Small-town life thrives in Waverly’s close-knit community
The Appalachian foothill community of Waverly is separated from the Scioto River by grain fields and warehouses. Home to around 4,100 in north-central Pike County, this small town is next to one state park and close to another. “Everyone knows each other’s names and business,” says Wilma Gillott, a Realtor with Brewster Real Estate and Auction, says with a laugh. “And that’s what drew us. We wanted to raise our children in a small community.”
Waverly sits across the river from Piketon, a smaller town known for its industrial ties to the nuclear industry. The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion ceased operations around 2001, but in 2023 Centrus Energy leased sections of the site to bring U.S. uranium enrichment back. Decontamination and decommissioning of the rest of the facility, around 10 miles south of Waverly, is ongoing.
Victorian, Colonial and ranch homes share space with new builds
The community features various historic homes, such as early 1900s Victorian and Colonial Revivals and midcentury ranch-styles. Most lots, especially around the heart of the community, are smaller than an acre. Sales prices range from under $100,000 to around $350,000. However, some custom builds can list closer to $500,000. Many of the village’s quiet streets are sidewalk- and tree-lined. Some are shaded by mature oak canopies. Properties in designated flood zones require flood insurance for federally backed mortgages.
College courses are available starting in seventh grade
Waverly City Schools earns an overall C on Niche. Waverly Primary gets a B-minus. Waverly Intermediate, Waverly Junior High and Waverly Middle all earn a C. The high school offers College Credit Plus, a statewide dual-enrollment program. Starting in seventh grade, students can enroll in CCP courses at local colleges, such as Ohio University’s Chillicothe Campus, about 18 miles away.
Lake White draws anglers and boaters from across the state
The village has a couple of pocket parks with playgrounds, and recently opened an 86-acre sports complex on the east side called Bristol Park. It features a disc golf course, ballfields and a playground. Golfers can tee off nearby at the public, 18-hole Dogwood Hills Golf Course. However, Gillott says the shining gem of Waverly recreation is Lake White State Park on the west side. Encompassing an over 300-acre lake with a launch, the park is a statewide destination for fishing and boating. Possible catches include largemouth bass, saugeye, catfish and bluegill. Hikers, bikers and horseback riders can take on the forested trails of Scioto Trail State Forest and Scioto Trail State Park, roughly 10 miles away.
Longstanding fair tradition celebrates local agriculture and fun
Gillott says the Pike County Fair is a big deal around here, especially with the fairgrounds less than 5 miles away in Piketon. It’s been a tradition since 1851, celebrating local talent, community and agriculture. From Southern Valley Colt Circuit harness racing and livestock shows to Tug-A-Truck showdowns and kiddie tractor pulls, there’s always a variety of rustic, family-friendly fun.
Groceries, fast food and homestyle meals are all close to home
U.S. Route 23 has various stores for running errands, including Kroger, Walmart, Dollar General and Family Dollar. Fast-food and fast-casual chains, like Bob Evans, line the road, too, along with hometown spots like Fred’s Italian Pizza. The family-owned pizza parlor has been slinging pies since 1971. Up the road, Diner 23 gives guests a retro setting – complete with a jukebox – to enjoy homestyle Southern cooking. As for healthcare, the village has some private practices, and Adena Pike Medical Center has 24-hour emergency care.
Direct highway access to Columbus and Cincinnati
From Waverly, it’s about a 60-mile drive to Columbus, and around a 70-mile drive to John Glenn Columbus International Airport. The village’s main road, U.S. Route 23, is a direct route to Downtown Columbus. Ohio Route 32, accessible a few miles south of Waverly, runs all the way to Cincinnati, just under 100 miles away.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
