We have had the privilege of photographing hundreds of homes, properties, and parcels of land across the Mid-Ohio Valley. From our drone cameras hovering above historic rooftops to our ground-level lenses capturing the warmth of a front porch at golden hour, we have seen this region from every angle imaginable. Along the way, we have developed a deep appreciation for the neighborhoods that make this part of Ohio and West Virginia such a special place to call home.
Whether you are relocating to the area, looking for your first home, or searching for the perfect property to invest in, the Mid-Ohio Valley offers an incredible range of neighborhoods that combine affordability, community, and natural beauty in a way that is hard to find anywhere else. As a real estate photography team that works with agents and homeowners throughout the region, we have a front-row seat to the housing market here, and we want to share what we have learned.
Here are our top 10 neighborhoods, chosen not just for their curb appeal, but for the quality of life they offer the people who live there.
1. Historic Downtown Marietta, OH
We are based in Marietta for a reason. As Ohio's oldest city, founded in 1788 at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, downtown Marietta is a place where history and modern living blend seamlessly. The brick-lined streets are home to locally owned shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. We have photographed everything from stately Victorian homes along the tree-canopied avenues of Third and Fourth Streets to charming bungalows tucked into quieter side streets, and every property here has a story to tell.
What makes downtown Marietta stand out is its walkability. You can stroll to the Farmers Market on a Saturday morning, grab coffee at a local cafe, and walk along the riverfront trail all before lunch. Marietta College anchors the cultural life of the neighborhood, and events like the Sternwheel Festival and River City Blues bring the community together throughout the year. With a median home price that sits well below the national average, it is one of the most livable historic downtowns in the entire Ohio River Valley.
2. Harmar Village, Marietta, OH
Just across the Muskingum River from downtown sits Harmar Village, and honestly, it is one of our favorite places to shoot. The light hits differently over here. The historic homes, many dating back to the 1800s, have a character that photographs beautifully, especially from the air where you can see how the neighborhood is nestled right at the point where the two rivers meet.
Harmar has a personality all its own. The village is home to antique shops, cozy eateries, the Henry Fearing House Museum, and beautifully restored train cars that pay tribute to the area's railroad heritage. It is a tight-knit community where neighbors know each other by name and front porches are still used for conversation, not just decoration. If you are looking for a home with genuine historic charm in a neighborhood that feels like a small town within a small town, Harmar Village is hard to beat.
3. Devola, OH
When we drive out to Devola for a real estate shoot, the pace changes. The roads open up, the lots get bigger, and the landscape shifts to rolling hills and mature hardwoods. Devola is a quiet, residential community just east of Marietta that attracts families and retirees who want space and privacy without being far from town. It consistently ranks as one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Marietta area, and the homes here reflect that, with well-maintained properties on generous lots that give us plenty to work with when we are framing a shot.
The neighborhood has a rural feel, but it is not remote. You are still just minutes from Marietta's schools, shopping, and healthcare. Most residents own their homes, and there is a strong sense of pride in the community. If you want acreage, a big yard for the kids, or simply a quieter pace of life with beautiful surroundings, Devola delivers.
4. Vienna, WV
Cross the Ohio River into West Virginia and you will find Vienna, a community that consistently earns recognition as one of the best places to live in the state. We photograph a lot of homes in Vienna, and what strikes us every time is how well the town balances suburban convenience with a genuine neighborhood feel. The streets are clean, the yards are well-kept, and the schools are excellent. Vienna has three elementary schools, a well-regarded middle school, and feeds into Parkersburg High School.
The Grand Central Mall area provides easy access to shopping, dining, and services, but Vienna does not feel like a strip-mall suburb. The residential streets are lined with mature trees, and many of the neighborhoods have a quiet, established character. The cost of living here is remarkably low compared to national averages, with average home values in the $180,000 to $250,000 range and average rents that are roughly 56% below the national average. For families looking for value, safety, and good schools, Vienna is one of the strongest options in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
5. Williamstown, WV
Williamstown is one of those places that surprises people. It is a small town, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to community spirit. We have photographed homes here where the sellers told us they hated to leave, and we understand why. The local schools are a point of pride, with strong community involvement in sports, music, and extracurricular programs. The town is walkable, safe, and genuinely friendly in a way that you can feel the moment you arrive.
From a real estate perspective, Williamstown offers solid value. The average home value sits around $215,000, and taxes tend to be lower than in surrounding areas. The homes range from classic mid-century builds to newer construction, and the lots are generous. We have captured some beautiful aerial shots of Williamstown that show just how green and well-maintained the town is, with the Ohio River providing a stunning natural backdrop. If you are raising a family and want a community that will wrap its arms around you, Williamstown belongs on your shortlist.
6. Belpre, OH
Belpre holds a special place in our hearts and in Ohio's history. As the second-oldest settlement in the state, this riverfront city has been welcoming families since the late 1700s. Today, it is a peaceful community that sits along the Ohio River directly across from Parkersburg, giving residents easy access to both sides of the valley.
We have photographed some truly beautiful properties in Belpre, from historic homes with original architectural details to newer builds with sweeping river views. The Belpre City School District is well-regarded, and the city takes pride in its parks, seasonal festivals, and active civic life. The median home price hovers around $210,000 to $245,000, which is very reasonable for the quality of life you get. Belpre has a warmth to it, a sense that this is a place where roots grow deep and neighbors genuinely look out for one another. When we are shooting a listing here, we always try to capture that feeling, because it is one of the biggest selling points of the community.
7. Briarwood, Parkersburg, WV
Briarwood is ranked as the number one neighborhood in Parkersburg, and after spending time there with our cameras, we can see why. This is a neighborhood that feels tucked away from the world. The homes are beautiful, the streets are quiet, and the natural surroundings, with rolling hills, mature woods, and an abundance of wildlife, give it a peaceful, almost retreat-like quality.
It is a family-friendly neighborhood with a strong sense of community. Residents describe it as dog-friendly, nature-rich, and genuinely neighborly. From a photography standpoint, Briarwood is a dream. The combination of well-maintained homes set against a backdrop of lush greenery makes every listing we shoot here look like something out of a magazine. If you are looking for a quiet, safe neighborhood with natural beauty and a strong community bond, Briarwood is one of the best-kept secrets in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
8. Avery Historic District, Parkersburg, WV
For lovers of historic architecture, the Avery Historic District in Parkersburg is a treasure. We have spent hours photographing the stunning homes in this neighborhood, and every time we come back, we notice new details in the craftsmanship, from ornate cornices to original stained glass windows. The district is known for its walkability, its proximity to downtown Parkersburg, and a community that takes genuine pride in preserving the character of the neighborhood.
Living in the Avery Historic District means being surrounded by architectural beauty on a daily basis. The streets are tree-lined, the homes are well-maintained, and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. It is the kind of neighborhood where you can walk to a local restaurant for dinner and wave to your neighbors along the way. For anyone who appreciates craftsmanship, history, and a strong sense of place, Avery is a standout choice.
9. Julia-Ann Square Historic District, Parkersburg, WV
Julia-Ann Square holds the distinction of being the largest and oldest historic district in all of West Virginia, and it lives up to that title. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977, this neighborhood is a showcase of 19th and early 20th century residential architecture. We have had the pleasure of photographing several homes here, and the level of detail in these properties is extraordinary. Grand porches, intricate woodwork, and towering shade trees line the streets, creating a neighborhood that feels timeless.
The district sits just north of Parkersburg's central business district, making it convenient for commuters and anyone who wants to be close to shops, restaurants, and services. Despite its historic significance, Julia-Ann Square is not a museum. It is a living, breathing neighborhood where families raise children, neighbors host block parties, and the community works together to maintain the beauty that makes this place so special. If you want a home with genuine character in a neighborhood with real soul, Julia-Ann Square is worth every penny.
10. South Parkersburg, WV
Rounding out our list is South Parkersburg, a neighborhood that offers a quieter, more suburban alternative to the historic districts closer to downtown. We photograph a lot of listings in South Parkersburg, and what we consistently notice is how clean, green, and well-maintained the neighborhood is. The streets are lined with mature trees, the yards are spacious, and there is a genuine sense of safety and calm that comes through in every photo we take.
South Parkersburg is family-friendly and welcoming, with a suburban feel that appeals to people who want a little more space and privacy. It is dog-friendly, with plenty of room for walks and outdoor activities. The community is active and engaged, and the cost of living is very reasonable. For anyone looking for a solid, dependable neighborhood with good bones and a friendly atmosphere, South Parkersburg is a smart choice.
How We See the Mid-Ohio Valley
We spend our days capturing the beauty of this region through our lenses, and we can tell you with confidence that the Mid-Ohio Valley is one of the most underrated places to live in the country. The combination of affordable housing, strong communities, natural beauty, and genuine small-town character is something that is increasingly rare, and it is right here in our backyard.
Every neighborhood on this list has something unique to offer, whether it is the historic charm of Harmar Village, the suburban comfort of Vienna, or the riverfront tranquility of Belpre. The common thread is community. These are places where people know their neighbors, where local businesses are supported, and where the pace of life allows you to actually enjoy the home you live in.
Let Us Help You Showcase Your Home
Whether you are buying or selling in any of these neighborhoods, professional photography makes all the difference. Listings with high-quality photos and aerial drone imagery sell faster and for more money. That is not just our opinion; the data backs it up. As the Mid-Ohio Valley's dedicated real estate photography and drone photography team, we know these neighborhoods inside and out, and we know how to make your property shine.
Contact us today to schedule a shoot, or call us directly at (304) 543-3081. We would love to help you tell your home's story.