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Jose Perez best-worst

Things Parkersburg needs to improve

We have two kids and Poverty rate is 19.0%, which is higher than I expected. Median household income is $44,675, which feels on the lower side for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up.
8 upvotes

3 Replies

Donald K.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Fairview for 4 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
matthew_lover
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a HR manager, 40, moved here 10 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Riverside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.

**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
16 upvotes
tucsonmind2020
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
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