A New Chapter for the Sanders Family
Originally from California, Carmel and Lane Sanders officially became Wheeling residents in 2024. Their journey to the Friendly City wasn’t a direct one—it began in 2015 when they chose to relocate to Lucedale, Mississippi, in search of a slower pace of life. But Wheeling wasn’t even on their radar until a fateful road trip in 2022.
Love at First Sight
On their way to view a property in Pennsylvania, the Sanders drove through Wheeling just as snow had fallen. “It was around Christmas time,” Carmel recalls, “and I looked down on Wheeling from the highway. It looked like a Christmas Village—I collect little houses for my own village. The town looked vintage, almost like a time capsule. I said out loud that I wanted to come back someday and visit Wheeling.”
Finding the Perfect Home
They hadn’t planned on relocating to a specific city, but the one non-negotiable was finding a character-filled older home that could be their forever place. “We love working with our hands and have renovated all of our houses,” says Carmel. “The Huron house just checked all the boxes.” In 2024, they made Wheeling home.
From the very beginning, the couple felt embraced by the community. “The people that live here are sooo friendly! We felt welcomed from the start and everyone is very down to earth,” Carmel shares.
Why They Recommend Wheeling
For families considering a move to Wheeling, the Sanders have this to say:
“If you are looking for a small-town vibe that’s close to a big city, with grand old homes and a budding future—Wheeling is the place. Wheeling is reinventing itself. Being a part of the ground floor and seeing the positive changes is a beautiful thing.”
When asked to elaborate, Carmel explained:
“When we decided to move to Wheeling I went into research mode. I wanted to know the good, the bad, and the really ugly parts of the city. What I learned was that the city had gone through years of decline, much like many other small towns throughout the USA. Fast forward to the present, you’ll find individuals and groups coming together to better our beautiful city.”
A Community on the Rise
The Sanders are particularly inspired by the grassroots efforts they’ve seen firsthand. They admire the work being done by Friends of Wheeling, an organization focused on saving and restoring historic buildings rather than demolishing them. They see local businesses and the city government working together to make Wheeling a tourist destination—and maybe even a new home—for more families.
“Closer to home, the island that was once the black spot of Wheeling is coming back to life. Families are moving in with a sense of pride in their homes and community. Neighbors are helping neighbors instead of turning the other cheek, and that’s really made an impact on reducing crime.”
Getting Involved
Since moving in, Carmel and Lane have jumped into community life. “We love the history of Wheeling and the surrounding area, and the role it played in shaping our country. You can feel the story it tells when you walk down Main Street.”
Shortly after arriving, they connected with Jeanne Finstein while trying to help a neighbor with house repairs. That connection led them to join the Ohio County Cemetery Association, a group of volunteers who care for and document local historical cemeteries. They’re also active members of the Island Community Association.
“We try to stay involved as much as we can. We love being able to be part of the solution,” Carmel says.
Looking Ahead
With their deep love for restoration, a shared passion for history, and an eye for the potential in their new hometown, the Sanders are more than just residents—they’re part of Wheeling’s future.
“We feel excited for the future of the Friendly City,” Carmel says proudly, “and we’re proud to be a part of it all.”
