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Brilliant

Brilliant

Neighborhood in Steubenville, Ohio

Jefferson County 43913, 43938

$108,921 Average Value
$78 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Brilliant is changing, but keeping its multigenerational small-town attributes

Brilliant is a classic Appalachian small-town that has changed a lot without disrupting or displacing its close-knit community. In recent years, this multigenerational spot in Wells Township has seen numerous major changes to its infrastructure and schools. But despite the many updates, local parks named after dearly departed residents still help foster a know-your-neighbor atmosphere through many outdoor events. “I live here, my twin sister, my mother, my nephew and my other sister all live here. So, family is the first thing that comes to mind for me,” says Michelle D’Andrea, assistant librarian at the Brilliant branch of Steubenville's Public Library system. “We are lucky to be such a small community considering everything we are offered.”

New bridge improves access to shopping in West Virginia

The most important changes that Brilliant has seen in recent years affect its infrastructure. Some changes have greatly benefited the local economy, like the construction of the Wellsburg Bridge in September of 2023. “Now, we can go across the river in five minutes to access shopping, which we previously would’ve had to go 20 minutes in either direction to reach,” D’Andrea says. Some necessary changes have also altered the community’s old-timey streetscapes, like the repaving of 2nd Street from red bricks to asphalt. “We had those up until just a couple of years ago. But they became damaged to the point that it was too expensive to repair,” D’Andrea says. “It was very nostalgic to have those bricks, and people were sad to see them go.”

The new Wellsburg bridge connects Brilliant to West Virginia.
The new Wellsburg bridge connects Brilliant to West Virginia.
The landscape of Brilliant is mainly flat making for nice level streets.
The landscape of Brilliant is mainly flat making for nice level streets.
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Established midcentury homes with modern updates

New construction isn’t much of an option for Brilliant’s homebuyers, who are far more likely to stumble upon a move-in ready home from the 20th century. However, some of the community’s established Craftsman cottages have received updates in the last few years, including new sidings, paint jobs and double-paned windows. These typically sell for between $70,000 and $120,000. Established options also include a variety of midcentury ranchers, often selling for a higher range of $100,000 and $140,000 due to their larger size. Some established homes need repairs, often selling as investment properties for between $15,000 and $30,000. Brilliant is also home to a few manufactured houses, most of which have sold for between $10,000 and $40,000.

Ranch style homes are not as popular as other styles in the Brilliant neighborhood.
Ranch style homes are not as popular as other styles in the Brilliant neighborhood.
A quaint home with a post fence sits back from the street in Brilliant.
A quaint home with a post fence sits back from the street in Brilliant.
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New gymnasiums and special needs classrooms in walking distance

Students in Brilliant begin school within walking distance of home at Buckeye North Elementary School, which has a B-rating from Niche. In 2023, the elementary school unveiled a brand-new set of sensory-friendly classrooms for students with Autism. Once students reach sixth grade, they attend Buckeye Local High School, a C-plus-rated school serving middle and high school students. Since 2024, continuous improvements have been made to Buckeye Local High School’s campus, including new interiors and a revamped indoor gym. Ongoing plans exist to replace the school’s running track and football field.

The mountains appear to surround the campus at Buckeye Local High School.
The mountains appear to surround the campus at Buckeye Local High School.
Test scores show 67% of North Elementary School students are proficient in english.
Test scores show 67% of North Elementary School students are proficient in english.
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Numerous parks offer athletic and social activities

Compared with the other small riverside communities nearby, Brilliant fits in many parks. Brilliant Community Park is the largest and one of the most frequently visited, thanks to its walking path, playground and sports fields. Next door, the Wells Township Community Pool is the go-to place to cool off with friends in the summer. A few blocks up Labelle Street, Danny Duda Field provides a diamond for kickball games and batting practice. Phillipsburg Park sits at the top of the neighborhood and is often used for playground visits and small community events.

The large play set in Brilliant Community Park offers hours of climbing fun for the children.
The large play set in Brilliant Community Park offers hours of climbing fun for the children.
The old scorekeepers box stands tall at Danny Duda Field.
The old scorekeepers box stands tall at Danny Duda Field.
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Movies and firework shows in the park

Residents maintain a community Facebook page, Brilliant Buzz, to discuss goings on and to share invitations to events, like an Easter Celebration, donation drives at the local elementary school and fundraisers at the local American Legion Hall. Most public parks in Brilliant are also used for public events. “They try to have activities all summer long at the parks, everything from free concerts to a big Fourth of July fireworks show,” D’Andrea says. “They’ve even had free movies at the parks.” The Brilliant library branch also offers numerous indoor activities and programs for rainy days, such as book clubs and crafting workshops. The library also provides many crucial services, such as low-cost printing, free internet and equipment rentals, including practice cones for student drivers.

Easier access to restaurants and supermarkets in Wellsburg

There aren't many businesses to visit in Brilliant. Most of what is there includes convenience stores, bank branches and locally owned pharmacies. When locals are looking for something to do after work, many will head to the American Legion Post 573 on Market Street. Otherwise, most residents cross the river to Wellsburg to access numerous restaurants and shops on Commerce Street, plus a Kroger for pantry restocks.

Residents from Brilliant cross the Ohio River to shop at Kroger in Wellsburg.
Residents from Brilliant cross the Ohio River to shop at Kroger in Wellsburg.
The American Legion Hall is a staple in the Brilliant community.
The American Legion Hall is a staple in the Brilliant community.
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Some flood zones near the Ohio River

Some sections of Brilliant are in a flood zone, requiring homeowners to have a flood insurance policy. But thanks to a floodwall along the river, much of the neighborhood is protected from flooding. Most homes in a flood zone are those between the river and Labelle Street.

Tom Jakob
Written By
Tom Jakob
Anthony Kelly
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Kelly

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Shelley Crake, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Pittsburgh International

59 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Brilliant US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$67,050
Median Single Family Price
$65,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$78
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
14
Months of Supply
2.60
Median List Price
$95,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
15%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-44%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
270
Median Year Built
1955
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,217
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Shelley Crake, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,478
Median Age
48
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.6%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$42,500
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,552

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.7%
College Graduates
6.3%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
54.2%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

3 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

1 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Brilliant