Get to Know Parkersburg, West Virginia

Part of Parkersburg’s charm is how it sees itself: “the small town with a big heart.” Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers, Parkersburg’s rich past dates back to the 18th century, when European pioneers settled and established the town. From its agricultural roots sprang a center of culture and opportunity on the edge of rural West Virginia and Ohio.

Modern Parkersburg’s perks include affordable living costs, the beautiful surrounding mountain, and a strong community spirit. It loves to throw festivals celebrating its culture, like its Parkersburg Homecoming event. For people seeking an enjoyable small-town lifestyle, Parkersburg is a great place to call home.

If you’re considering moving to Parkersburg, WV, get to know the town and its real estate market with our answers to frequently asked questions.

Where is Parkersburg, WV?

Parkersburg has long served as an important transportation and logistics hub for Ohio and West Virginia. During the 19th century, its location at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers in north-central West Virginia made it an important shipping and transportation hub for the area’s natural goods.

Today it remains a vital port and shipping center for manufacturing and mining, even if it runs fewer barges up and down the Ohio River. Parkersburg is across from Ohio, and for getting to other cities, I-77 runs north-south just east of town.

What should I know about Parkersburg?

Parkersburg flourished throughout the 19th century because it was able to ship timber and coal from the nearby mountains down the Ohio River to cities beyond. Several major oil and gas companies formed headquarters here to manage the flow of their product. The demand for its goods attracted the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Its construction increased access to the area’s natural wealth and had the added benefit of attracting more settlers.

Modern Parkersburg prefers to promote its access to West Virginia’s abundant outdoor recreation, with emphasis on local biking, hiking, and boating on the Ohio River and nearby lakes. The greater metro area’s cultural attractions include the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and the Oil and Gas Museum.

While Parkersburg has faced some economic challenges in recent years, locals can find employment opportunities in the healthcare, education, and manufacturing industries. There is a college based here which provides further employment and career training opportunities for the greater region.

Is Parkersburg, WV growing?

Parkersburg is the third-largest city in the state. Still, even though it’s one of the state’s more populated areas, it only has 30,000 residents., and that population is on the wane. The US Census estimates the city lost 1.2% of its people from 2020 to 2021. Around 3,000 residents left Parkersburg from 2010 to 2020. So people are leaving the town, but slowly.

What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV?

Enjoy a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in the United States. Housing, food, and other necessities are generally affordable, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.

Based on Sperling’s Best Places Index, Parkersburg is about 25% cheaper than elsewhere in the United States. Housing is where you will see the most cost savings, which runs about 65% less than the national going rate. The only category where you may spend more was in healthcare, which was 16% more expensive. This is on-trend for West Virginia as a whole.

What county is Parkersburg, WV in?

Wood County is a large, rural county in northwestern West Virginia. For most of its history, it has been an agricultural area with farmers on small tracts of land. The first towns were incorporated in the 1820s and 1830s. Its courthouse wasn’t constructed until 1900.

Parkersburg is the county seat, but other small towns include Blennerhassett, Washington, Lubeck, and Vienna. These feel like part of the Parkersburg metro, along the rivers, and within 15 minutes of the city.

What is the average price of a home in Parkersburg, WV?

Parkersburg had a median list price of $140,000 for the 172 homes for sale in April 2023. That was a median price per square foot of $90. The most affordable listing was a vacant two-acre lot for $12,750. The most expensive existing single-family home was $1.7 million for a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home on a 51-acre lot with multiple outbuildings.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Parkersburg, WV?

Condos and townhomes are harder to find in Parkersburg but are available. April 2023 only had one listing on the market, and it was for $260,000 for a 2,659-square-foot single-level townhome.

The adjacent small towns had some condos and townhomes with river views. They’re not far from the city if you’re willing to travel.

What is the property tax rate for Parkersburg, WV?

Residential real estate in West Virginia is taxed as a Class II property. These properties must be owner-occupied. The 2023 property tax levy was 27.28 for Wood County real estate. There was an excess levy of 1.08 for the library services.

What neighborhoods are in Parkersburg, WV?

Think of Parkersburg as a highly residential large town. It will have shopping centers, schools, and all the essentials you need for a fulfilling life, while forming close-knit communities where you’ll get to know your neighbors. Since it’s so tight, it doesn’t have as many distinct regions and neighborhoods, but there are a few areas to get to know.

North Parkersburg is above the Little Kanawha River and beside the Ohio River. Residents have the Worthington Hills Golf Club, the Grand Central Mall for shopping, and in-neighborhood schools.

Near downtown is the Julia-Ann Square Historic District, West Virginia’s oldest historic district. Wealthy professionals and figures built the homes in the 19th century and Queen Anne styles, with opulent towers, front porches, and custom details.

South Parkersburg is slightly less populated but still has some great housing options and amenities. Among these is easy access to the Northwestern Turnpike and I-77 highways, Fort Boreman Park, and the South Hills Golf Course. Shopping and restaurants are concentrated around Pike St/Highway 14, but you’ll find more retailers scattered around the area.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Parkersburg, WV?

There is waterfront real estate as it sits at the confluence of two major rivers in West Virginia. This is slightly harder to find in Parkersburg as much of the waterfront is either dedicated to commercial ventures or a park.

That said, you can find waterfront real estate. Just be patient. April 2023 only had three listings, with two on the Ohio River and one on the Little Kanawha River. You may wish to broaden your search outside city limits.

How is golf in Parkersburg, WV?

Inside Parkersburg, you have two golf course options. Worthington Golf Club is a public course designed by AP Taylor in 1941. It plays over 6,106 yards from the back tees.

South Hills Golf Course runs 6,442 yards from its back tees. It rates par 71 and opened in 1935. It’s on the south side of Parkersburg.

If you head just out of town north to Vienna, you have perhaps the highest-rated option for the metro. The Parkersburg Country Club opened in 1903 as the state’s first country club. It has an 18-hole course, tennis facilities, swimming pools, and a pro shop. The heated swimming pool has a baby pool with a shallow entrance and an attached sports bar.

Are there golf course communities in Parkersburg, WV?

Formal golfing communities aren’t in Parkersburg, but you can find homes with golf course views. Look to the southeastern part of the Worthington Hills Golf Course. Some homes along Golf and Greenview Drive overlook the fairways.

What areas are near Parkersburg, WV?

As mentioned earlier, Parkersburg is a jumping-off point for outdoor recreation, with several parks, rivers, and lakes in the greater region. The city has 130 acres of parkland, with playgrounds, sports courts, and walking trails.

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, south of Parkersburg on the Ohio River, can only be reached by boat. The 500 acres feature a historic mansion, museum, and hiking trails.

Vienna is a small town just north of Parkersburg. Its perks include the area’s best shopping options at the Grand Central Mall, and the previously mentioned Parkersburg Country Club. It’s also waterfront to the Ohio River.

Head north on I-77 to cross the Ohio River into Marietta, Ohio, a historic city with a charming downtown area. Marietta’s attractions are its antique shops and riverboat cruises.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is a public community college just outside the city limits. It is independent from WVU over in Morgantown. The college enrolls just over 2,500 for its four-year degree programs.

What to know about living in Parkersburg, WV

Part of life in West Virginia is the four-season climate. Summers in Parkersburg can be hot and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. Spring and fall are the most mild and pleasant.

The town is a biking hotspot with 72 miles of converted rail trails and over 225 miles of mountain bike single-track trails in the greater metro. One of the most popular is the North Bend Rail Trail as its scenic features include 36 bridges and ten tunnels.

And if you love a good small-town festival, Parkersburg has you covered with 13 promoted by the area’s visitor bureau. Some top draws are Downtown Throwdown & Brewfest, The TOP food and wine festival, Parkersburg Homecoming, and the Parkersburg Paddlefest. These fun and friendly festivals, plus events like the Half Marathon and antique car shows, add to life’s character here.

So that’s Parkersburg in a nutshell: a riverfront mountain town in the heart of West Virginia’s north-central region. Life here is about enjoying people. Many festivals and annual events highlight the local arts community and region’s natural bounty.

If you’re considering living in Parkersburg, WV, or moving anywhere in West Virginia, contact a local real estate agent to find the right neighborhood.