Parkersburg, WV Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Parkersburg, WV: What You Need to Know

Parkersburg, West Virginia, is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers. The city’s rich history is punctuated by a political intrigue involving Aaron Burr and Harman Blennerhassett. 

Things to Do in Parkersburg, WV

Blennerhassett Island, located just off the city’s shoreline on the Ohio River, is a unique attraction. Wealthy Anglo-Irish landowners Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett settled on the island in 1798. It was where Blennerhassett and Aaron Burr allegedly planned a secret military enterprise in 1806. President Thomas Jefferson accused both men of plotting treason with a plan to separate the American West from the Union. Burr was tried and acquitted. Blennerhassett was imprisoned, but eventually released. Today, you can tour the Blennerhassett mansion and explore the island. Parkersburg is a great place for biking, with over 225 miles of single-track trail and 72 miles of rail trail. At Mountwood Park, you’ll find 35 miles of trail surrounding a lake. 

Local History

The area was originally called Newport, but renamed Parkersburg in 1810, in honor of Alexander Parker. He laid out the town on land granted to him for his service in the American Revolutionary War. Parkersburg was chartered as a city in 1860. It served as a transportation and medical hub for Union forces during the Civil War. 

What is the Cost of Living in Parkersburg, WV?

Parkersburg (population: 29,306) is one of the five largest cities in West Virginia. It’s hard to beat the city’s affordability with an average housing cost that’s 44.5% lower than the national average and median gross rent at $674. Its cost of living rate and food costs are 11.9% and 43.4% lower than the national average, respectively. The Mountain State collects 3% to 6.5% in income tax and 6% in statewide sales tax. Some cities charge an additional sales tax of up to 1%.

What are the Best Neighborhoods in Parkersburg, WV?

Residents appreciate their hometown’s excellent amenities and friendly environment, although some admitted the city could use more culture and entertainment. If you’re looking for top-notch public schools, check out the suburbs of Williamstown and Boaz. Their schools have higher rankings than those in Parkersburg.

Weather and Climate

Parkersburg’s proximity to rivers means the possibility of floods. The city’s worst flooding occurred on Jan. 26, 1937. A combination of melting snow and 19 days of rain brought the Ohio River’s floodwater in Parkersburg to a peak of 55.4 feet, which was 19.4 feet above flood stage. Total damage was estimated at about $500 million, the equivalent of $8.9 billion today.