Welcome to Parkersburg, a charming city combining small-town appeal and ample opportunities. This lively town in West Virginia has an exciting past and lots of property– whether you want to put down roots or make an investment. We take an in-depth look at what it’s like to live in Parkersburg and will also provide a comprehensive guide to buying real estate here, from cozy cottages to grand estates!
The Appeal of Parkersburg
Parkersburg is a town with undeniable appeal. It has quaint neighborhoods, a bustling downtown area, and a friendly community of more than 29,000 people. Whether you like parks, islands, or both, there are plenty of interesting places to visit in and around Parkersburg.

Parkersburg is a hidden gem with lots to offer. This small town has a great community spirit that makes people feel welcome—plus there are plenty of things to do! There’s so much going on for all ages, from sports and leisure facilities to shopping centers and restaurants (just take your pick), that you might wonder whether residents ever get bored.
The city has beautiful parks that attract visitors. City Park and Fort Boreman Park are great places to walk, have picnics, or play sports. In addition to these lovely outdoor spaces, fantastic schools are nearby; for example, Blennerhassett Elementary School and Jackson Middle School both have top ratings.
Economic Opportunities
Parkersburg is well endowed with economic opportunities. Numerous vital players across different industries, such as health care, manufacturing, and financial services, are in the city. Here, education, retail business, and professional services are seen as the most important sectors of employment.
The pleasant municipality offers many well-paying job opportunities provided by some of the largest employers, such as Dupont and Hino Motors. Several Fortune 500 companies operate within this area.
Therefore, Parkersburg is a stable and promising city for residents and investors, given its low unemployment rate, which rivals that of top U.S. cities. Hence, this city should top your list if you are looking for a place with different jobs and business opportunities!
The Real Estate Market in Parkersburg is Solid

Affordability and Value
Parkersburg is a lovely city with many affordable properties. Whether buying your first home or looking for an investment opportunity, Parkersburg has something for everyone. Data from Zillow shows that the median house price in this area is much lower than the national average– great news if you want to purchase real estate without spending a fortune.
Plus, because Parkersburg is close to big cities such as Columbus and Charleston, there is lots of development going on right now; while prices have been going up steadily overall, they still haven’t reached what anyone would call “high” by any means!
Just like all cities, Parkersburg has various neighborhoods with unique charm. Here are a couple of noteworthy ones:
- Woodland Park: Situated by the Ohio River, this area has some nice houses with extensive gardens; if you like the sound of living in a peaceful suburb, this could be for you.
- North Parkersburg: If you want to be near downtown (or work there) and have shops and restaurants nearby, North Parkersburg is great. It’s popular with families and young professionals.
- Windsor Estates: Windsor Estates is ideal for people who want to live somewhere peaceful, with tidy streets and well-maintained houses.
- Scott Depot: Scott Depot is getting bigger all the time. Some of the homes here have been around for ages, but plenty more were built recently!
Real Estate Market Insights
The real estate market in Parkersburg is thriving. The average home value has increased by 5.2% to reach $141,052. This indicates both increased supply and overall higher demand. Indeed, some houses are being snapped up within 19 days of going on the market!
If you are looking to invest in rental properties, note that there is a high demand for rentals in this area. Renters include families and young professionals– making it an attractive option for people who want to invest long-term.
In addition, more development projects are planned for the future. These include Market Street Landing and expanding the University Town Center. When these projects are finished, property values in Parkersburg will increase even more!
Living in Parkersburg

Cultural and Recreational Activities
Parkersburg is a lively city with a mix of cultural and recreational activities for residents. Art lovers can check out local art at places like The Artcraft Studio Museum or Parkersburg Art Center.
If you prefer being outdoors, go biking in Fort Boreman Park, enjoy water sports on the Ohio River from Point Park, which also has excellent bird-watching opportunities, or have fun with friends and family at one of the many playgrounds!
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and North Bend State Park are great places to camp, hike, or picnic while enjoying the beautiful natural scenery.
But there’s more! Parkersburg has many events happening year-round, like concerts, art shows, and festivals– plus some excellent historical sites. This West Virginia town has it all: small-city charm with big-city perks!
Education and Healthcare
Parkersburg takes pride in its exceptional healthcare and education facilities. Residents can choose from several top-rated schools and public and private colleges.
Some of the best-known schools in town include Parkersburg High School, Lubeck Elementary School, and Vienna Elementary School. Those who wish to further their education have several options, including West Virginia University at Parkersburg and Wood County Christian School.
The healthcare system boasts modern facilities and highly skilled providers who deliver exceptional resident care. WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center and St Joseph’s Hospital are among the top hospitals.
Community and Lifestyle
One event that locals love is the yearly Parkersburg Homecoming Festival. This arts and music event draws former residents from all over the country and tourists from neighboring states.
The city also offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes. If you’re in the mood for classic home cooking, Der Dog Haus and Smitty’s Pizza Place are solid choices. For those who enjoy great coffee, The Coffee Bar is sure to please. If you prefer craft beer, check out North End Tavern & Brewery, where you can enjoy a pint (or two).
If you are a shopaholic, you can find charming small shops such as Moomoos Boutique and Pure American Naturals. You can even visit Grand Central Mall, which has bigger stores.
Transportation and Accessibility
Parkersburg is known for being easy to get to—whether you’re driving, flying, or taking the train. Once you arrive, getting around is a breeze, too. The Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport has daily flights to big cities like Chicago and Washington D.C., while in town, there are buses, taxis, and rental cars for further travel.
If you drive to Parkersburg, it is conveniently located near several major interstate highways. These include I-77 and I-79, which connect the city with nearby states. Unlike many big cities, Parkersburg does not suffer from severe traffic problems– so getting to work and back is easy!
Overall Conclusion on Living and Buying Real Estate in Parkersburg
In conclusion, Parkersburg is a very appealing city with an excellent quality of life– making it perfect if you want to buy real estate or property somewhere lovely without breaking the bank. It doesn’t just offer good job prospects for young professionals; there are also lots of activities for families and retired folk (and crime rates are low, too).
This has created an inviting community feel. When you consider safety, opportunities available, and how far your money will go, this welcoming city starts looking like an increasingly smart bet for real estate investment and building a happy life. It’s no wonder more and more individuals have started calling Parkersburg home sweet home!