Charles Town, WV

Are you looking for a family-friendly community to live in with the perfect harmony of culture and history? Then, the city of Charles Town, West Virginia, is your best choice. This county seat of Jefferson County has something for everyone. Located in the eastern gateway of West Virginia, it is an hour's drive away from the greater Baltimore-Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The fast-growing, full-service Charles Town community makes it ideal for residents who are looking for quality, safe, and affordable living. It is consistently one of the safest places to reside in the state. Notably, the cost of living in the area is about 30% lower than similar D.C. suburbs in northern Virginia and Maryland.

The city boasts of the most affordable housing prices wherein most are composed of one-story to two-story residential neighborhoods. Whether you fancy a colonial stone home design or ranch-style wooden architecture, there's a style that awaits you. There are also some townhouses in the city for your other home options.

It is accessible through the major airports that include Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Plan to commute? The city is ideal for commuters because of its nearness to train service. 

The area is not only suitable as a prime residential area in West Virginia but also for businesses seeking expansion. Highly-skilled workers are plentiful in the area that makes it considerable for your next expansion project. Plus, significant land availability close to the east coast markets, the nearby interstates, and other infrastructures. 

Although keeping up with modern times, Charles Town also has a rich history. Charles Washington, the youngest brother of President George Washington, established the community in 1786. It was once a part of Charles stately Federal/Greek Revival style home, Happy Retreat. Today, Happy Retreat estate has become a national treasure and a hotspot for festivals and special events. 

Its famous historical sites and cultural assets make it a popular tourist attraction for both locals and tourists. Not to be missed on the list of places to go are Jefferson County Courthouse, Charles Town City Hall, Charles Town Post Office, Charles Washington Hall, and Jefferson County Museum.

Its downtown is both old-fashioned yet bustling with local entertainment. Tourists from surrounding states flock to the Charles Town races and slots . It offers a Vegas-style casino gaming, horse racing, comedy bar, restaurants, and theater. The fun doesn’t stop there. The Old Opera House Theater Company is a must-see too. Several pubs are also available for some good times. 

Treat your taste buds in Charles Town as there are various dining choices for your palette. Enjoy a feastful dining experience ranging from worldwide cuisines to good old steak houses. 

Experience Italy’s dishes at La Mezzaluna Café for homemade bread, salads, and pasta dishes. Craving for something Mediterranean? Head on to Alfredo’s Mediterranean Grille and Steakhouse. If salsa and tacos are your thing, then you can’t go wrong at Mi Degollado Mexican Restaurant. 

Charles Town also offers natural attractions. To complete your city experience, stop over at Cool Spring Nature Preserve, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and River Riders in Harpers Ferry.

In addition to an abundance of wonderful real estate options and a rich history, Charles Town also has an impressively low crime rate. The city is also known for having great air quality, with a score of 16, and wonderful weather with an average summertime temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Students in Charles Town are served by the Jefferson County School District and residents enjoy the city’s close proximity to many other noteworthy communities. For example, Charles Town is only 75 miles from Baltimore, Maryland; 60 miles from Washington, D.C.; and 35 minutes from Frederick, Maryland, and Leesburg, Virginia. 

The average price of a home in Charles Town in August 2021 was $358,495. Many people are leaving the big cities. They are moving to West Virginia and will find a quiet lifestyle. Yet, there are plenty of things to do.

If these are what you’re looking for in your next home, we at ERA Liberty Realty are glad to assist you in your home buying. Let’s talk!

Living in Jefferson County, WV

The eastern gateway to the mountain state of West Virginia, Jefferson County welcomes you with its quaint towns, famous historical sites, and scenic beauty rich with recreational opportunities. It’s strategically situated only 60 miles from downtown Washington DC and 45 minutes' drive away from Dulles Airport. Tourists from the surrounding metros flock to the county to escape the fast-paced city life – either to slow down for a quick romantic weekend getaway or revel in a local festival. 

What was mainly hunting grounds for the native Americans and an agricultural district throughout the late 1800s to 1900s has turned and expanded to residential communities. It’s also an ideal site for business opportunities because of its large pool of skilled workforce, lower cost of living, cheaper land, utilities, and taxes. 

Named after Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson County will take you back in time. It’s the home of possibly the oldest town in West Virginia. It also has deep ties with the Washington family with the town that Charles Washington, George Washington’s brother, established. 

Most especially, the Civil War left a huge impact on Jefferson County. It’s evident with historical makers throughout the county. Different museums display artifacts in this pivotal period in our nation’s history. Who would’ve forgotten about the historic abolitionist John Brown’s raid, trial, and death? When the war ended, Storer College became the first higher learning institution for African Americans. 

There are no dull moments in Jefferson County especially when it has municipalities including its county seat Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Harpers Ferry, Ranson, and Bolivar. 

Where the past and present meet halfway, that’s where Charles Town is. As mentioned earlier, Charles Washington founded this town three centuries ago. Stroll through its historic downtown and check out his restored home, Happy Retreat. On the other hand, John Brown’s legend was punctuated at the Jefferson County Courthouse in 1859. Join the West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail and stopover at the eclectic art gem that is the Old Opera House. The night is equally exciting in Hollywood Casino & Inn at Charles Town Races. Try your luck either in the thrilling thoroughbred racing or at the roulette table. The dining options and live entertainment are their finest though there are also locally-owned, original shops and restaurants downtown.

Arguably West Virginia’s oldest town but Shepherdstown is Budget Travel’s one of America’s “Coolest Small Towns.” An hour's drive away from the metropolitan districts of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, travelers can experience both the creative scene and the outdoor craze here. The performing arts and festivals are in the town’s bloodline. Don’t miss out on Shepherd’s University’s annual Performing Art Series, Appalachian Heritage Festival, and the Contemporary American Theater Festival. Up for some pumping action? Cycle on the C&O Canal towpath or kayak along the forested banks of the Potomac River, it’s your call. 

Quoting Reader’s Digest “If a tech-free escape is on your agenda, skip the usual suspects and set your sights on Harpers Ferry.” Go big or go inside Harpers Ferry National Historical Park for a world of adventure. Conquer the epic Appalachian Trail hike. Get wet and wild whitewater rafting or tubing by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. What’s more, Harpers Ferry was WV Living’s "Best Town for History" for six years straight. Take a ranger-guided tour of John Brown and his army’s fiery three-day walk in 1859. Drop by at the Storer College or level up your visit with a ghost tour!

There were 40 homes sold in Charles Town in August 2021. The average sales price was $358,495. The average days on the market was 26.