Close to the DC/metro area - A world away
Historic small towns, beautiful scenery, culturally rich
Jefferson County is the county closest to the DC/Metro area. It has a plethora of history dating back to beyond the revolutionary war. The county is defined mostly by 3 charming historic towns that attract tourists looking for a trip back in time and 2 rivers for rafting and boating. Charles Town is the county seat. Harpers Ferry borders the Maryland line and Shepherdstown is a University town well known for theatre week and is the oldest town in West Virginia. People are attracted to Jefferson County because of the lifestyle and the small-town vibe. There are no large warehouse stores – Walmart hasn’t made it to Jefferson County.
It’s a great place to live.
In Town Living - Our 3 Historic Towns
Shepherdstown | Harpers Ferry | Charles Town
HARPERS FERRY
Harpers Ferry lies across the bridge from Maryland at the intersection of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.
It is a quaint town full of amazing Civil War history, and in the fall, the foliage along the Potomac River is dazzling. It is a beautiful place to spend a day or, better yet, a weekend.
The Appalachian Trail passes directly through town, which some consider the psychological midpoint of the trail although the exact physical midpoint is farther north, in Pennsylvania. Uniquely, the towns of Harpers Ferry and Bolivar partnered with the ATC to be declared a united Appalachian Trail Community Other popular outdoor activities include white water rafting, fishing, mountain biking, tubing, canoeing, hiking, zip lining, and rock climbing.
SHEPHERDSTOWN
The oldest village in West Virginia. Many of the town’s historical buildings on German Street are now home to shops and cafés. The town is also home to many local artistic and theatrical groups, many of which are affiliated with Shepherd University or operated by youth groups. Shepherdstown is culturally rich with several well known events including Theatre Week — a period during the summer when well known and new playwrights present their work and there are plays scheduled every day during that week. Shepherdstown offers a lifestyle and is a very desirable place to live — high in demand. It is also a great place to spend a day or week and steep yourself in this beautiful little town.
CHARLES TOWN
In 1780 Charles Washington, George Washington’s youngest brother, left his home in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and moved to the Charles Town area. He built a home, Happy Retreat which is now used to host cultural events. There’s lots of historic sites in CT especially in the downtown area. Residential areas include subdivisions, river properties, some historic estates, and more rural areas. It’s a great place and the very close to the DC/Baltimore metro area.
Charles Town has some beautiful historic homes. This property has been a successful Bed & Breakfast since 1985 and it’s now for sale. The Carriage Inn was built in 1840 and it is steeped in Colonial and Civil War history. Several Civil War generals have been guests in this home. It has 9 bedrooms and is absolutely gorgeous! Priced at $875,000. Click the link for all the details. The Carriage Inn
More About Jefferson County
Prices, Rural Areas, Resources
Home Prices Jefferson County – 10 Year History
Country Living
If you’re looking to live in the country, there’s some options in Jefferson County. Kearneysville is an area between Jefferson and Berkeley County and is more sparsely populated with homes on larger lots. Another area just east of Kearneysville – between Kearneysville and Shepherdstown – is Shenandoah Junction. Duffields Train Station is the second MARC train in Jefferson County and is located in Shenandoah Junction. Both those communities have a rural feel with homes more spread out. There are high end subdivisions typically with homes on larger lots, historic estates and larger plats of land in this area of Jefferson County. The main road that connects these two communities to shopping and other resources is Rt 9 which runs from I81 in Martinsburg through Kearneysville and Shenandoah Junction down to Rt 340 in Charles Town. Then heading east on 340 takes you to Harpers Ferry which borders Frederick, Maryland. The appeal of living in a less congested area that is easily accessible to the resources in a more populated area makes this mid-Jefferson County area an attraction option.
