If you’re driving down I-79 through Marion County, you’ve probably seen the signs for Exit 133 or 135. Most people just keep the cruise control set and keep on rolling toward Morgantown or Charleston. Honestly, that’s a mistake. Pleasant Valley WV is a weirdly fascinating spot that manages to be one of the newest cities in the state while technically being one of its oldest communities.
It’s not just a suburb of Fairmont.
Technically, the City of Pleasant Valley didn’t even exist until 1995. Before that, it was a loose collection of four distinct neighborhoods: Kingmont, Benton’s Ferry, Millersville, and Pleasant Valley proper. They decided to band together and incorporate to keep their tax dollars local and have a bit more say in how the land was being used. It worked. Today, it’s this strange, sprawling 3.2-square-mile patch of land that feels like a rural village but has the infrastructure of a modern hub.
The Identity Crisis of a 200-Year-Old "New" Town
There is a house in Pleasant Valley built in the late 1700s. Think about that for a second. The city is only 31 years old as a legal entity, but people have been farming and trading here since before West Virginia was even a state.
Kingmont, for instance, used to be the place where everyone went for trade along the Tygart River. It was a bypass. If you were moving goods between Morgantown and Clarksburg, you were likely passing through here.
People often confuse this place with other "Pleasant Valleys" across the country, or even the county. But this specific patch of Marion County has a vibe you won't find elsewhere. It’s hilly. It’s green. And because of the way it was formed from four different areas, it doesn’t have a "Main Street" in the way people expect.
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You won't find a town square with a fountain. Instead, you find pockets of deep-rooted history, like the Linn Cemetery, which was established way back in 1844 on the old Kinsely Koon Farm. You have to go down Riverview Lane in Bentons Ferry to find it. It’s quiet, tucked away, and feels a world apart from the hum of the interstate just a mile away.
Why Pleasant Valley WV Is More Than Just a Commuter Stop
A lot of the folks living here are young professionals or retirees. It makes sense. You’re six miles from Fairmont State University and a quick jump from the FBI Center and NASA. Basically, it’s the place where people who work in high-tech or education go when they want to actually hear the birds chirping at 5:00 PM.
The population sits right around 3,500 people. It’s small enough that the Mayor, Emily Haddix, actually posts updates about zoning variances for garden sheds on the city website. It’s that kind of town.
The Real Perks of Living Here
- Low Taxes: One of the big selling points for the 1995 incorporation was keeping costs down. It remains a low-tax suburban area compared to some of the bigger neighbors.
- The Park Scene: The Municipal Park on Kingmont Road is the heart of the community. It’s got a quarter-mile walking trail that is almost always busy.
- Disc Golf Mecca: If you’re into disc golf, you already know about this place. Morris Park and the Seth Burton Memorial Disc Golf Course Complex are basically legendary in the region.
- The Food: Everyone talks about the Cracker Barrel at Exit 133. Apparently, it’s one of the busiest on the entire East Coast. But the locals go to DJ’s 50s & 60s Diner. It’s exactly what it sounds like—neon, milkshakes, and nostalgia.
Let's Talk About the Economy
Most people assume West Virginia towns are struggling. Pleasant Valley is kind of an outlier. The median household income here is roughly $58,456, which is actually higher than the state average.
It’s a stable spot. People own their homes—about 73% of them, actually. You don’t see a ton of "For Rent" signs here. When a house goes up for sale in a neighborhood like Millersville, it usually doesn't sit for long. The median home value is north of $200,000, which is a bit of a premium for this part of the state.
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Education is another factor. Over 16% of residents have a graduate degree. That’s a huge number for a small Appalachian town. It reflects the proximity to the "High Tech Corridor" and the universities nearby. You’ve got Pierpont Community & Technical College and Fairmont State right in your backyard.
What People Get Wrong About the History
There's a common misconception that nothing happened here until the interstate arrived. That’s just wrong.
Take the Pierpont House. Francis Harrison Pierpont, the "Father of West Virginia," basically used this area as a staging ground for the plan to restore loyal western Virginia counties to the Union. He and his family are buried nearby. This wasn't just some empty valley; it was a political and social nerve center during the most chaotic years of the Civil War.
Navigating the Local Vibe
If you’re visiting, don't expect a tourist trap. It’s not Point Pleasant with its Mothman statues (that’s a different part of the state entirely). This is a place where people live.
The Marion County Visitor Center is actually located right here in Pleasant Valley, which is convenient. They can point you toward Valley Falls State Park, which is just about 8 kilometers away. If you want to see what West Virginia looks like in a postcard, go there. The Tygart River drops over massive hemlock-topped rocks. It's loud, beautiful, and slightly dangerous if you're not careful where you step.
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Things to Actually Do
- Walk the Linn Cemetery: It’s strangely peaceful and gives you a real sense of the families that have been here for two centuries.
- Hit the Airport: The Fairmont Municipal Airport (Frankman Field) is actually within the city limits. It’s a small, general aviation strip, but watching the small planes come in over the hills is a great way to waste an afternoon.
- The Celebration of Lights: If you’re here in December, Morris Park turns into a massive drive-through light display. It’s a huge local tradition.
- Eat at the Copper House Grill: It’s one of the better spots for a sit-down meal that isn't a chain.
Is it right for you?
Pleasant Valley isn't for someone looking for nightlife. There are no clubs. There aren't many bars. If you want a "city" experience, you go to Morgantown.
But if you want a place where you can have a yard, a decent commute, and a sense that the local government actually knows who you are, this is it. It’s a hybrid. Half-rural, half-professional.
One thing to keep in mind: the population is aging slightly. While there are plenty of families, the "empty nester" demographic is growing fast. This has led to a lot of investment in walking trails and quiet community spaces rather than, say, skate parks or massive shopping malls.
Actionable Steps for Newcomers or Visitors
If you're thinking about moving here or just spending a day, start at the Marion County Visitor Center on Pleasant Valley Road. They have the best maps of the local trail systems.
For those looking at real estate, focus your search on the Benton’s Ferry or Kingmont areas if you want more historic charm. If you want something newer with more square footage, look toward the newer developments near the municipal park.
Check the city’s official calendar before you visit. They do community-wide clean-up events and public hearings that—honestly—are the best way to see how the town actually functions. It’s a place where a debate over a new shed is front-page news, and for most people here, that’s exactly how they like it.
Drive slow on the backroads. Deer are everywhere, and the curves can be sharper than they look on GPS.