Hicumbottom, Advent, WV

Hicumbottom Neighborhood Overview

Overview

Nestled in a steep-sided hollow just south of Advent's historic downtown, Hicumbottom is a neighborhood defined by its resilience, tight-knit community, and layered history. Its unusual name is a local point of pride, reportedly derived from the "hickory bottom" that once dominated the creek valley, colloquially condensed over generations of Appalachian speech. The neighborhood's character is a testament to Advent's industrial past, with its earliest homes built in the late 19th century to house workers for the now-shuttered coal tipple and lumber mill that once operated at the hollow's mouth.

Today, Hicumbottom maintains a distinct sense of separation from the rest of Advent, both geographically and socially. The main access road, Hicumbottom Run, winds narrowly alongside the creek, creating a secluded, village-like atmosphere. Residents are fiercely loyal to their hollow, valuing its quiet, tree-lined streets and the deep familiarity among neighbors. While it faces challenges common to post-industrial Appalachia, including some vacant properties, a strong community association works diligently on preservation and revitalization efforts, ensuring the neighborhood's unique identity endures.

Housing & Real Estate

Hicumbottom's housing stock is a modest but charming collection of early 20th-century vernacular architecture, primarily consisting of compact, two- and three-bedroom bungalows and simple, gable-fronted American Foursquares. Many homes feature locally quarried stone foundations, wide front porches, and original hardwood floors. Due to the constricted geography, lots are typically long and narrow, often stepping up the hillsides, with older homes built right along the street in the traditional Appalachian style.

The real estate market in Hicumbottom is among the most affordable in the Advent area, with median home prices consistently 30-40% below the citywide average. This has attracted first-time homebuyers, artists, and remote workers seeking value and character. The mix is predominantly owner-occupied, though there are several multi-unit rentals, some of which are in need of updating. Recent trends show a slow but steady increase in interest from buyers looking to renovate historic properties, though prices remain accessible compared to the more gentrified neighborhoods closer to downtown Advent.

Schools & Education

Hicumbottom is served by the Advent County school district. Children in the neighborhood typically attend Advent Creek Elementary, which is located just outside the hollow's entrance. The school is known for its strong sense of community and dedicated teachers, though like many rural districts, it faces resource constraints. For middle and high school, students are bused to Advent Middle School and Advent County High School, located in the broader valley. The high school offers several vocational-technical pathways, including automotive technology and health sciences, which are popular options.

Beyond the public system, some families opt for Advent Christian Academy, a private K-12 school on the city's north side, though this requires a longer commute. For higher education, the neighborhood is within a 25-minute drive of Appalachian Valley Community and Technical College, which offers associate degrees and certificate programs. The neighborhood's library access is through the bookmobile service from the Advent Public Library, which makes a weekly stop at the Hicumbottom Community Center.

Parks & Recreation

Formal parkland is limited within the steep confines of Hicumbottom itself, but the neighborhood makes the most of its natural setting. The central feature is Hicumbottom Run, the creek that gives the road its name, which is a popular spot for children to play and for residents to enjoy the sound of moving water. The community has successfully advocated for the cleanup and maintenance of several small, informal green spaces along the creek, creating pockets for picnics and gatherings.

For more structured recreation, residents travel to nearby Advent City Park, which features baseball fields, a playground, and a public pool. The true recreational draw, however, is the proximity to the vast Monongahela National Forest. The neighborhood's location at the edge of town provides quick access to world-class hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The Hicumbottom Community Association also organizes annual events like a hollow-wide yard sale, a summer potluck, and holiday decorating contests, fostering a strong sense of shared activity and place.

Local Dining & Shopping

Commercial options within Hicumbottom are limited but cherished. The undisputed heart of local commerce is Dot's Market, a third-family-owned corner store that has operated since 1947. Dot's serves as a de facto community center, offering basic groceries, deli sandwiches, hunting and fishing licenses, and a vital dose of local news. For dining, the only sit-down option is the Hicumbottom Diner, famous for its hearty breakfast platters, homemade pies, and walls adorned with historic photos of the hollow.

For more extensive shopping and a wider variety of restaurants, residents take the short drive into downtown Advent. There, they find a revitalizing main street with cafes, antique shops, and the Advent Farmers Market. Many Hicumbottom residents proudly support this downtown economy while also patronizing the handful of home-based businesses in the hollow itself, such as a woodworker, a seamstress, and several artisans who sell their crafts online and at regional festivals.

Who Lives Here

Hicumbottom is home to a mix of multi-generational families, whose roots in the hollow stretch back decades, and a newer wave of residents drawn by affordability and authenticity. The population is largely working-class and lower-middle-class, with employment spanning the

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