Quality of Life

“Today, people are placing the most value on immaterial things that positively impact their personal and family life. …we’re seeing a shift in focus…the 90′s was a time of consumption and credit…. In contrast, material things, such as ‘having nice belongings’ and ‘owning the home of your dreams,’ rank low among their measures of success.” —Greg Oberland, Northwestern’s Chief Insurance Officer

American’s are now defining success with measures such as spending quality time with family (88%); having a good relationship with a spouse or partner (86%); being healthy (81%); having a good work/life balance (80%); and being a good parent (77%) (surveyed by Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company).

Wood County West Virginia offers the quality of life you and your family deserve.

 

Recreation

As a proud part of Wild Wonderful West Virginia, Wood County offers incomparable natural beauty with the convenience of mild weather. From the most vivid greens and brightest blooms of Spring and Summer, the surprisingly rich leaves of Autumn, to the serene snow covered tops of Winter, you will find your favorite season is done best here.

Wood County boasts some of the nation’s finest activities from nationally recognized biking trails in the forests to nationally recognized foot races through Downtown Parkersburg. The convenient location also gives access to boating and water sports on the Ohio River as well as nearby lakes. Hiking, spelunking, kayaking, rock climbing, zip-lining, and geocaching are also nearby for an active weekend with the kids. Wood County is also located a mere couple-hours-drive from several major metropolitan areas.

 

Employment Opportunities

Major employers include Camden-Clark Medical Center, the 2nd Largest DuPont Facility in the world, Wood County Board of Education, Sabic Innovative Plastics, and the U.S. Treasury Department’s Bureau of Public Debt. The average commute time to work is much lower than the national average.

 

Security

Wood County ranks 7th in lowest crime rates in the entire US; the cost of living is between 16.6%-19.6% below the national average as well boasting lower than average commute times to work and lower unemployment; needless to say, Wood County is a secure place to raise a family.

 

Healthcare

Camden-Clark Medical Center celebrates more than a decade of continually receiving the Consumer Choice Award for some of the best quality and image in over 300 markets throughout the US. The Medical Center has also ranked in the Top 25 Most Wireless Hospitals in the nation. Major service lines include Cancer, Cardiovascular, Women and Children, Neuro/Ortho/Trauma, Primary and Specialty Medicine as well as Behavioral health.

 

Education

Wood County is home to several universities, colleges, and technical schools as well as one of the nations top ranking school districts for producing graduates without spending significantly more than the average school district. The county excels at education as evidenced in our above average scores on ACT, SAT, and state testing programs. Perhaps our excellence is partially due to having more certified K-12 teachers than any other county in West Virginia, not to mention having the lowest student to teacher ration (12.2:1) in the larger region.