About the Charles Town, Shepherdstown, and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia Area
 

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 into Washington's Union Station.  It is served by daily commuter trains into 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, 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, light industry and a burgeoning commuter population make it one of the fastest growing counties in West Virginia; Jefferson County remains largely rural in nature. 

It is comprised of three population centers, the historic Harpers Ferry & Bolivar areas:  bustling Charles Town, the county seat and home of the Charles Town Race Track & Penn National Gambling; and, of course, charming, cosmopolitan 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, by public and privately owned galleries, and by the restoration of the Opera Houses in both Charles Town (live productions) and Shepherdstown 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 canoeing 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 in Shepherdstown, The Charles Washington Inn and Avanti in Charles Town and a four star resort in Shepherdstown, The Bavarian Inn.The area has a delightful collection of B&B’s fro 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, a 114-bed facility, 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 and continuing education classes are available through both the college and public school systems.

A major source of employment is the federal government that operates the National Park Service, the National Fisheries and Wildlife Center, the National Computer Center of the IRS, the Computer Center of the Coast Guard and a large regional VA hospital.In addition, there are the racing industries, farming, tourism and a number of manufacturing concerns.

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.