Adam Miller | REALTOR®

Charles Town, West Virginia

Charles Town, the big city of Jefferson County in West Virginia, has all the charm of a small town with many of the accommodations normally available in bigger cities. Founded by the youngest brother of President George Washington, Charles Washington, and chartered in 1789, the city now boasts a population of about 5,500 residents. Many of Charles Town's downtown streets first laid out by Charles derive from names of family members and loved ones. The city has served as the county seat since then and is home to the County Courthouse. Over time the city of Ranson has grown into Charles Town, making it difficult to distinct the two.

The city now holds many of the county's major resources. Charles Town opened the county's only hospital in 1975 to replace the Charles Town Memorial Hospital, now officially known as Jefferson Medical Center as part of WVUH-East medical chain. Also unique to the area since 1933 is the Charles Town Race Track. In 2007 the race track expanded to include what is now known as the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Race Track. The complex now hosts horse racing, off-track betting, over 4,000 slot machines, and table games which includes a complete poker room. The facility also includes several restaurants, a buffet, and numerous concerts and events.

Washington High School, the county's newest high school, resides outside the city limits and boasts a beautiful campus and a turf athletic facility. Some of the county's newest housing developments, Arcadia Chase and Huntfield, are nearby to the city and school making a very attractive opportunity for growing families. If you are are looking for additional educational opportunities, the Jefferson County Museum includes thousands of Civil War artifacts, Native American exhibits, and World War II exhibits. The nearby Antietam Battlefield - the bloodiest battle on U.S. soil - and the Presbyterian Church - serving as a hospital for both sides of the Civil War - also provide plenty of historical relevance for the area.

The expansive downtown area has a nice mix of commercial and residential including a couple nice shops and restaurants. I've heard only good things about the Mediterranean Cafe for delicious Greek inspired food and the restaurant Dish with it's moderately priced American cuisine. Outside of the city center you will find several big-box retail centers which provide convenient shopping. Bordering Virginia's Loudon County and the recent addition of expanded commuting opportunities into other parts of Virginia, it is easy to see why Charles Town has grown to be the biggest part of Jefferson County, and I expect that trend to continue.

The purchase market is balanced with many historical downtown Charles Town properties as well as some more modern style housing. As you stretch out from downtown Charles Town and Ranson towards the outlying areas you will find a full range of style and size with additional opportunity for growth.

*This article was written by Adam Miller. All thoughts and opinions are my own and do not reflect Coldwell Banker or its affiliates. The above information is for promotional purposes and may not be factual.*