Best Place to live in WV? (Parkersburg: home, buyer, cabinet)

[Ceezer]

I'll put my bid in for Parkersburg. It's not got as much going on as cities like Huntington or Charleston, as far as 'big city living', but I think it may be an area that interests you. Here's why: there's ALWAYS something going on. They had the Multi-cultural festival this past weekend. July 4th is the Red, White & Blues fest in Marietta (across and down river about 7 miles). The following weekend Marietta is hosting the Powerboat Superleague World Championships. WORLD Championships. This is an event that only comes to the US on random years and this is the 2nd time it's been held in Marietta. In consecutive years. There's the Sternwheel Festival in Marietta in September. Parkersburg & Belpre (directly across the river) have very nice Homecoming events in the fall. And this is just to name a few. Most events take place on the banks of The Ohio River. I guess Marietta gets a little more action because it's the confluence of the rivers Ohio & Muskingum (the same location George Washington claimed to be the greatest place to live).

In the event there isn't anything actively going on, there's lots to see. Marietta was the first established settlement in the Northwest Territories. There is lots of historic sites and things to see, including General Rufus Putnam's original house enclosed in the Campus Martus Museum. Marietta also has Rossi Pasta (world-renown) and Colony Theater. Years ago it was called the Hippodrome. It's got lots of history associated with it, including being the original Broadway. It was the place to be for theatrics and stage back in the day. There are several burial mounds, including nearby Serpentine Mound. This is not all there is to see, just a few options. In Williamstown (directly across from Marietta, usually involved in the festivities) there is Fenton Art Glass (also world-renown, but I hear it's soon to go out of business) and Henderson Hall (the grandson was Archibald Henderson, the "Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps" who served 40 years as Commandant). In Belpre is (again, world-renown) Lee Middleton Doll factory (they do tours, as does Fenton & Rossi). Old Man's Caves is a short drive away, and you're 1.5-2 hours away from cities like Columbus, Charleston & Pittsburg if you wanted some big-city action.

I think the Mid-Ohio is a good location for someone that likes action & adventure but doesn't need it spoon-fed to them. It's very family-oriented so if you're not the neighborly type then you might not enjoy the festivities because they really serve to bring everyone together for a little relaxation & fun. If you like the outdoors & adventure then I could go on forever about the camping/hiking/fishing/etc possibilities in the area. If you like the arts then there are some nice little theaters in Pburg & Mtta, as well as nice (new & used) bookstores. If you wanted to pick up a little Adult Education then there are a half-dozen schools to choose from. If you want to stay home for a quiet evening in then you won't be bombarded by the ambient noise of a busy/bustling city. If you want more privacy, heading only 6-8 miles outside of town will get you some acreage.

Now the bad. Work possibilities are somewhat limited. I'm not sure about the options for someone with your background, but I ended up leaving because work was hard to come by at the time. I know there's been lots of development and growth in the MOV recenly, but to what extent I'm not sure. You'll definitely want to have something secured before heading that way.

As with everyone here, I love the area I grew up in (but I think any of the aforementioned cities would be good for me, too). I have only found a limited number of locations outside of WV that I'd be happy to call home and I've been just about everywhere.

I apologize for my ramblings but hope that maybe you'll be able to sift something useful of of it.

*Edit - oh yeah, Parkersburg also has an active drive-in theater. That's GOTTA be a bonus!

[David Kennedy]

Thanks Cheezer for that great Post...we don't hear enough about Parkersburg...perhaps some of these bloggers will give you some brownie points for this information...

Henderson Hall is on my 'do list this summer,when I have a free day...and a return trip to Blennerhaset..
Parkersburg/Marietta was a gateway to the west...great migration from Morgantown to that area and Kentucky in the 1799/1805's...after the whiskey rebellion.
Was a short cut to the Ohio from Clarksburg...and the salt wells of Kanawha...The Shawnee indian towns were on the Muskingum. They built wicker huts and covered them with clay...year-round dwellings...Loaded with history...just as you said!

[WVUPharm2007]

I grew up in Parkersburg. It's an odd little town.

[snorpus]

Just FYI, Fenton has had a bit of a reprieve, and while they've cut production (only producing for firm orders from dealers, not for inventory), there's hope they'll be able to survive.

Might be a good year to give your sweetie a nice bowl or vase for Christmas.

[harborlady]

Ohh I love their work. Smart move on their part- the economy is pretty shaky in america right now, and global inflation is looming large.

[genesee]

Sorry to regress.. but about Parkersburg, Charleston tv channel wchs did a great story on the trans-allegheny bookstore in downtown. I had the chance to hang out there and visit the great arts center that is also downtown. Just a lovely city.
Trans Allegheny Books: Traveling West Virginia from Eyewitness News

[jjshphrd]

We are planning on retiring to Vienna, W.VA. It is a suburb of Parkersburg. We lived in Parkersburg about 26 years ago and I really liked it! Yes, it does have 4 seasons and I am sooooooooo ready for that! We have been living in southeast Texas, near Houston. You might want to check Vienna out.

[David Kennedy]

Texas has four seasons...Hot....Hot....HOTTER...and RAIN...drowns the rattlesnakes in the wide cracks of the front yard...You won't have much of that here...

[citybilly]

Originally Posted by David Kennedy

Texas has four seasons...Hot....Hot....HOTTER...and RAIN...drowns the rattlesnakes in the wide cracks of the front yard...You won't have much of that here...

Houston. aahhh, springtime in Houston. Daybreak brings the soft kiss of stifling humidity on the wings of flying cockroaches.

[Threerun]

Originally Posted by snorpus

Just FYI, Fenton has had a bit of a reprieve, and while they've cut production (only producing for firm orders from dealers, not for inventory), there's hope they'll be able to survive.

Might be a good year to give your sweetie a nice bowl or vase for Christmas.

I wish they would tweak their production in an effort to attract new (read younger) buyers. A lamp they offer is the same style and color lamp my grandmother bought... in 1950.

Not that there is anything wrong with that, but geez, you've got to adapt and attract to survive.

But Parkersburg is a nice place. Wasn't it jokingly called the city that goes to bed at 9p.m. or something like that?