Richwood offers outdoor living in Nicholas County
Richwood is a small town in southeastern West Virginia, on the southern end of the Monongahela National Forest. With less than 2,000 residents, this former lumber town is surrounded by myriad trails and waterways that draw locals and visitors alike. The Cherry River is popular for trout fishing and other watersports, while the national forest offers hiking, mountain biking and camping. The town was hit by flooding in 2016, and the community has since then been rebuilding itself. “It was almost catastrophic flooding,” says Linda Cowell, the city’s utilities manager. “It destroyed schools and infrastructure, and we have been recovering ever since. We have projects to improve our sewer system and build new sidewalks. We are becoming more of a foodie place, and it’s drawing more people and businesses.” The area’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Different housing options in Richwood
Richwood offers a diverse range of homes, from cottages and cabins to raised ranches and farmhouses. Most houses were built in the early 1900s, with some from the latter half of the century. Homes out in the country are scattered on hills and pastureland, and properties closer to the town center are often perched on hilltops and have elevated foundations. “The cost of living and the home prices here are much lower than the surrounding areas,” Cowell says. Prices range from around $40,000 to over $300,000; smaller cottages make up the lower end of the range, while larger farmhouses and American Foursquares are on the higher end.
Outdoor recreation opportunities around Richwood
Access to plentiful outdoor recreation is a major draw for Richwood residents. The town maintains a community garden, a pool and several parks with playgrounds. The Cherry Hill Country Club has an 18-hole course that's open to the public. Farther afield, nearby waterways like the Cherry and Cranberry rivers offer fishing and boating, and the Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail Trail is 16 miles long.
The Monongahela National Forest is one of the biggest draws in the area. It has an extensive trail system open to horseback riders, hikers and mountain bikers, and sections are also open for camping and hunting. Summersville Lake State Park is 25 miles away, and New River Gorge National Park is about 45 miles away.
Shops and restaurants around Route 39
There’s a handful of restaurants and shops off Route 39, including the Oakford Diner, which serves classic pub food, pies, soft serve and milkshakes. CB's Hole in the Wall is a local pizzeria with classic comfort food. Residents can get groceries at DG Market, and pick up coffee or flowers at Rosewood Florist & Coffeehouse. The nearest Walmart is about 25 miles away in Summersville.
Public schools in Nicholas County Schools
The city is served by Nicholas County Schools. Prospective schools include Cherry River Elementary and Richwood Middle School, both of which have a C-minus grade from Niche. Richwood High School gets a C, offering sports programs in baseball and basketball. “We have a new school that will house Cherry River Elementary, Richwood Middle and Richwood High, and they will all share one campus. The middle and high schools will be ready this fall, and the elementary school is scheduled to be done by 2025,” Cowell says.
Community events in the city
The week-long Cherry River Festival, also known as Festival Week, celebrates Richwood with family-friendly activities, amusement rides, live entertainment, local vendors and a beauty pageant. People can see artwork by local artists at the annual Mountain Color Art Show, and Richwood’s art walk takes place on East Main Street. Feast of the Ramson celebrates the city’s heritage as the ramp capital of the world with a ramp dinner event and an arts and crafts show, both of which take place at Richwood Community Center.
Getting to airports and hospitals
West Virginia Route 39 passes through the city. Greenbrier Valley Regional Airport is about 55 miles away, and West Virginia International Yeager Airport is about 100 miles west. Beckley is about 70 miles away, and Summersville Regional Medical Center is approximately 25 miles west.
