Weston is a small town with a storied history
A legendary psychiatric hospital from the 1800s towers over Weston, full of ghost stories and haunting tales. But there’s nothing to be scared of for homebuyers in this quiet West Virginia town. “It’s a smaller community. We have a lot of out-of-staters who are looking for more rural settings,” says Alex Moran, a Realtor and salesperson with Garton Real Estate Group, who has sold several homes in the area. “You get a hometown feeling. It’s centrally located in the middle of the state, so you can be in Weston but still be close to Clarksburg, where a lot of the shopping is.” The community of about 4,300 is tucked into the hills of Central West Virginia, conveniently located on U.S. highways and near Interstate 79. Locally owned restaurants, shops and museums contribute to the small-town lifestyle, while natural areas surrounding the town offer plenty of outdoor recreation.
Early 1900s homes on city streets and country roads
Weston’s downtown area has a mix of Craftsmans, bungalows and American Foursquares from the early 1900s. These homes sit side by side on city streets, making it easy to get to know the neighbors or to walk through town. The more rural areas on the edges of the community have ranch-style homes, farmhouses and some cottages. Rolling hills and farms make up the landscape, and buyers can find homes with acreage. Homebuyers in Weston can get more for their money compared to other cities. “Morgantown is an hour north, and we are extremely cheap compared to Morgantown,” Moran says. “Homes sell for pretty close to what they’re listed for, and prices are pretty moderate.” Fixer-uppers can sell for $20,000 to $80,000. Move-in ready houses cost between $50,000 and $360,000. Several parts of the community have a high risk of flooding; the State Resiliency Office has resources on flood preparedness.
Multiple ways to explore Weston's history at local attractions
For a small town, Weston has a long and storied history. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum opened in the mid-1800s and was intended to house 250 mental health patients. At its peak, the facility was home to more than 2,400 patients before closing in the 1990s. Today, the storied hospital offers daytime tours focusing on its history and nighttime tours emphasizing paranormal activity. The bravest of visitors can book an overnight tour, which lasts from 11:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Weston has also been known for its glass production, at one point creating more hand-blown glass than anywhere in the world. That heritage is displayed at the Museum of American Glass in West Virginia, which features a vast collection of glass items from the area. North of the city, Jackson’s Mill is a historic site that was the boyhood home of Civil War general Stonewall Jackson. The site is owned and operated by West Virginia University and offers youth educational programs, field trips and corporate retreats with various outdoor activities.
Restaurants and cafes offer a mix of cuisines
Locally owned restaurants in the area provide several options for diners. “We have the best mom and pop restaurants in the area. We have Thyme Bistro, which is phenomenal. They have something called bistro fries that you have to have,” says Sarah Lough, a Realtor and salesperson with Old Colony Realtors, who has sold several homes in Weston. “If you want to have the best burgers in your life, go to Buns. They have really good pizza, too.” Moran seconds the recommendations for Thyme and Buns, while Lough also suggests Giovanni’s is a casual spot specializing in Appalachian soul food. Groceries are available at Shop ‘n Save Express or Walmart. Other stores in town include jewelry and antique stores downtown, as well as a Dollar General. More chain and big-box retailers are located in Clarksburg along I-79.
State and county parks provide lots of recreation
Parks and natural areas surround Weston. Stonewall Resort State Park is a 1,900-acre site with a large lake, an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course and a historic 1920s lodge. The park offers boating and fishing opportunities, plus 13 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Stonecoal Lake is another nearby body of water with three public access points for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Lewis County Park is in the city and has an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and playground. Golf fans who aren’t up for a full game can play a round of putt-putt at the park.
Students prepare for careers at Lewis County schools
Students might attend Peterson-Central Elementary School and Robert L. Bland Middle School, each receiving a C-minus from Niche. Lewis County High School gets a C. The school offers several career and technical education programs, including agribusiness, building maintenance and law and public safety. Students can also earn dual credit through local colleges or participate in the school’s Air Force JROTC program.
Major highways connect to nearby cities in central West Virginia
Interstate 79 is the main highway through Weston, leading through central West Virginia and connecting to cities like Charleston and Morgantown. Clarksburg is about 30 miles away via I-79. Other highways include U.S. Route 33, leading 15 miles to Buckhannon, and U.S. Route 19. Medical care is available at Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital on the community’s west side.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
