Welcome To RED - West Virginia Economic Development

welcome to RED
RED, the Regional Economic Development Partnership, is located in the
Wheeling Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Why are businesses being enticed to this region? It’s simple. When you see
RED you save GREEN.
That’s why Wheeling is ranked as one of the top 20 small MSAs in the U.S.
in terms of business recruitment and attraction!
- Expansion Management magazine.
business
development
what is RED?
RED is a one-stop resource for development
programs, location assistance, demographics,
and economic and community information on
the Wheeling, West Virginia, region including
Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel counties.
RED wants you to know Wheeling has many
advantages that companies notice once they
take a closer look.
An article from the Associated Press sums up
business development opportunities here:
“Wheeling has well-trained people, easy
access to the amenities of Pittsburgh and
local benefits such as good schools...once
people get their hands around that, they
are very excited. The area offers a pool of
hardworking people interested in higher pay
and good benefits. In return, Wheeling allows
[businesses] to enjoy lower real estate and
labor costs than big cities such as Chicago.”
what is RED?
These new business ventures, and many others,
are proving that the Wheeling MSA is increasingly
successful in expanding its local economy by
attracting businesses to locate here.
•International law firm, Orrick, Herrington &
Sutcliffe’s Global Operations Center.
•Global provider of Corporate Information
Solutions Williams Lea’s new downtown
office center.
•Cabela’s retail and regional distribution center
at The Highlands in Ohio County.
•CertainTeed’s new wallboard plant in
Marshall County.
•New and expanding companies in Wetzel County.
The RED region is located in the I-70 Corridor
between Pittsburgh and Columbus.
A recent article published by Expansion Management
titled “2007 Top Cities for Business Attraction” states
the Wheeling area and West Virginia have become
national places of choice for businesses seeking to
relocate. It ranks the Wheeling MSA as 17th and West
Virginia eighth among states.
The study, a joint venture of the magazine and the
National Research Council, attempted to discover
which cities, metropolitan areas and counties were
most successful in expanding their local economy by
attracting outside businesses to locate there.
where
The study covers the business performance of 362
metropolitan areas and 3,141 counties nationwide.
The study analyzed the relocation data of 19 million
companies over the past eight years to determine the
most popular commercial relocation destinations. The
article stated, “The consensus of millions of business
executives was to choose these locations.”
pittsburgh
columbus
location
easy access
wheeling
Within a 50- to 100-mile radius, the area is rich in a
work force with world-class, high-tech backgrounds
and management skills. All nestled in an area that
offers a wonderful mixture of small town and major
market “quality of life” advantages.
Source: Deloitte Consulting
Shared Services Capability Assessment (2006)
The RED Partnership area is easily accessible:
•I-70 passes through Wheeling, WV
•I-79 - 30 minutes via I-70
•I-77 - 40 minutes via I-70
•Pittsburgh International Airport - 55 minutes
location information
Metro Wheeling is within a 500-mile radius of:
•Over 67% of the nation’s population
•60% of the nation’s manufacturing employment
•48% of the nation’s effective buying power
Near Large Populations:
•50 miles/1 hour - 1.8 million people
•100 miles/2 hours - 6.4 million people
•150 miles/3 hours - 12.7 million people
•200 miles/4 hours - 20 million people
Advantages of I-70 Corridor between
Pittsburgh and Columbus:
•I-70 - The Nation’s East-West Route
•55,000 vehicles pass Main Street/
Downtown I-70 exit daily
•153,622 vehicles travel through the Wheeling
area per day
Relative Distance:
City
Miles*
Pittsburgh
Columbus
Cleveland
Washington, D.C.
Indianapolis Detroit
Louisville
Philadelphia Toronto
New York
Chicago
55
123
177
300
315
330
340
350
400
425
460
*Mileage based on interstate travel
Relative Distance:
City
Miles*
Pittsburgh
Columbus
Cleveland
Washington, D.C.
Indianapolis Detroit
Louisville
Philadelphia Toronto
New York
Chicago
55
123
177
300
315
330
340
350
400
425
460
*Mileage based on interstate travel
environment
business and cost
• Low structural operating costs (competitive labor,
real estate, and utility costs) compared to the
U.S. average and major metropolitan centers
• High-quality work force
• Employee loyalty (low turnover), work ethic, and dedication to the company
• Demonstrated ability to successfully support a
multi-functional Shared Services Center (Orrick,
Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Williams Lea)
• Reliable and robust utility infrastructure
• Responsiveness and demonstrated ability to
structure real estate transactions
• Responsiveness and willingness of the public sector to support projects
• Streamlined permitting process
• Low natural disaster risks
Source: Deloitte Consulting
Shared Services Capability Assessment (2006)
RED value
Part of the I-70 Corridor between Pittsburgh and
Columbus, the RED region is comprised of Ohio,
Marshall and Wetzel counties in the northern tip of
West Virginia–an attractive location for companies and
entrepreneurs searching for premier value.
Overall, Wheeling has relatively low structural
operating costs.
RED value
Companies considering Wheeling as a location
for operations could expect cost savings of
approximately:
• 10% - 15% relative to the national average, and
• 25% - 30% relative to major urban centers
(i.e. San Francisco, New York)
Source: Deloitte Consulting
Shared Services Capability Assessment (2006)
doing
business
lower cost of
Office Space Lease Rates*
City
lower cost
Current Rate (2nd quarter 2007)
San Francisco
$38.31/sq. ft.
NY - Downtown
NY - Midtown
$46.06/sq. ft.
$69.44/sq. ft.
Washington, D.C.
$45.67/sq. ft.
Northern VA
$30.09/sq. ft.
Los Angeles
$32.16/sq. ft.
Silicon Valley
$32.16/sq. ft.
Columbus, OH - downtown
Columbus, OH - suburban
$18.26/sq. ft.
$17.05/sq. ft.
Cleveland, OH - downtown
Cleveland, OH - Suburban
$16.54/sq. ft.
$16.71/sq. ft.
Pittsburgh, PA
$21.48/sq. ft.
Wheeling, WV
$13.25/sq. ft.1
*CB Richard Ellis Market Reports 2007
1
Class A & Class B Space–RED research
Source: Deloitte Consulting
Shared Services Capability Assessment (2006)
Employment Retention
Turnover and unemployment rates indicate
an ability to sustain an operation in
the market. The majority of employers
interviewed cite particularly low employee
turnover rates as well as a strong quality
of work ethic.
Employee Retention and Turnover of
Financial Services and Office Employers
Organization Type Annual Turnover
Corporate Back Office
<5%
Shared Services Center
<3%
Bank
10% - 15%
IT/Tech Support
5% - 10%
Source: Deloitte Consulting
Shared Services Capability Assessment (2006)
Source: Deloitte Consulting
Shared Services Capability Assessment (2006)
Major Financial Services and Office Employers
1 WesBanco 2 Orrick
3 Williams Lea
4 United Bank
5 Chase
6 Progressive
7 Sky Bank 8 Main Street 9 Wachovia 10 Wheeling Pitt
Type
Bank
Shared SVC
Document SVC Bank
Bank
Bank
Bank
Bank
Securities
Corp. Office Shared Services Capability Assessment
By Deloitte Consulting LLP (2006)
Major Call Center Employers
1 Teletech
2 WesBanco 3 Blue Cross
4 Datatrac
5 Orrick 6 Verizon
7 Santco
8 Williams Lea 9 Health Plan 10 Epixtar
Type
Call Center
Corporate HQ
Customer SVC
Customer SVC
Shared SVC
Customer SVC
Medical Billing
Document SVC
Customer SVC Marketing
Study Objective:
The objectives of the Deloitte investigation were to
understand and report on the merits of the Wheeling,
West Virginia, economic area as a location for shared
services/transaction processing operations.
Study Results:
Wheeling Area Back Office Operations
• Due to recent success with Orrick and Williams Lea,
Wheeling has demonstrated an ability to attract
shared services operations.
• Ability to support transactional processes that
comprise the majority of a Shared Service Center.
• Broad capability to scale the transactional
processes that characterize a Shared Service Center.
• Absence of onerous taxes for a service center
operation.
• High-quality work force.
• Reliable utility infrastructure.
Major IT/Technical Employers
1 Wheeling Island 2 Orrick
3 NTTC 4 HGO Tech 5 WVHTC 6 OLETC 7 Touchstone 8 Stratuswave 9 Fibernet 10 CET Type
Gaming
Shared Services
Fed Tech Transfer
Network
IP Management
Law Enforcement Tech
Lab
Broadband
Broadband
Education
innovative
shared services programs
incentives
local & state
Eligible companies that locate to the
Wheeling region have access to a variety
of economic assistance programs. These
initiatives range from tax reduction,
special financing programs, and work force
development training.
RED works for you
RED Programs
Regional Economic Development Partnership has a staff
which will coordinate your project financing. Current loan
programs we specifically administer are:
SBA 504 Loan Program:
•Up to $2 million per project
($4 million for manufacturing)
•SBA will finance up to 40% of the total project
•Second position behind other lender
•Take-out financing
•Available statewide
Revolving Loan Fund (RLF):
• Serving Ohio and Marshall counties
• Up to $165,000 per loan
• Shared first lien position
• $35,000 per job created
State of West Virginia Programs
New and expanding businesses can learn about any of
the innovative financial incentive programs listed here by
contacting the West Virginia Development Office at
www.wvdo.org or www.wvopenforbusiness.com.
•Direct loan programs
•Indirect loan programs
•Industrial revenue bonds
•Leveraged technology loan insurance program
•West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs
Development Council
•West Virginia Small Business Development
Center loans
•Small business development loans
•Tax increment financing
RED is ready
“The quality of the work force in the greater
Wheeling area is equal or superior to other U.S.
cities where we hire professionals. We found in
Wheeling and surrounding areas a high-caliber,
well-educated work force with solid skill sets. We
were able to fill all of our positions with qualified
enthusiastic people.” - Orrick
“The bounty of natural beauty along with many
cultural activities surrounding us, make it easy to
attract and keep PhDs and scientists in our area.”
- Elizabeth N. Kraftician, CEO, Touchstone Research
Laboratory.
work force
reliable
education &
“Eighty-six percent of West Virginia Northern Community
College’s students live in the region after graduation.”
- Dr. Martin Olshinsky, President, WVNCC.
“Our partnership with WVNCC allowed us to establish
and implement custom training programs during a short
period of time.” - Bob Marshall, President and General
Manager, Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center
RED is education
Notable colleges and universities on the I-70 Corridor
between Pittsburgh and Columbus:
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Carnegie Mellon University
Duquesne University
Point Park University
University of Pittsburgh
West Virginia University
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Wheeling Jesuit University
Bethany College
West Liberty State College
Waynesburg College
Ohio University Eastern College
West Virginia Northern Community College
Belmont Technical College
Jefferson Community College
“People in the Ohio Valley work hard and
Wheeling has proven to be a great place
to recruit talent. We have the ability to find
skill sets whether they are legal, IT, creative,
or financial.” - Williams Lea
training
The Governor’s Guaranteed Work Force Program
administers training funds to new and existing
industries to help them develop their work forces.
RED and West Virginia help design the best
possible solution for every employer, coordinating
all available state and federal training resources.
We facilitate a detailed analysis of labor
availability. Using employer-based criteria,
companies can obtain:
• Free recruitment
• Current and future staffing needs assessment
• Candidate screening
RED and West Virginia also work with the local
community colleges and universities to assist
businesses in meeting their work force needs.
RED has organized a consortium of these
educational institutions in respect to work
force development. The group is working to
address current and future work force demands
for the region.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP
Global Operations Center (GOC)
Wheeling, WV
Cost Savings: Over $5 million per year.
Partnership: Cooperation between all parties allowed this
80,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing building to be rehabilitated
into Class A office space within six months.
success story
Opened: 2002
Employees: Nearly 200
Overview: $13 million project for the Global Operations
Center for Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP, an
international law firm. Redeveloped a 100-year-old
industrial building of 88,000 square feet into modern
offices and state-of-the-art technology center. The
GOC serves as the Help Desk, accounts receivable,
and human resource departments for all Orrick’s
offices worldwide.
Orrick performed a nationwide search for their facility
location and chose Wheeling. The project team consisted
of many local partners who pulled together to get this
$13 million project accomplished in under a year (from
making the decision through construction to opening
their doors). The Regional Economic Development
Partnership was the conduit to making this project
a reality.
“At Orrick, we now have the ability to connect everyone
globally 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through
the technology in Wheeling. That technology is reliable
because of the people here. With the lower costs,
advanced technology, and loyal skilled workers, Orrick
is saving over $5 million per year, and customer
satisfaction is at its highest.” - Ralph Baxter, President
and CEO of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP
Excerpts From an Article By Zusha Elinson
The Recorder 05-25-2007
- When Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe announced it
would move scores of support staff to a small
industrial town in West Virginia, lawyers inside and
out were skeptical of the quality of work and the
return on investment.
success story
Five years later, the 980-lawyer firm says it has saved
more than $20 million thanks to the Global
Operations Center in Wheeling, West Virginia–all without diminishing its services.
“Any time you have every level of government, every
level of economic development authority helping you
establish yourself as a viable corporate entity, it can’t
get much easier,” said Will Turani, director of the
center in Wheeling, stressing that Orrick’s presence has
brought jobs to the region and encouraged other
businesses to open similar facilities in the area.
- “It has established greater efficiency and process
excellence than we could’ve expected,” said firm
chairman and CEO Ralph Baxter, Jr. “It’s been a
substantial contribution to the economics.”
In large part, that’s because of the low cost of real
estate and wages in West Virginia. Occupancy costs are
$1,700 per person in Wheeling, according to the firm,
as opposed to $8,550 in San Francisco or nearly twice
that in midtown Manhattan, according to a study by
DTZ Research. The average salary is about $45,000 at
the center, which the firm estimates is about 30
percent less than it would be paying in most major
metropolitan areas.
Williams Lea
Corporate Information Solutions
Wheeling, WV
Legal outsourcing company opens office in Wheeling,
West Virginia, By Tim Huber Of The Associated Press
- Wheeling allows Williams Lea to enjoy lower real estate
and labor costs than big cities.
-
success story
British outsourcing firm Williams Lea is betting that
corporate clients will want to keep more sensitive jobs
such as transcribing depositions and processing legal
documents a little closer to home. ‘’Wheeling is an
essential piece of what we’re trying to accomplish,’’ said
Dave Pennino, the firm’s director of marketing. - ‘‘For Wheeling, Williams Lea holds the promise of
economic development in its downtown,’’ said Don Rigby,
executive director of the Regional Economic Development
Partnership. The nonprofit organization rebuilt and owns
both the Wheeling Stamping and Stone & Thomas
buildings.
- ‘‘These types of organizations are now a target market for
the state,’’ Rigby said. ‘‘There are several areas in the
state where this makes sense.’’
- Williams Lea has signed a deal with West Virginia
Northern Community College to offer courses aimed at
preparing students for careers in business law and legal
document handling.
- Rigby and Pennino say Wheeling has advantages that
companies notice once they take a closer look. The area
offers a pool of hardworking people interested in better than-average pay and good benefits.
Cabela’s Retail and Distribution Centers
regional success
Cabela’s “World’s Foremost Outfitter” took a close
look at the RED region and liked what they saw.
Ohio County was successful in enticing Cabela’s to
locate a 540,000-sq.-ft. distribution center, as well
as a retail store of over 175,000 square feet which
opened August 2004. Currently, the distribution
center has expanded to 1.6 million square feet. In
all there are estimated to be 1,200 full-time jobs
at the two facilities and an expected 4 million
visitors a year.
The Highlands Retail and Development Complex
The RED region is growing fast. Wheeling joined
an exclusive club when it became home to the
10th Cabela’s Outdoor Outfitters store. This unique
shopping experience is the focal point of the Ohio
Valley’s newest attraction, The Highlands. Since the
construction of the anchor store, the surrounding
Highlands area has blossomed into a retail/
recreation destination which is unmatched in a
50+ mile radius. Shopping, dining, lodging, movies
and theme park excitement will meet the needs of
every visitor.
Books-A-Million, J.C. Penney, Kohl’s, Target, Olive
Garden and many more stores make up this rapidly
expanding shopping destination.
AT&T ‘Troubleshooter’ Call Center in Wheeling
regional successes
AT&T sees clear advantages to locating in the
RED region. In August 2007 they announced plans
to open an in-bound call center in Wheeling.
The company expects to hire a minimum of 200
to staff the new facility in the new Highlands
development complex. The call center will provide
troubleshooting assistance to wireless customers
across the country and is scheduled to begin in
Wheeling in the second or third quarter of 2008.
The Ohio County Development Authority will
construct a new building called the Lifestyle Center
and will lease 45,000 square feet on the second
floor to AT&T. Total investment for the project is
approximately $8 million.
Warren Distribution
• January 2006, purchased the 250,000-sq.-ft.
former Marx Toy Building in Glen Dale.
• Creating a minimum of 75 jobs.
• Investing over $13 million.
Established in 1922, Warren Distribution, Inc.,
based in Omaha, Neb., manufactures automotive
and agricultural lubricants and functional fluids
and sells a variety of lubricants, chemicals and
auto accessories. Warren’s customers for the
private label lubricants and fluids include major oil
companies, farm store chains, mass merchandisers
and convenience store chains. Customers for
house brand lubricants and related products and
for its distributed merchandise consist of smaller
distributors, jobber stores, independent auto
part retailers, grocery and drug chains, candy
and tobacco distributors, and some oil
distributors.
Millennium Centre Technology Park
There is over 79,000 square
feet of high-tech office and light
manufacturing space in this park.
Touchstone Research Laboratory,
the major tenant, is an awardwinning supplier of materials testing,
industrial problem solving, and outsourced
R&D services to commercial and government
customers. Over the past two decades, Touchstone
has developed for numerous clients, a host of
technologies which account for sales totaling
hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
A few of their projects are:
CFOAM® - A versatile next-generation structural
material made from coal in a cost-effective
proprietary process, which is inexpensive,
lightweight, fire-resistant, and impact absorbing.
MetPreg™ - MetPreg™ is a unique Fiber Reinforced
Aluminum (FRA) material, a true metal matrix
composite (MMC), that makes use of all traditional
composite processing techniques.
NxSEM™ - The next step in MEMS-scale testing
and assembly.
Warren Distribution
CertainTeed (Formerly BPB)
• January 2006, purchased the 250,000-sq.-ft. former Marx Toy Building in Glen Dale.
• Creating a minimum of 75 jobs.
• Investing over $13 million.
• Investing over $100 million.
• Providing close to 100 good-paying
jobs directly.
• Will create an estimated 100 indirect jobs (trucking, etc.).
Established in 1922, Warren Distribution, Inc.,
based in Omaha, Neb., manufactures automotive
and agricultural lubricants and functional fluids
and sells a variety of lubricants, chemicals and
auto accessories. Warren’s customers for the
private label lubricants and fluids include major oil
companies, farm store chains, mass merchandisers
and convenience store chains. Customers for
house brand lubricants and related products and
for its distributed merchandise consist of smaller
distributors, jobber stores, independent auto part
retailers, grocery and drug chains, candy and
tobacco distributors, and some oil distributors.
Manufactures wall and ceiling systems for use in
residential and commercial buildings and markets
them under the brands ProRoc® Gypsum Board,
GlasRoc® High-Performance Sheathing, Profin®
Joint Compounds, Celotex® Mineral Ceiling
Systems, Capaul® High-Performance Ceilings &
Wall Systems, and Gyptone® Designer Gypsum
Ceiling Systems. World leader in the supply of
gypsum wallboard and plasters, and a major
supplier of insulation, ceiling tiles and related
products for internal linings, serving growing
markets for building systems in over 50
countries.
Millennium Centre Technology Park
There is over 79,000 square feet
of high-tech office and light
manufacturing space in this park.
Touchstone Research Laboratory, the
major tenant, is an award-winning
supplier of materials testing, industrial
problem solving, and outsourced R&D
services to commercial and government
customers. Over the past two decades,
Touchstone has developed for numerous clients,
a host of technologies which account for sales
totaling hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
A few of their projects are:
CFOAM® - A versatile next-generation structural
material made from coal in a cost-effective
proprietary process, which is inexpensive,
lightweight, fire-resistant, and impact absorbing.
MetPreg™ - MetPreg™ is a unique Fiber Reinforced
Aluminum (FRA) material, a true metal matrix
composite (MMC), that makes use of all traditional
composite processing techniques.
NxSEM™ - The next step in MEMS-scale testing
and assembly.
TeleTech
Teletech in Moundsville, West
Virginia. The Regional Economic
Development Partnership (RED)
developed and owns the 58,000sq.-ft., state-of-the-art, high-tech,
customer service center, which
provides 500 jobs for the local area. RED
coordinated the financing/incentive package
with the West Virginia Development Office, the
West Virginia Economic Development Authority,
the Marshall County Commission, the city of
Moundsville, and a consortium of local banks.
quality of
l i f e
RED is
livability
Life in the RED Region
The RED region offers a quality of living equal to
many larger cities at a fraction of the cost. In fact,
it’s possible to have the advantages of both smalltown and big-city amenities.
Within a 50-mile radius, the area is abundant in
distinguished educational institutions, world-class
medical facilities, and ethnic and cultural diversity.
Our low cost of living and short commutes combine
to create one of the most livable areas in America.
When you add the natural beauty and wonder,
breathtaking vistas in both urban and rural
communities, an abundance of nightlife, cultural
districts, sports and recreation, you can see why the
RED area is such a desirable place to live and work.
Affordable Cost of Living
•Forbes Magazine recently ranked the Pittsburgh
area as one of the top ten most affordable real
estate markets in the USA
•Wheeling is traditionally even lower than the
adjacent Pittsburgh market
•According to The ACCRA Cost of Living Index,
the West Virginia region is a very affordable place
to live compared with major metropolitan areas
throughout the United States
•New and existing housing priced below
national average
•Low property taxes
•The Places Rated Almanac recently ranked the
Wheeling MSA as one of the most affordable cost
of living metro areas
Recreation
Oglebay Resort and Conference Center features three
championship golf courses designed by the likes of
Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones.
In fact, the tri-state area is home to some of the finest
courses in the world, including Pittsburgh’s Oakmont
Country Club, home of the recent U.S. Open.
Right in the heart of RED area is Wheeling Island’s
greyhound racing and casino action. Mountaineer Park,
less than an hour drive, offers some of the
finest thoroughbred racing on the East Coast, plus
casino action.
If you’re the outdoor type, West Virginia whitewater
rafting and rugged outdoor lifestyle are just a few
hours south. Ski resorts in Pennsylvania and West
Virginia are popular and easy to get to.
Entertainment and Culture
Remember, you can get to lots of places via
convenient interstate access. Columbus has a major
zoo, museums and science center.
The same can be said for the internationally renowned
Pittsburgh Symphony, the Pittsburgh Ballet, Heinz
Hall, the Carnegie and Andy Warhol museums. The
Pittsburgh Zoo, water parks and historic Kennywood
amusement park are all less than one hour away.
Wheeling also offers its own symphony and worldclass resort, Oglebay Park, with hundreds of natural
acres, a children’s zoo and skiing.
Sports
Into professional sports? You’re just 55 minutes away
from Major League Baseball’s most beautiful ballpark,
PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Sidney
Crosby and the NHL’s most explosive young team, the
Penguins, and the five-time Super Bowl champion
Steelers with the brand new Heinz Field are within a
short drive time.
Wheeling also is home to championship professional
hockey, and you can catch the Frontier League
finalists, Washington Wild Things minor league
baseball, 20 minutes away.
Major college teams within a 200-mile radius include
Ohio State, Pitt, Penn State and WVU.
quality
o f
life
Dining
In the mood for your favorite chain restaurant? Or
maybe a cozy fine food establishment or micro
pub and eatery? From the local ethnic restaurants
to nationally recognized establishments in the
Wheeling/Pittsburgh area, you are close to just
about any kind of dining experience you desire.
Shopping
For shopping you can choose from small town
stores, large malls, small malls, fabulous shopping
districts like the amazing Easton Towne Center
in Columbus, Robinson Towne Centre and the
Pittsburgh Strip District...all within easy driving time
and distance.
You could even visit Cabela’s “World’s Foremost
Outfitter” in the new Highlands shopping village in
Wheeling.
Ease of Transportation
The area is located directly on the I-70 Corridor
between Pittsburgh and Columbus–a modern
four-lane interstate highway that allows for easy
commute to anywhere in the tri-state area, including
easy access to Pittsburgh and Columbus.
The Greater Pittsburgh International Airport is just
a 55 minute drive. Even better, the drive is without
heavy traffic!
quality
o f
life
Combined Cost of Living Indexes
Metro Area
All Items
West Virginia Average
96.7
Detroit
104.1
Chicago
111.9
Denver
100.4
LA (Long Beach)
158.2
NY (Manhattan)
201.2
Phoenix
103.8
San Francisco
170.6
Seattle
116.3
United States
100.0
Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index.
Cost of Living
Cost of living indicators like grocery, housing,
transportation, health care and goods & services are
all below any large market. That means you’ll pay less
for all cost of living items than most places, including
real estate. Whether you are looking for an apartment,
condo or a country estate, the area delivers a lot
more home for your money.
Housing
The community’s housing options range from elegant
Victorian homes found throughout the city and
suburbs to the stately mansions located on National
Road. Contemporary developments, resort-type
housing near Oglebay, as well as ultra modern condos
and secluded country estates are all part of the area’s
unique housing spectrum. In addition, a large number
of apartments and part-time/extended-stay housing is
also available.
quality
Low Crime Rate
• One of America’s safest areas, according to
national crime statistics.
• Ranks as second lowest in the country.
(FBI Uniform Crime Statistics)
Wheeling Housing Information
Average Sale Price
Average List Price
Average Days on Market
Ratio of List to Sales Price
# Residential Units Sold in 2006
$109,737
$116,264
118
94.39%
415
Price of 3-4 Bedroom House
$50,000 - $1,195,000
Price of 5 Bedroom House
$100,000 - $480,000
Source: Wheeling Board of Realtors, 2006
Health Care
•Ohio Valley Medical Center
•State-of-the-art cancer center
•Wheeling Hospital ranked in the top ten
percentile in cardiac care
Award-Winning Public and Private Schools
•Six schools designated National Schools of Excellence
•Twenty-five schools designated WV Schools
of Excellence
•Low teacher/student ratio
•Technologically advanced classrooms
•Full range of gifted programs
•Complete programs for mental and/or
physical disabilities
Higher Education
•Over 50 colleges and universities within two-hour drive
Downtown and Wheeling Heritage Port
•Heritage Port festivals and concerts attract
350,000 people annually
•Docking port to Delta Queen Steamboats with
175 to 425 passengers
•Wheeling Civic Center attracts 485,000 people annually
Oglebay Resort and Conference Center
•3 million visitors annually
•Three championship golf courses
•Conference facilities
•Annual Winter Festival of Lights - 600,000 visitors
•Museums
•Zoo
•Planetarium
•Park recreation: swimming, miniature golf, fishing, playground
Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center
•Over 2 million visitors annually
•150 room hotel–live entertainment
•Full casino including slots, poker and table games
•2,500 gaming machines
•Major expansions planned
•95% of visitors from out of state
The Highlands and Cabela’s
•Cabela’s 175,000-sq.-ft. retail store opened in 2004
•Wildlife displays, aquariums, education and
entertainment
•Attracts 4 million visitors annually
•Overall development is over 1,000 acres
World-Class Golfing Opportunities
20-mile radius
19 golf courses
30-mile radius 38 golf courses
50-mile radius 84 golf courses
we are RED
P.O. Box 1029, Wheeling, WV 26003
P: 304.232.7722 F: 304.232.7727
www.redp.org