Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia converge at South Point
Aptly named, the village of South Point lies almost directly at Ohio’s southernmost border. The community is mainly residential, offering easy access across the Ohio River to larger cities like Huntington, West Virginia, and Ashland, Kentucky. “It’s a hub, a central area, between Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia,” says Molly Burnside, a Realtor with Real Estate Gallery, Inc., who is originally from the area. “It’s a nice area for commuting.” South Point’s nearby shopping areas and established character add to its easy commutes as draws for homebuyers.
Older cottages and ranch-style homes, plus some newer construction
South Point gently slopes up from the river, rising toward the ridges to the village’s northeast. Homes line narrow neighborhood streets, often with small front yards and driveways. “It’s got a lot of character,” Burnside says. “There’s a lot of older character to it, but people have been upgrading things house-by-house.” National-style cottages sell between $55,000 and $135,000, while ranch-style houses are most common throughout the community and go from $140,000 to $310,000. Some New Traditional homes have popped up in the last decade, selling between $310,000 and $360,000.
Commutes across the Ohio River to Huntington or Ashland
South Point is along the Ohio River, which is the state’s southern border. Ashland, Kentucky, is 7 miles away, while Huntington, West Virginia, is 9 miles in the other direction. Interstate 64 is the region’s major highway and runs through Huntington, while the Huntington Tri-State Airport has the nearest commercial flights. The Lawrence County Transit Shuttle provides limited bus service throughout the area, though most residents choose to drive. The closest emergency room is 9 miles away in Ironton, at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Shopping and dining on Solida Road and in nearby areas
Solida Road is the main commercial strip in South Point, with several shops and restaurants. The Shakery, a local chain, features burgers and dogs, ice cream and daily dinner specials. Across the street, the Pizza Shoppe serves specialty pies and sandwiches. Family Dollar sells discount goods, while Food Fair is a spot for groceries. More shopping options like Sam's Club and Walmart are located 4 miles east in Burlington. Ashland Town Center and Huntington Mall are also nearby.
Education at the South Point Local School District
The South Point Local School District receives a C-plus grade from Niche. The community is zoned to South Point Elementary, which gets a B-minus rating. Students then move on to C-graded South Point Middle and C-plus-rated South Point High. Burnside notes that high school football is important in the area, with the community coming out on Friday nights to support the South Point Pointers. The Collins Career Technical Center has a campus less than a mile north of South Point, and high schoolers can apply to the school for programs including construction, technology and health sciences.
Parks in town include playgrounds and a river overlook
Recreation in South Point centers on South Point Park. The area has several playgrounds, a walking path and a picnic pavilion. Just down the street, the Three State Overlook offers a viewpoint across the Ohio River to West Virginia and Kentucky. The small park has a grill, picnic tables and a tribute to veterans from the community. During the summer, families often cross into West Virginia to go to Camden Park, a small amusement park roughly 10 miles away in Huntington. The park has several rides, including a pair of wooden roller coasters.
Party in the Park for Independence Day
The People for the Point organization puts on community events each year, including holiday light competitions and caroling. But the group’s biggest festival is the annual Party in the Park, held in conjunction with the Fourth of July fireworks on the Ohio River. The party includes live music from local bands, food trucks and a hot dog-eating competition.
