c.1890 Three Bedroom West Virginia Storefront With Apartment $59K

If interested in the property, please contact the seller whose link is provided via FB Marketplace. Independent verification of details and status is recommended. All Rights Reserved ©2016 Old Houses Under $50K 

50 Kentucky St, Wheeling, WV 26003  $$59,000

Contact Realtor: Erica Tamburin

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Niche

This was the home of Howard Oliver per an 1890 Wheeling newspaper article. Howard was a traveling salesman who lived in the home with  his wife Laura and young son Howard Jr. The family renter the upstair apartment

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Pros

1. Affordability

   • The cost of living in Wheeling is significantly lower than the U.S. average.

   • Housing is very affordable: median home values are much lower than many regions.

   • Low property taxes and low business/operational costs in the region.

2. Outdoor & Recreational Assets

   • Wheeling has very good access to nature and outdoor spaces. For example, Oglebay Park is a major attraction with trails, zoo, and more.

   • The city sits by the Ohio River and has trails, parks and water-based recreation.

3. Education & Schools

   • The region has solid education outcomes: high school graduation rates are good for the area.

   • There are private and public school options, and colleges nearby.

4. Sense of Community & Smaller-City Feel

   • Many residents appreciate the friendly, smaller city atmosphere

   • Commute times are relatively short: average commute around 19 minutes.

5. Location & Connectivity

   • Wheeling’s location allows day-trips or access to larger nearby cities (e.g., Pittsburgh) for work or leisure.

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Cons

1. Limited Job Market / Economic Growth

   • While there are jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, education and tourism, growth and high-paying opportunities are more limited than in larger metro areas.

   • Some sources highlight that job growth has been negative or minimal in recent years.

2. Population Decline & Small Urban Base

   • The population of the city has declined over recent years, which can impact vibrancy, services and long-term growth.

   • With fewer people, some amenities may be limited compared to larger cities.

3. Crime & Safety Concerns

   • Some areas have elevated crime rates relative to national averages, particularly property crime and some violent crime.

   • Depending on neighborhood, one may need to do more research into safety. One local comment:

     “Lotsa druggies and dealers… I think it’s the creepiest city I’ve ever known after about 7pm.”

4. Amenities & Entertainment Are More Limited

   • Compared to major metropolitan areas, there may be fewer high-end retail, nightlife, cultural events, and niche amenities. One resident said:

     “The job market is really bad… There just isn’t a lot of young people left …”

   • Public transportation is less robust, and depending on the neighborhood access to amenities may require driving.

5. Housing Market & Infrastructure Issues

   • Many homes are older, may need significant upkeep or repair.

   • Some flood risk is present (near river/creek) and aging infrastructure in parts of the city.

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