Jefferson County is an hour's drive from the Washington and Baltimore metropolitan areas, about 40 miles from Dulles Airport, and 1 1/2 hours by train to Washington's Union Station.  It is served by weekday commuter train service to DC and by the Eastern Panhandle Regional Airport in Martinsburg.  The area is easily accessible via Interstates 81, 70 & 270.

Residents can become active in community organizations such as the Audubon Society, Historic Commissions, service oriented clubs, and many cultural events available at Shepherd University.  A fully-accredited, four-year state school of over 3500 students, Shepherd also grants advanced degrees in cooperation with West Virginia University and maintains a most attractive tuition.

While increased commerce, tourism, light industry and a burgeoning commuter population make it one of the fastest growing counties in West Virginia; Jefferson County retains its many of its pleasant rural features. 

It is comprised of four population centers: the historic Harpers Ferry & Bolivar areas, a large portion of which has been restored by the National Park Service;  bustling Charles Town, the county seat and home of the Charles Town Race Track & Penn National Gambling; Ranson, which adjoins Charles Town and is the sight of a recent beautification program and home to many of the county's newest stores and restaurants; and, of course, charming Shepherdstown with its beautifully maintained homes and shops.

The cultural growth of the county has been enhanced by the art, drama and musical offerings of the Jefferson County Arts Council, the Arts and Humanities Alliance of Jefferson County (AHA), by public and privately owned galleries, and by the restoration of the Opera Houses in both Charles Town, with several live productions each year, and Shepherdstown, which features domestic & foreign films. In addition, the nationally recognized Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival held in June and September each year, and the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) draw thousands of visitors from many states.

The area abounds in recreational opportunities, including rafting and canoing on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, auto and thoroughbred racing, backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, walking and biking on the C&O Canal Towpath, playing golf at both public and private courses, and skiing at nearby resorts. The county boasts many fine restaurants of note, The Yellow Brick Bank, Three Onions, and The Press Room in Shepherdstown; La Mezzaluna, The Turf, and Dish in Charles Town; and The Anvil in Harpers Ferry. Ranson is home to many national chains for dining choices. In addition, Shepherdstown boasts a four star resort, The Bavarian Inn.  The area has a delightful collection of B&B’s for out of town visitors.

While property taxes are much lower than in neighboring states, the community is blessed with vital services. In addition to Jefferson Memorial Hospital, there are several nursing homes, housing projects for the elderly, day care centers, exemplary fire and ambulance service, and a very active Volunteer Caregivers Association sponsored by local churches and the Rotary Club. A Wellness Center at City Hospital and continuing education classes are available through both the college and public school systems with a second Wellness Center located at Shepherd University.

The quality of life in eastern West Virginia, gateway to the Shenandoah Valley, seems to be the major attraction for those relocating from metropolitan areas.To young professionals, families and retirees alike, indeed “Almost Heaven” is an understatement.

Here is a great link with resources including: a "community profile", demographics information, and a tax link for the county.