Get to Know Wheeling, WV

Looking to nail down where to call home? Why not the “Nail Capital of the World,” Wheeling, West Virginia? Also called “the Friendly City,” Wheeling will charm you with its storied history, beautiful Appalachian mountain views, downright friendly people, and amazing outdoor activities.

So what will you find in this part of the Mountain State? A drive down I-70, and the Iconic architecture stands out even from the highway. But pull off, and you’ll find incredible parks, delicious local eats and drinks, and plenty of entertainment venues. It’s a combination of sights and sounds you won’t find anywhere else in West Virginia.

Come look at what makes Wheeling, WV, such an exciting place to live! Our profile will give you an overview of what makes this West Virginia small town unique and how you can find some affordable real estate in Wheeling.

About Wheeling, WV

Look out any window, and you’ll see Wheeling is surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, but it wasn’t the view that brought European settlers: it was the riches inside those hills.

Wheeling started as a transportation hub thanks to the steamboats chugging vital mountain resources up and down the Ohio River waterways. Settled in the late 18th century, Wheeling played a significant role in the development of the American frontier and the transportation industry, particularly during this era.

With iron and metals mined from the nearby hillsides, it became a “nail capital of the world,” producing thousands of cut iron nails shipped to destinations like Pittsburgh, about 60 miles northeast.

As an industrial center, its residents became wealthy, as seen in the beautiful mansions and homes around the city landscape. That wealth helped it serve as the West Virginia capital from 1863 to 1870.

Today it is the Ohio County seat, a regional center for the entire West Virginia panhandle, and rural Ohio across the river.

Uniquely, Wheeling Island is the most populated island in the Ohio River. It connects to the main city over bridges. The island is a popular recreational area thanks to a casino, hotel, and greyhound racing track.

What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV?

If you want more money to stay in your pocket rather than going to goods and services, West Virginia could be a great place to live. Wheeling is about 4% less expensive overall than West Virginia’s average but almost 24% less than the national average.

When you break down the categories, housing is where you’ll realize the most significant savings. The average house costs about 73% less than the national rate. But you’ll also find some notable savings in transportation and utilities. You may spend a little more on health care and your miscellaneous costs, like child care or entertainment.

Is Wheeling, WV growing?

Wheeling is not a packed place to live, although it’s the state’s fifth-largest municipality. With 26,500 residents, you could call it a large town versus a small city. And that count represented about half of Ohio County’s total population, an estimated 41,447 persons in 2021.

Its population declined by 1.6% from 2010 to 2020, following the statewide trend of gradual loss over the decades.

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

Wheeling had 171 homes for sale as of May 2023. At a median list price of $155,000, prices were up 6.8% year over year. The options ranged from $2,000 for a vacant lot to $1.8M for a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home on 27.8 acres with hilltop views of West Virginia and Ohio.

But for that month’s median price, you could purchase a condo or townhome sized around 1,500 sq ft, a vacant lot about 4,800 sq ft, or a single-family home of 1,500 sq ft on 0.6 acres.

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

Looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle? For such a small town, Wheeling does deliver some interesting options. May 2023 had 18 listings in this category, ranging from $76,000 for a 693 sq ft condo to $310,000 for a 1,600 sq ft condo. The choices were spread out across the city.

Pick from downtown living, where you can walk to dining and shops, or further out of town, where life is quieter, but you’ll need a car to get around.

What is the property tax rate for Wheeling, WV?

Housing is one advantage of living in West Virginia, and its affordability carries over into real estate taxes. In Wheeling, the total residential property tax millage rate in 2022 was 1.4968. That amount includes the school district, bonds, county, and municipal charges.

Note that the collection and enforcement of taxes is actually handled by the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office. The Ohio County Property Assessor is a different entity and wholly handles valuation.

What county is Wheeling, WV in?

Welcome to Ohio County, part of the Appalachian Mountain region bordering the state of Ohio. Long an important manufacturing and resource hub, Ohio County has a diversified economy with tourism, education, and healthcare as leading sectors. It benefits from its location on the Ohio River and Interstate 70 running through its borders, as it sees more people passing through and acts as a transportation hub for regional products.

The county is part of a unique region in West Virginia known as the “Northern Panhandle.” It’s a skinny slice of real estate between Ohio and Pennsylvania. So you have West Virginia to your north and south, Ohio to the west, and Pennsylvania to the east. It’s also the state’s third-smallest county by land area.

Ohio County’s other towns are Triadelphia and West Liberty. Bethlehem, Clearview, and Valley Grove are recognized villages.

What neighborhoods are in Wheeling, WV?

Elm Grove is a historic part of Wheeling, personified in its iconic stone arch bridge spanning Little Wheeling Creek. It meets up with Wheeling Creek as it winds its way to the Ohio River.

Elm Grove feels a world away from downtown, as it’s more eastward along I-70, but it’s got everything residents need to serve their daily needs. Find grocery stores, fast food, a popular toy train museum, and community parks.

The Woodsdale-Edgewood Neighborhood Historic District is part of what locals call an “Out the Pike” neighborhood, one eastward in the Wheeling Creek Valley off Bethany Pike. It’s a national architectural treasure with almost 1,000 buildings built between 1888 and 1945. Find an incredible mix of classic styles like the Shingle, Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, American Foursquare, Colonial Revival, and Bungalow! There are four rare and unique Lustron houses, too. It’s primarily residential, but you’ll find a bowling alley, some taverns, and pocket parks.

The Warwood neighborhood name comes from the Warwood Tool Company, founded in 1854 and relocated here in the early 1900s. The whole area has a deep industrial history, but today it’s very residential and feels more like a suburb. Locals are close to grocery stores, shops, and offices. It has a pocket park that hosts a summer concert series, and there is a neighborhood association.

Oglebay is nestled around a 2,000-acre public park. Originally part of local mine developer and banker Earl W. Oglebay’s summer estate, this community possesses a spacious suburban vibe with generously-sized yards and homes. Oglebay Park is the main draw, where the recreational activities include the local zoo, hiking, skiing, fishing, and tennis. Explore the gardens, mansion, and Glass Museums to glimpse the area’s rich history.

You’ll find many other charming enclaves around Wheeling, often small towns annexed into the expanding city during the early 1900s. These include Echo Point, Pleasant Valley, Mozart, and Fulton.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Wheeling, WV?

Wheeling isn’t a massive waterfront town, but it does have one unique feature for a West Virginia town: an island! If you’re fortunate, perhaps you can find a historic home on Wheeling Island in the middle of the Ohio River.

Once called Zane’s Island, this sought-after area sits between West Virginia and Bridgeport, Ohio, directly opposite North Wheeling and Downtown. The island became more desirable when the impressive Wheeling Suspension Bridge was erected in 1849. The wealthy elite built opulent Victorian-style homes that stand proud along the riverbanks. Floods couldn’t deter residents, who adapted by raising the houses onto higher foundations.

Wheeling Island feels self-sustained, with schools, churches, restaurants, and parks. For entertainment, check out the sports games at Wheeling Island Stadium and or play the tables at the Wheeling Island Casino Resort. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for on the island, a quick walk or bike across the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge or a drive across the Fort Henry Bridge will transport you to Downtown Wheeling in no time.

Outside of that, any waterfront properties are most likely to be on a creek or run, like on the winding Wheeling Creek that works through town.

How is golf in Wheeling, WV?

You’ll be pleasantly surprised and pleased to discover Oglebay Golf Resort in Wheeling. It’s not one course but four well-designed courses set in a modernized golfing resort, complete with programming, accommodations, and dining.

Its Wheeling Park Golf Course is a nine-hole executive course open year-round, except for adverse weather. The Crispin course runs 5,670 yards in the heart of the resort. Robert Trent Jones, Sr, designed the eponymous Jones course and its 7,000 yards from the championship tees. The Jones course has hosted the West Virginia LPGA Classic for over a decade. Arnold Palmer designed its newest course, a par 71 championship layout appropriately called the Palmer course.

What areas are near Wheeling, WV?

Located just south of Wheeling, Bethlehem is a small community on I-470 known for its industrial heritage. It’s sandwiched between Wheeling, which makes an “n” shape around it. It was once home to a large steel mill and has since transitioned to other industries.

The village of Bridgeport lies across the river in Ohio. It is known for its scenic riverfront views and feels more like part of Wheeling than a city in another state.

Just upriver, Martins Ferry, Ohio, is that state’s oldest settlement. The historic downtown was one of the earliest designed with grid-like streets for easy getting around. Attractions include the Sedgwick House Museum and a historic church walking tour. The Strawberry Festival and Winterfest are two favorite community events.

Head east on I-70, and you’ll be in Pittsburgh within an hour, giving Wheeling residents access to an airport and more modern conveniences like big-brand shopping malls, medical care, and entertainment venues.

What to know about living in Wheeling, WV

You can’t miss the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, a National Historic Landmark and one of the city’s iconic landmarks. Built in 1849, at that time it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Today you can walk across the bridge to enjoy views of the river and the city.

In downtown Wheeling, residents shop at the historic Centre Market, a Victorian-era mall featuring local shops, restaurants, and businesses. It’s home to the Wheeling Artisan Center, which showcases and sells the work of local artisans. Tip: try a Coleman fish sandwich while out shopping.

Wheeling University, a private Catholic university, is in north Wheeling and enrolls around 580 students in nursing, athletic training, business, education, and physical therapy programs.

Locals and visitors also love Wheeling Park, a sprawling attraction that has been a beloved destination since 1925. Take to the water with a pedal boat on the peaceful lake. Delight in the rock garden, take in the “Madonna of the Trail” statue or enjoy live performances at the outdoor theater during summer. Enjoy a spin around the ice rink or a round of golf on the classic 1920s course for more active adventures.

Besides the golf courses, Oglebay Resort has beautiful gardens, a zoo, horseback riding, walking trails, and the Oglebay Institute Glass Museum. The museum provides cultural and educational programs.

WesBanco Arena is a multi-purpose arena that hosts the minor league hockey Wheeling Nailers, the indoor football West Virginia Roughriders, and other events like concerts and trade shows.

If Wheeling sounds like it has the right amount of charm and pizazz for you, contact a local real estate agent to explore the many quaint neighborhoods around town and in the surrounding hillside.