Point Pleasant is a quiet community with a local legend
Settled at the point where the Ohio and Kanawha rivers meet, Point Pleasant is a quiet West Virginia city with a reputation steeped in science fiction. “They’re known for Mothman,” says Amanda Wilson, a Realtor with ERA Martin and Associates. “That’s the biggest thing there.” A popular book and local sightings of the winged creature created a legend in the 1960s and '70s that’s only grown more popular since. However, past this uncanny exterior is a community of about 4,100 that shares the same rustic, peaceful atmosphere of other nearby cities. “It’s a small town,” says Amber Mouser, a Realtor with Sold Sisters Realty. “Right outside, you’ve got more farms and rural areas.” Point Pleasant has a steadily declining population, possibly due to a lack of jobs. However, new opportunities might be on the horizon. “There’s a new port being built in Mason County,” says Mouser. “So that’ll bring people in.”
Midcentury homes are available closer to Meadowbrook
In the city center, turn-of-the-20th-century Cape Cods and National-style homes are on grid-patterned streets. Lots are minimal, rarely reaching a quarter of an acre. Backyard alleys generally line up with sheds and one-car garages. These homes usually sell between $30,000 and $120,000. Closer to the Meadowbrook area, midcentury models become more common, often priced between $60,000 and $220,000, depending on size and condition. Lots in the area are larger, sometimes half an acre or more. Attached garages and driveways make street parking less common.
The Mothman Museum tells the story of a flying cryptid
In addition to its view of the Ohio River, Point Pleasant Riverfront Park features murals and other pieces of public art, along with an amphitheater. Overnight guests regularly visit Krodel Park, which has over 60 RV and tent camping sites. The park also has a playground, picnic shelters and a fully stocked fishing lake. Tu-Endie-Wei State Park has a preserved 18th-century tavern that is a museum and a monument commemorating the Battle of Point Pleasant, which saw over 100 militiamen and Native Americans killed in 1774. The Mothman Museum is among the city’s more infamous spots, telling the story of a mysterious cryptid originating in Point Pleasant.
Shopping and restaurants are on Jefferson Boulevard
Most shopping is centered around Jefferson Boulevard and Jackson Avenue, which have pharmacies, boutique stores and a DG Market. Locals cross the bridge into Gallipolis for most retail, with several options along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Chain restaurants are on Viand Street, in the city’s southside. Opened in 1972, Village Pizza Inn is a classic casual pizza spot, with specialty pizzas, sandwiches and delivery options. The inn’s “famous pizza challenge” dares up to three visitors to finish a 30-inch, 3-topping pizza in under 30 minutes – winners eat free. What’s The Scoop has sundaes, shakes and other ice cream novelties that center around the local legend. The Mothman milkshake includes mint chocolate ice cream with red cherry “eyes,” while the Men In Black has chocolate ice cream with chocolate donuts and whipped cream.
The Mothman Festival brings thousands of visitors every year
Founded in 2002, the Mothman Festival is the city’s largest annual event. Thousands of visitors come during the third weekend of September to listen to speakers, run in a 5K or visit the many vendors.
Point Pleasant High has a strong athletics program
Mason County Schools serves the surrounding area with 10 schools and a C-plus from Niche. Point Pleasant High School has a C and has several athletic achievements, including a wrestling state championship in 2025 and the football team making the state playoffs in 2024.
Rivers Health offers medical services
The busiest thoroughfares in the city are State Routes 2 and 62, which follow the Ohio and Kanawha rivers, respectively. The nearest hospital is Rivers Health, which offers a trauma center, hospice care and speech therapy, among other services.
Flooding might be an issue
According to First Street, Point Pleasant is at a major risk of flooding due to its location between two rivers.
