$110,663Average Value$73Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
Are you familiar with the Brilliant neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Brilliant
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Brilliant Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Brilliant, Steubenville sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Brilliant, Steubenville over the last 12 months is $72,050, down 31% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Check out your new home.. 707 4th Street, Brilliant Ohio. 1920- two story home with laundry off the kitchen or in lower level. Your Kitchen has plenty of storage and counter space. Three additional large rooms on main level, with two fireplaces. Two full bathrooms one on each floor. Fenced in back yard with an additional parking space in rear.
Versatile 5 bedroom home with investment potential. Located in the heart of town, this spacious 5 bedroom, 2 bath home offers excellent potential as a multi-unit investment property. With separate electrical boxes already in place, splitting the utilities for duplex use is within reach. Major updates since 2012 include siding, windows, roof, HVAC, electric, and portions of the plumbing. A brand
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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.
