First incorporated as a city in 1836, Wheeling gained recognition for its role in the Ohio Valley's steel manufacturing and processing industries. Positioned along the Ohio-West Virginia Border and looking out over the Ohio River, the city's industrial roots are balanced by access to the Mountain State's great outdoors, including one of the largest city parks in the country, Oglebay Park.
Today, Wheeling is being revitalized. Top employers like WVU Wheeling Hospital and Williams Gas Processing attract residents to the city, alongside a burgeoning art scene anchored by several city museums and exhibits at Centre Market. Although the trolley cars that once climbed the city's hills and commuter rail lines have been replaced by winding suburban roads and storefronts lining Main Street, a sense of history can still be felt in Wheeling's 19th-century architecture.
Elm Grove combines a sense of history with modern amenities, parks, and community organizations.
Residents of Clator can get the best care at WVU Wheeling hospital.
Take a stroll at Oglebay park, just on the outskirts of Fulton-Glenwood.
Take a walk at Heritage Port and soak up the sun along the Ohio River in Downtown Wheeling.
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Ohio County architecture with historic charm
The city of Wheeling's population has declined by 28% since 1990 to just over 26,000. The Wheeling metropolitan area's population has decreased at a lesser rate of 13% in the same amount of time, totaling 139,000 as of 2020. Still, the city's median home price has risen to $136,000, a 3% increase from the year before.
"The housing market in Wheeling is challenging because we have a lack of available inventory. We have a lot of fixed-up, older homes that people really like for their vintage character, but that also makes it hard to build more new homes here," says Bob Kennen, broker and owner of Kennen & Kennen Realtors. Wood-sided shotgun homes and Classical Revival townhouses from the turn of the 20th century are common in neighborhoods such as South Wheeling and Wheeling Island, with homes in need of repair offering affordable options. Park View and Woodsdale offer midcentury ranch-styles and a suite of Arts and Crafts and Victorian-style designs fetching prices upwards of $500,000.
You'll find many well-kept Victorian-style homes in Wheeling Island.
Most homes in Wheeling Island sit close to one another along neighborhood roadways.
Larger Victorian homes can be found lining the riverfront of Wheeling Island.
You will see that Wheeling Island has smaller colonial-style homes throughout most areas.
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Heading outdoors around Oglebay Park
The city of Wheeling maintains more than 30 public spaces throughout the city, including 22 neighborhood playgrounds, the Nelson Jordan Center and the Heritage Trail, which runs 18 miles along the Ohio River. Boat ramps and piers are available for those boating or fishing, but a much more popular choice is Oglebay Park, which covers more than 3 square miles and offers everything from a zoo to three public golf courses. "Oglebay Park is a big asset to the community. I serve as a tour guide to new employers in the city occasionally, and I always show them Oglebay," Kennen says.
Wheeling experiences four seasons throughout the year and an average of 36 inches of snow. The Ohio River and Wheeling Creek run close to many homes, so FEMA may require flood insurance in some areas. No flood wall exists, and the city experienced flooding as recently as spring 2024. The city's proposed budget for 2025 details a $6 million flood-prevention project in the South Dunhurst neighborhood, which lacks underground storm-sewer infrastructure.
Oglebay Park is a short drive from North Wheeling and has lots to explore.
Say hello to the goats and many other animals at Oglebay Good Zoo in nearby Wheeling.
You'll love the colors when you walk through the gardens at Oglebay Park near Center Wheeling.
Aim straight at the pin on any of the three golf courses at Oglebay Park near Center Wheeling.
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Centre Market and other shopping
Constructed in 1853, Wheeling's Centre Market was once an open-air facility used for selling produce, meat and other goods. Nowadays, it houses The Market Café, artisanal shops and art galleries. Nearby, residents can find a walkable shopping district filled with old-timey institutions such as Kirke’s Ice Cream and Coleman's Fish Market, which has been open since 1914. "My wife and I like to eat at Later Alligator. We like to walk around and have lunch there twice a week," Kennen says.
For more options such as big box stores, Walmart and chain restaurants, residents can head 9 miles west on Interstate 70 to find the Ohio Valley Mall or 10 miles in the other direction to reach The Highlands.
You'll be able to find anything your new home needs at The Highlands near Pleasanton.
Enjoy some of the best conversations with your friends at Centre Market in Center Wheeling.
Residents of Center Wheeling love the multitude of options at The Market Café
Grab one of the tables outside Coleman's Fish Market in Center Wheeling and enjoy your food.
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Commuter times and Pittsburgh International Airport
Interstate 70 passes through the middle of the city, taking drivers west to Ohio and drivers heading east the 59 miles to Pittsburgh in just under an hour. Pittsburgh International Airport is the closest option for flights, located about 49 miles northeast on The Ohio River Scenic Byway. The closest hospital is WVU Wheeling Hospital, which is located on Medical Park Road in the Clator neighborhood. This hospital is part of the West Virginia University Health System, which is the largest private employer and largest health system in the state.
You'll be able to find anything your new home needs at The Highlands near Pleasanton.
Enjoy some of the best conversations with your friends at Centre Market in Center Wheeling.
Residents of Center Wheeling love the multitude of options at The Market Café
Grab one of the tables outside Coleman's Fish Market in Center Wheeling and enjoy your food.
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Wheeling museums and live events
For a city of just 26,000 people, Wheeling has a large number of museums and art venues. Options range from the Stifel Fine Arts Center and Artworks Around Town to The Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum and the Oglebay Institute Glass Museum.
Heritage Port is a venue for events throughout the year, like the Wheeling Wizarding Festival, a paid, family-friendly event with games, crafts, and food. Oglebay Park's Festival of Lights is also a main attraction, with a drive-through light show that takes over the park every holiday season.
Many of the race boats where antiques pushing their limits at the Wheeling Regatta.
People where sitting in the shade on a hot day to watch the Wheeling Regatta.
Locals enjoy live music while tasting wines at Vino di Piccin Winery & Tasting House in Lansing.
Visitors come from near and far to visit the Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum in Elm Grove.
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Ohio County Schools and Wheeling University
Students may attend local members of Ohio County Schools, which gets an A-minus from Niche and is ranked as the third-best school district in West Virginia. The district oversees 14 schools in the area, including nearly 5,000 students. Wheeling Park High's robotics team has won the state championship for the past three years.
Wheeling University is in the middle of the city, with a reputation for its programs in nursing, education and physical therapy. The school also has a competitive sports program, with Cardinals football competing in NCAA Division II.
Wheeling Park High School is ranked the fifth best public high school in West Virginia.
Wheeling University is ranked as the #2 best value university in West Virginia, according to Niche.
Madison Elementary School, part of Ohio County Schools in Wheeling, has an overall Niche score of B+.
Wheeling Middle School scores an overall B, according to Niche.
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Important to know
According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, Wheeling's violent and property crime rates are both higher than the national average. Since 2014, rates for violent crimes have increased by about 20%, while property crimes have decreased by 25%.
Wheeling Police Department has undertaken several recent initiatives to lower the city's crime rate, including partnering with First Choice Services to bring in a Peer Support Specialist. Other plans include implementing a 12-hour patrol shift, a new business district crime watch group and a Wellness Program.
Shelly has been collaborating with clients to help them realize their real estate dreams for close to 16 years. Shelly is unique to the real estate profession. Her strong blend of real estate development, design, and client communication skills are some of the best in the area. She helps clients visualize their future homes and has the skill set to recommend them on the potential of any real estate.
Shelly’s philosophy has always been 'client first'. Shelly’s approach affords clients multiple perspectives on the real estate they buy or sell and guarantees firsthand representation. She will be there to take her clients through every step of their transaction and make it a smooth and enjoyable process.
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.
