What is Charles Town WV like? (Martinsburg, Shepherdstown: crime, custom home, schools)

[egup82]

I'm wondering what Charles Town WV is like. Does it have a strong community feel?? Are people friendly? How is crime? Is it affordable?

[clintsullivan]

Not sure about the strong community feel, I think that has more to do with how involved an individual is with the community; there are plenty of groups/organizations with which to be involved in Charles Town. People are generally very friendly. Crime is very low. Affordable is relative. Some, very few, but some older small bungalows or townhomes sell around $100k, average small ranch market is $150k to $200k, nice larger, newer homes on small lots in S/D's are $200k to $300k, well built custom homes with some land are $300k to $400k, very good to exceptional homes on big lots $500k+.
This is a very nice area, I've lived in Jefferson County for the majority of my life. This is a commuting/bedroom community where the majority of the workforce heads eastward. But because we are at the fringe of a reasonable commute to DC, it's not too hectic or overcrowded. In the past several years there has been much growth in retail and commercial as well as housing. But with the downturn, the housing had slowed to almost no new homes being built for the past year+; it now appears as though we are picking up a little, but I doubt we will ever see the rate of growth experienced in 2002-2006. So we have benefited from new schools & shopping & restaurants but the population is at a level where it is not overcrowded.
From your other posts it looks like you are seeking a small town community atmosphere with diversity. You may like Shepherdstown. It's the most diverse and liberal area in the county and is home to Shepherd University. I'll DM you some info.

[mcd32127]

It is a beautiful small town, and I would say it has the "community feel" you're looking for. I was born in Martinsburg which is about 20 minutes west of there and if you can take the cold weather it is a very nice area