Ripley is a close-knit community surrounded by farmlands
Ripley is a city about 40 miles north of Charleston , surrounded by farmland and mountain peaks. With its stores, restaurants and local events, the area serves as a port of call for many of the surrounding rural areas. As a result, this community of 3,000 has gained a reputation as family friendly and community conscious. “It’s a great place to raise kids,” says Amber Mouser, a Realtor with Sold Sisters Realty. “There’re a lot of youth activities: sports, activities and the Junior Fair.” Natural features like Mill Creek attract potential homeowners interested in outdoor recreation.
Local parks have baseball fields, pools and camping sites
Equipped with a skate park and sports facilities for baseball, basketball and tennis, Ripley City Park is a focus point for families and young athletes. A splash pad and a pool with a waterslide are also available during the summer months. Cedar Lakes features outdoor amenities like camping sites, fishing holes, mini golf and a 24-hole disc golf course. It also is the site of the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair, which invites visitors every Fourth of July weekend to watch live performances, make art and browse local vendor tables.
America's Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration happens here
Ripley hosts the America’s Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration to commemorate the Fourth of July. Celebrated since 1870, the event starts with a parade attended by local businesses and the Sons of the American Revolution. A footrace, live music, line dancing and fireworks accompany the rest of the weekend. The Jackson County Junior Fair happens every summer. It has opportunities for budding farmers and ranchers to showcase livestock over the course of a week. Other activities include demolition derbies, horse shows, cow chip bingo and a pie auction.
The newest homes tend to be from the late 20th century
The oldest homes in the area tend to be more centrally located, while the latest developments are at the city’s edges. Lots are generally a quarter-acre or smaller and rarely have sidewalks. Midcentury and later split-level and ranch-style housing sells between the $50,000s and $290,000s, depending on condition and upgrades. New Traditional homes from the 1980s and 90s are frequently priced between $290,000 and $400,000.
Due to its lowland location and regular, heavy rainfall, Ripley may be at a severe risk for flooding.
Residents frequent local watering holes and steakhouses
Food chains and shopping options like Kroger and Walmart are around the intersection of Interstate 77 and U.S. Route 33. Locally owned businesses like coffee shops and auto dealerships line Main Street. While it may call itself the Fairplain Yacht Club, the only yacht for miles is an old cabin boat displayed amongst the patrons. Locals insist its dive bar atmosphere is part of the charm. “It doesn’t even have windows,” says Charissa Wilkinson, a Realtor with Sold Sisters. “That’s the local watering hole.” Family owned since 1990, Roadhouse 2081 specializes in a laid-back dining experience with a menu that includes prime rib, Norwegian salmon and pulled pork.
Ripley High School has won an award for civics
Rated a B-minus grade by Niche, Jackson County Schools is the local district with a dozen public schools. In 2025, Ripley High School was awarded the Jennings Randolph Award for civic engagement after spearheading programs to encourage eligible students to vote. Ripley Middle School’s archery team won West Virginia’s state tournament in 2025, with three individual athletes making the top ten standings.
Nearby Charleston and Parkersburg make commuting convenient
The main thoroughfares in the area are Highway 21, U.S. Route 33 and Interstate 77, which leads to Charleston to the south or Parkersburg to the north, each about 40 miles away. The nearest medical facility is WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital, which offers emergency services and primary care.
