Parkersburg area? (rental, low crime, job market)

[tucker]

We are considering a move to the Parkersburg area and wondered if anyone had any general information on the community, good and bad. We have two small boys, so information related to children would be much appreciated.

[paula10468]

I will try to give you the little bit I know,, My son attends college at OVU. He is happy livining there. I thihk the rental rates are fairly reasonable. I at leat knwo his is. Therw are som major big high chools there too

They have a very nice park, its right around the coner from my sons duplex.Lots of shopping too,

Good Luck with the move!!! Paula

[bluesteyesinwv]

i have lived in the parkersburg vienna area all of my life, and i wouldnt live anywhere else you have all you need here low crime great schools i also have two boys, history, and beautiful parks.

[tucker]

Thanks for your comments....we are at the point of a site visit, so hopefully we'll see in person the benefits. Appreciate your help.

[WV_Proud]

Hi, I live in Ritchie County which is the next county over from Parkersburg. I work in Parkersburg and am a native of there. It is a nice town with friendly folks, reasonable amount of shopping and restaurants as well. The job market is not so great and the pay scale is pretty low. On the other hand rent is extremely reasonable. Hope this helps. If you have specific questions I'd be happy to try to help.
Marilyn

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Definitely the best thing in Parkersburg (aside from the people) is the cost of living. For shopping there's the mall and Wal-Mart. I live in Waverly which is just outside the city limits. There are also lots of restaraunts. Schools here are very good. St. Joseph's and Camden-Clarke are the two main hospitals here. Weather-wise it doesn't get really cold here until after Christmas; the rest of the time it's mostly like one long fall season followed by a long and humid summer. I wish they'd pave the roads more often, though!

[brucebw]

I grew up in Belpre and now live in Knoxville, TN. I would recommend the Parkersburg area to anyone. You never deal with violent crime. Traffic is light. People are fantastic. Weather is pretty good considering how far North it is. Cost of living is about the lowest in the country. The only criticism I would have of the area is the lack of sporting events and culture. You will find none of that. But, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Cincy and Cleveland are all within 3 hours driving time.

[amcpeak]

I was wondering about the diversity of Parkersburg?
Would you describe people in general as opened minded and friendly?
Is the town predominantly conservative or progressive or a mix?

We are considering a move there for a job

[WVUPharm2007]

Originally Posted by amcpeak

I was wondering about the diversity of Parkersburg?
Would you describe people in general as opened minded and friendly?
Is the town predominantly conservative or progressive or a mix?

We are considering a move there for a job

It's mostly white, Christian folks in a hybrid Midwestern/Appalachian culture. The people are generally very friendly, moderately open-minded, and politically conservative. Though you will find all sorts of folks around town - and business that cater to said ethnicities/cultures/whathaveyou. If you look hard enough you will find gay bars like Club Utopia, hangouts where black folks like to go like the Legion near the post office, and so on.

[amcpeak]

Thanks for the info