and even more grocery stores just across the river in Barboursville. U.S. 60 also has several chain restaurants, plus local establishments. Newer businesses include Oscar's Breakfast, Burgers and Brews, a family-owned and dog-friendly brewpub open since 2019. Upscale options include American bistros like Christopher's Eats and special occasions at Fratelli's Italian Restaurant.
Riverfront trails lead to disc golf and athletic complexes
Options for recreation are plentiful in and around Pea Ridge, although some amenities require membership. Guyan Golf and Country Club's 18-hole par 73 course is acclaimed throughout the region, but the private club is also known for its clay and hardtop tennis courts and pool complex. Guyan Estates contains a neighborhood swimming pool, popular for water aerobics classes and swim meets. Across the river, residents can find a whole host of public parks closer to Barboursville, like the 3.7-mile River Trail, which cyclists and hikers can take to reach the Barboursville Multi-Sport Turf Complex. A little further down the trail, the Barboursville Disc Golf Course is popular for solo outings and tournaments.
Outside church activities and holiday parties
In addition to recreation, churches and civic clubs provide opportunities for community building. The Pea Ridge Baptist Church hosts regular community events like worship in the park and barbecue fundraisers. Holiday get togethers include United Methodist Church's annual Trunk or Treat. Residents can also easily visit the many holiday events in the Village of Barboursville, like an annual Easter Egg Hunt. The Pea Ridge Women's Club also hosts an annual flea market and members events, like movie night.
Mostly protected from a flood-prone river
Whether from heavy rain or melting snow, the Guyandotte River is prone to flooding. Most of Pea Ridge is elevated enough to avoid any flood zones. However, the southeast corner of the community has a mild to medium risk of flooding. This mostly affects commercial areas, but some homes south of U.S. 60 might require a flood insurance policy.
