Best Schools, Berkley or Jefferson County (Martinsburg, Shepherdstown: travel, zoning, housing)

[micheleroll]

I would like to know who has the best schools? Also, Why is housing buying cheaper in Berkley than Jefferson?

[Janipoo]

When we moved here and did research on schools we found that we wanted to stay in the Musselman or Hedgesville and away from Martinsburg (this is for Berkeley County).

As far as Jefferson County being more expensive I think it has to do with easier commute to the DC area.

[Georgia]

If you choose Berkeley, then Hedgesville or Mussleman would be the choice over Martinsburg.
The reason Jefferson is more expensive is two fold.
A- Commute to DC
B- In 2005 Jefferson County adopted Zoning Ordinances unlike Berkeley.

With the growth influx in the Eastern Panhandle both Jefferson and Morgan have for the last few years entered to a more "smart" growth plan. This provides more managed growth with the downtown areas for re-investment.

My suggestion is take the tour.

You will see many differences today as you travel from the city limits of Harpers Ferry, to Shepherdstown, to Martinsburg, to Berkeley Springs.
You will find Martinsburg as a town with less pride, less business, and overall more crime (granted I-81) plays into this also.

At one time Martinsburg was the opposite (pre-DC influx) and those who were wise stayed away from Jefferson County and CTown.

We all here have our opinions and I am the first to admit mine are very strong a full of passion as I am very disappointed to what Martinsburg has become, then again different strokes for different folks.

You will have to decide.

Good Luck