Williamstown’s past and present reflect self-sustaining values
Settled in the late 18th century, Williamstown is a small community that sits on the curve of the Ohio River and the West Virginia state line. The area initially gained traction as home to the Fenton Art Glass Company, a major local employer for over 100 years, until the factory closed in 2011. Today, many residents forge their own paths by launching and running small businesses. “Williamstown is really just so wonderful. They’ve got about one restaurant and two gas stations, and it’s still one of the most sought-after areas in Wood County,” says Victoriea Spiroff, a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker who started selling homes in 2023. “I lived there for a few years, and it has this feeling of comfort. It’s extremely community-oriented, and so many people are self-sustaining. Having your own business and keeping the money local is big here.”
Diverse housing styles blend vintage and modern
The area's housing stock is diverse, ranging from New Traditional-style condos near the river to Colonial Revival single-family homes on generous plots of land. “There’s a good mix of the old and the new. River lots are rare, but that’s usually where you find private river access,” Spiroff says. “This is a good place for homesteading because you can get your acres and your privacy. Even the new homes don’t sit on top of each other.” There are many vintage properties in Williamstown, from midcentury ranch-styles to restored Craftsman and Victorian homes. Older homes typically sell between $120,000 and $250,000, while modern houses and condos can sell for $300,000 to $450,000.
Public schools focus on academics and community engagement
Williamstown is zoned to Wood County Schools, which receives a B-plus grade from Niche and ranks in the top percentile for academics in West Virginia. Kids might start at Williamstown Elementary School, which gets an A-minus, then move on to B-rated Williamstown Middle/High School, which offers career and technical education courses in business administration, culinary arts and more. Each school in Wood County has a designated Local School Improvement Council, whose members focus on school-community engagement and academic support.
Popular green spaces and recreation on the Ohio River
Outdoor recreation orbits around the center of the community, anchored by Tomilson Park. The small park offers a well-maintained green space and an expansive playground. It sits adjacent to tennis and basketball courts, as well as the Williamstown Pool, which has low membership rates and, on certain days, free entry. Since the area is right on the Ohio River, residents have quick access to an array of water recreation. “Our river scene is very low-key. There’s a lot of fishing and a lot of tanning, just hanging out or going kayaking with friends,” Spiroff says. “Some sections near old bridges have rope swings that were put up forever ago, and kids still use them to fling themselves into the river.”
Local market showcases small businesses twice a year
Annual events in Williamstown and Wood County bring the community together in a big way. “You can’t talk about any of the area without shouting out the Minted Vintage Market. It’s a huge, phenomenal event,” Spiroff says. The market, which features over 100 vendors from West Virginia and Ohio, is open only one day in April and one day in October. "I see people lining up two hours before it starts," she adds.
Small-town staples in Williamstown, big-box stores in Marietta
Williamstown has a Dollar General, the long-standing Williamstown Antique Mall and Da Vinci’s Italian Restaurant, a local favorite. Da Vinci’s opened in 1980 and has remained a family-owned and operated business, popular for its traditional Italian recipes, broad wine selection and large outdoor patio. Marietta, 2 miles north across the Ohio River, has big-box stores, Walmart Supercenter and Giant Eagle Supermarket.
Major highways and hospital access are close by
Williamstown is intersected by Route 14, a north-south highway crossing the Ohio River into Marietta. It also merges with Interstate 77 just south of the community, providing quick access to major roads. While Williamstown has general care physicians, Marietta Memorial Hospital is by far the biggest health center in the area, 3 miles north of the area.
