Is Harpers Ferry a good place to raise a young family? (Martinsburg: 2014, house)

[binghasm]

Hi,
I've lived in the NOVA area my whole life, and have two kids under 5. We are looking to move to the Harper's Ferry area so we are still somewhat close to our families, but can get a house for under 300k. I'm looking to stay at home with the kids so would like to settle in a place where we can have activities to keep the little ones busy and hopefully a mommy and me group. Also, we want to be able to commute into DC if my husband ever loses his job (he works from home now, but you never know). Would you recommend Harper's Ferry for a young family looking for a good community?

[billscamaros]

Sure, Harpers Ferry is a wonderful little town with lots of folks raising their families there. I'd pick Charles Town, though, just because that's where you'll be driving to shop for groceries. Harpers Ferry, Charles Town and Shepherdstown ... check them all out and see what you like.

There are a lot of NOVA folks here doing just what you describe. Be aware though, since you mention growing up in NOVA, that WV will be slightly different than where you grew up.

I brought my family from Herndon in 2001 ... it's been a great place to live.

Best wishes!

[binghasm]

Thank you, I'll check out all three. Are there any local tech jobs or do most people commute into DC? Is the train ride about an hour or longer?

[spunkydawg]

Originally Posted by binghasm

Thank you, I'll check out all three. Are there any local tech jobs or do most people commute into DC? Is the train ride about an hour or longer?

In Kearneysville (between Charles Town and Martinsburg) there's an IRS Computing Center, so definitely tech jobs there. Also in the area are the Coast Guard, Veterans Administration, and Customs & Border Patrol (that's closer by Harpers Ferry), but I'm not sure if those jobs are tech.

The MARC train Brunswick Line goes from Harpers Ferry to Union Station DC in about 1:40.

To answer your original question...

Would you recommend Harper's Ferry for a young family looking for a good community?

Yes, definitely. As billscamaros said though, it's not like NoVA, so don't expect that, it's much quieter and calmer out here -- which to me is a great thing.

Plenty of activities for kids of all ages, here are links to AYSO (JCYSL) soccer:
About AYSO :: AYSO Region 322 - Jefferson County Youth Soccer League

And Jefferson County Parks & Rec's summer catalog:
ISSUU - Summer2014 print new by Jennifer Myers