Ravenswood laid-back lifestyle on the Ohio River
Founded in 1852, Ravenswood is a tiny community at the edge of the Ohio River, right at the state line of West Virginia. Powered mainly by its prosperous agricultural economy, Ravenswood grew slowly but steadily throughout the years. It maintains an easygoing, rural atmosphere today. "I think the history kind of seeps through the seams of the entire area. It's not that nothing changes, but it's very much a hometown type of feel," says Victoriea Spiroff, a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker, who started selling homes in 2023. "People around here will help you out if you get a flat tire. Everyone goes to the high school sports games. It's just that sort of warm place." While those living in Ravenswood might be a bit removed from big shopping centers or entertainment complexes, its location on the river lends itself to plenty of water-based recreation.
Renovated vintage homes in a quiet setting
With river views on one side of the community and vast fields on the other, Ravenswood is a place of quiet streets, old oak trees and decorated front porches. Many of the homes in Ravenswood are vintage, built in the early to mid-20th century, though some still stand from the end of the 19th century. The architecture is diverse, from classic Victorian and Craftsman styles to midcentury ranch-style homes and split-levels. Single-family properties typically sell between $150,000 and $300,000, though some outliers exist. Older homes needing renovation can sell well below $100,000, while large, restored housing can price between $320,000 and $360,000.
A variety of water recreation and nearby hiking trails
Ravenswood has a few maintained green spaces, with playgrounds and open grassy areas at Washington's Riverfront Park and Veterans' Park. The Ohio River, though, is the main attraction for outdoor recreation. "Pretty much every other house you pass, you'll see boats parked in the driveway or garage," Spiroff says. "The boating community is big here, and I'd say kayaking and fishing are consistently seen, too. Plus, our area has always done a great job of maintaining hiking and biking trails." The Kevin Clegg Trail System loops through the woods in the community's south end and is popular with joggers and mountain bikers.
Education with Jackson County Schools
West Virginia now offers school choice during an open enrollment period. Public education in the community falls under Jackson County Schools. Local children may start at Ravenswood Grade School, rated a B-minus on Niche, then move on to B-rated Ravenswood Middle and C-rated Ravenswood High. Each school in Jackson County has a designated Local School Improvement Council, whose members focus on school-community engagement and key goals for overall academic enhancement.
Local restaurants, quick errand runs and shopping in Parkersburg
While retail is limited in Ravenswood, residents still have a few options for running errands or dining out. In the center of the community off Route 68 is a small commercial area, filled with fast-food chains, a few independent businesses and household names such as Dollar General and Walgreens. Ravenswood has several long-standing locally owned restaurants, including The Dawg Pound, a favorite for its casual atmosphere and traditional American fare. Residents typically take the 30-mile drive to Parkersburg for shopping at national retailers, grocers and big-box stores.
Major roads connect residents to Ohio and nearby medical care
The community is intersected by Route 68, a major thoroughfare connecting to U.S. Route 33 to the south. Route 33 crosses the river into Ohio, a luxury not all Jackson and Wood County communities have. "We could really use more river access points. They're very spread out," Spiroff says. "We're hoping to see more of that infrastructure, but of course, it takes time." The closest medical center, WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital, is 12 miles south in Ripley.
