Rivers and new homes define Pleasant Valley’s growing community
Pleasant Valley is primarily a residential community tucked into a bend along the Tygart Valley River, just south of Fairmont . Shopping and dining are limited in Pleasant Valley, so crossing over into Fairmont is a common trek. The city continues to grow, however, with newer homes and subdivisions popping up on the outskirts of town. “Pleasant Valley is away from the hustle and bustle, but you’re still easily able to access it. The views are great, it’s quiet and you’re not in the thick of it,” says Alyssa Rees, a Realtor with KLM Properties, who specializes in new construction homes.
A selection of older and newly built single-family homes
Most homes in Pleasant Valley are lined along neighborhood streets, where the properties have large grassy lawns accompanied by driveways. Lots get larger the farther away homes are from the city’s center. Minimal traditional single-story homes built between the 1920s and 1950s are common, along with midcentury ranch-style homes. Prices range between $100,000 and $275,000. Split levels go for $230,000 to $400,000 – some of them are newly built.
Contemporary single-story homes from the 2000s to 2020s are also found in Pleasant Valley, though the newer neighborhoods tend to have larger homes. There are two-story Colonial Revivals with symmetrical windows, and multistory New Traditional homes with Craftsman features like pointed roofs, stone accents and a front porch. According to Alyssa, most of the new construction homes are custom builds, where homebuyers can pick interior and exterior colors and features. These properties cost around $350,000 to $510,000. “It’s building very quickly,” says Becky Rees, a Realtor with KLM Properties, who has over 20 years of experience. “We do a lot of resale there, as well as new construction.”
Recreation on the rivers and in public parks
Water recreation is a popular pastime, with kayaking, canoeing and fishing along the Tygart Valley River. Motorized boats are also allowed, but there is no public access point in the city. Tygart Valley merges with West Fork River and Monongahela River at the Gaston Junction to the north. Additionally, Morris Park is the city’s main avenue for athletic recreation. The green space has a playground, basketball court and fields for soccer and baseball. The Seth Burton Memorial Disc Golf Complex has two courses winding through the area, with 18 baskets each. A paved walking trail explores the entire park.
Fairmont has its own selection public parks. East Marion Park is directly north of the Fairmont Gateway Connector and has a playground, tennis courts and horseshoe pits. The park’s outdoor wave pool is a seasonal draw, and FIDO’s Backyard is a popular dog park. About 5 miles north is Mary Lou Retton Youth Park, which has pickleball courts and six baseball fields that host the Fairmont Little League team.
Getting educated in Marion County public schools
Children living in Pleasant Valley can attend Marion County Schools. Pleasant Valley Elementary School earns an A-minus grade from Niche and West Fairmont Middle School receives a B. From there, students can attend the C-rated East Fairmont High School, which offers Advanced Placement and dual credit courses. The high school also has a Teen Parent and Child Development Center for students who need assistance. When it comes to higher education, Fairmont State University is located about 4 miles north. The four-year institution enrolls over 3,200 students across its 50+ degree programs.
Locally owned eateries and nearby retail
Pleasant Valley’s main area for industry and commerce is by the airport. There are four major hotel chains and a handful of small businesses. DJ’s 50’s & 60’s Diner has retro décor and serves milkshakes. Brickside Bar & Grille is the local watering hole. East Fairmont has multiple commercial centers a short drive away. Price Cutter is the area’s grocery store, about 2 miles east. Fast-food options include McDonald’s and KFC. Downtown Fairmont and its local shops and restaurants are almost 3 miles north, across the Monongahela River.
For more options, Middletown Commons shopping center is around 4 miles west in White Hall. “It’s a growing area and it has a lot of shopping, and it’s just a five-to-10 minute drive,” Alyssa says. National retailers include Aldi, Harbor Freight and Tractor Supply Company. Apple Annies is a casual restaurant serving homestyle meals and gourmet desserts. There are also chain restaurants in the area. Walmart Supercenter is across the street.
Navigating Pleasant Valley and beyond by car
Most commuters in Pleasant Valley drive. The Fairmont-Marion County Transit Authority has a bus stop in the city. Interstate 79, known as the Jennings Randolph Highway, is the main thoroughfare, traveling northeast and southwest. Drivers heading into Fairmont must cross over the Monongahela River using either the Million Dollar Bridge or the George S. Roberts Memorial Bridge. The Fairmont Municipal Airport-Frankman Field is located in the city, but travelers will have to use the North Central West Virginia Airport, roughly 13 miles away, for commercial flights.
