When folks park their cars in Center Wheeling and get out to pay, they may notice the city's colorful parking meters, which are each individually designed and painted by a different member of Wheeling's community. From underwater mermaids to vibrant animal patterns, the meters reflect both West Virginia's natural beauty and the sense of small-town community that Wheeling is known for. "We lost a lot of business here from the closing of the steel mills and other industries, but we've really tried to make art a new focus to help bring more people to the city," says Bobbi Priebe, a local resident and artist at Artworks Around Town. Formerly known for its steel and iron industries, today, the City of Wheeling's focus on public art is just one tool the city is implementing to help boost the local economy and its many small businesses. A relatively affordable housing market and direct access to the Ohio River, also add to this community's appeal. Center Wheeling combines the walkability of city life with the natural landscapes and solidarity of a rural town.
Center Wheeling is bordered by the Ohio River, Veteran Memorial Bridge, and State Route 2.
Grab one of the tables outside Coleman's Fish Market in Center Wheeling and enjoy your food.
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Center Wheeling's mom-and-pop shopping scene
Situated in former factory and office buildings not far from the Ohio River, Center Wheeling is known for its mom-and-pop shops. First built in 1853, the Centre Market is a historic, Classical Revival-style building that was formerly used as an open-air market for produce and meat vendors. Today, it bustles with customers browsing the market's variety of restaurants, stores and an art gallery. Surrounding the market there's also an array of specialty shops like the Paradox Book Store, or Puddleducks for specialty gifts. On Saturdays, folks can listen to live music while grabbing a coffee from The Market Café and checking out local artisans at Artworks Around Town, a local gallery and makerspace that highlights talent from around the city. In the surrounding area, folks can also meet up with friends to eat lunch outdoors at Later Alligator, or opt to pick up some fresh fish to cook at home from Coleman's Fish Market. Since 1914, Coleman's has been a staple in the community, serving fresh filets set on ice as well as warm dishes like clam chowder and their famous fish sandwiches. For produce and other groceries to take home, residents can also visit Jebbia's Market, or head about 10 miles east to find a larger selection at Walmart.
Centre Market has been a staple for Center Wheeling for more than 150 years.
Check out the beautiful pieces showcased at Artists Around Town in Center Wheeling.
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Community events bringing the city together
When looking for fun community activities, folks in Center Wheeling don't have to go far. In Heritage Port, located right along the Ohio River, the park's open-air amphitheater hosts the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks, the annual Italian Festival, as well as weekly concerts and movie showings. Another fun event is the Festival of Lights at Oglebay Park—attracting more than a million visitors each holiday season, this display of rainbow-colored lights spans a 6-mile drive and is one of the park's most popular events. "I live here and I still go through it all the time, even as a local," says Priebe.
Affordable Victorian homes in Wheeling
Cradled between the Ohio River and West Virginia State Route 2, homes in Center Wheeling mostly consist of two-story townhouses, duplexes and detached row homes situated along a collection of gridded city streets. With many dating back to the early 1900s, most properties often feature ornate Victorian and Classical Revival designs, while others offer traditional wooden-sided exteriors and wide front balconies where folks can hang together outdoors. Walking through the neighborhood, buyers will notice architectural details like large bay windows and turrets to decorative cornice work on the fronts of homes. "Some properties here need tons of work and some have been totally revamped. It just depends on what you're looking for, but that also means there's a lot of opportunity," says Denise Pavlik, a Realtor with Paull Associates Real Estate. Price points in Center Wheeling can vary depending on the condition and square footage of the property, with those on the lower end going for close to $40,000 while the more expensive homes can go for upwards of $150,000.
There are also some smaller Victorian-style homes throughout the Center Wheeling neighborhood.
You will surely marvel at the Victorian-style architecture throughout the Center Wheeling area.
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Parks and recreation along the Ohio RIver
When it comes time to head outdoors, the Wheeling Heritage Trail is a popular destination within walking distance from most homes. Built along former railroad tracks, folks can walk, run or bike along this paved trail. Offering views of the Ohio River, the trail also boasts informational placards with local area history, for a self-guided tour. The trail also connects to Heritage Port, a riverfront park that provides ample greenspaces, an open-air amphitheater and a playground. Built in 2016 by the Junior League of Wheeling, this park's wooden playground is designed with sensory stimulation in mind. It includes plenty of elements for kids to touch, play with or listen to, as well as a platform swing for children in wheelchairs. For additional open spaces, Oglebay Park is about 5 miles east of Wheeling, and features a zoo, four golf courses and miles of hiking trails that traverse the park's mountainous landscape.
Feel the runner's high as you adventure down the Heritage Trail near Center Wheeling.
Kids love playing on the large playground at Heritage Port near Center Wheeling.
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Getting around the Wheeling area
Center Wheeling is less than a mile from Downtown Wheeling, making access into the city readily accessible. While public transportation isn't available, most residents can walk or take a short drive anywhere within the city in just a few minutes. West Virginia State Route 2 also provides a shortcut through the area, connecting folks in Center Wheeling to Downtown as well as other parts of the city. In the case of a medical emergency, WVU Wheeling Hospital is the closest option and is located just 3 miles east near Pleasant Valley. To reach the closest big city, residents can take Interstate 70 about 60 miles east, all the way to Pittsburgh. When traveling out of state or abroad, Pittsburgh International Airport is located about 20 miles outside the city.
Residents of Center Wheeling love the multitude of options at The Market Café
Lowe's is another easy to access retail option in Center Wheeling.
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Ohio County Schools in the area
Students living in Center Wheeling can attend schools within walking distance, like Ritchie Elementary, which is located just south of the neighborhood and earns an A-rating on Niche. In sixth grade, students move on to Wheeling Middle, which is also just south of the neighborhood and earns a B from Niche. Highschoolers attend Wheeling Park High, which is located about 8 miles east of the city and receives a B-plus rating on Niche. One unique opportunity that the high school offers is the History of Wheeling Course. This class is led one Saturday a month by Ryan Stanton, who won 2023 Teacher of the Year, and is open to helping anyone learn about Wheeling's unique history.
Crime
Center Wheeling receives a CAP index score of 6, which is slightly higher than the national average of 4.
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
Oglebay Park
Tunnel Green
Heritage Port
Wheeling Heritage Trail
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Center Wheeling
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Center Wheeling, Wheeling sell after 122 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Center Wheeling, Wheeling over the last 12 months is $73,483, up 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover a fantastic investment opportunity at 3139/3141 Jacob Street, Wheeling, WV 26003. This duplex offers two separate units, each with spacious layouts, making it ideal for rental income or multi-family living. Located in the heart of Wheeling, it's close to local shops, restaurants, and amenities. Both units feature large rooms, ample storage, and potential for updates. 3139 Jacob is a
Welcome to Labelle Greene I, an affordable and high-quality apartment community located at 10 Mayo Street in Wheeling, WV. We pride ourselves on providing comfortable and affordable housing for anyone who meets our qualifications. Our community offers a wide range of amenities to enhance your living experience. From our playground and BBQ/picnic area to our fitness center and computer
Recently remodel Victorian apartment in the Centre Market Historic District. New carpet, Walking distance to restaurants, entertainment and downtown. Close to I-470 and Route 2.
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 Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,343
Median Age
45
Population under 18
20.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$31,907
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$48,622
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.4%
College Graduates
15.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.2%
% Population in Labor Force
55.8%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
12/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
25/ 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.
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.
