A small town in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle, Charles Town was established in the 1780s by Charles Washington, George Washington’s younger brother. Originally named Charleston, the town was renamed Charles Town to avoid confusion with the state’s capital city. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about 7,600 people were living in Charles Town as of 2023, and the population has steadily increased since 2010 as newcomers from nearby states relocate to the region. “New buyers coming here from Virginia and Maryland will have the West Virginia stereotypes in mind,” says Jess Derr, a real estate agent with Corcoran McEnearney who lives in the area. “I assure them we have hospitals, restaurants, high-speed internet. The eastern panhandle is very similar to surrounding areas.” The growing historic town has more spacious homes with a lower price tag than Virginia and Maryland houses, making it a viable option for commuters willing to drive over 50 miles to the Washington, D.C., area for work.
Car show entries can win awards for various categories in Charles Town.
Charles Town is rich with both American and Civil War history.Charles Town offers a deep history, from the American Revolution to the Civil War.
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Older bungalows and newer townhouses
Many homebuyers look to Charles Town because its median sales price is about $400,000, which is on par with the national average and significantly cheaper than cities closer to Washington, D.C. “It’s a life hack in a lot of ways — make D.C. money but buy a house for West Virginia prices,” Derr says. “Prices in West Virginia can be shockingly lower. People will come from a condo or townhouse in Loudoun County and be able to get a single-family house with a big yard here.” Charles Town has a mixture of older gridded streets, which have bungalows and American Foursquares from the early to mid-1900s, and newer subdivisions with contemporary townhouses and farmhouse-inspired single-family homes. Derr says that the town has seen a lot of housing developments in the past few years, and new builds often make up about half of the available inventory.
Charming historic homes lines lively streets in Charles Town.
Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a townhome in Charles Town.
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Public parks in Charles Town, longer hiking trails in Harper's Ferry
The community has a few local parks where residents can take their kids to the playground or play basketball or pickleball on public courts. One of the bigger spaces is Jefferson County Memorial Park, which has a public outdoor pool and walking trails. Harper’s Ferry, which is around 7 miles east, has more outdoorsy recreation. “You can pick up the canal towpath that follows the Potomac River and go jogging or biking for miles,” Derr says. The Appalachian Trail also runs through Harper’s Ferry.
Veterans gather in Charles Town each year to honor their service at the Veterans Day event.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking in Harpers Ferry, where the Appalachian Trail runs through.
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Downtown events through Charles Town Now
The community congregates at town-wide events throughout the year. “There’s a nonprofit called Charles Town Now that’s dedicated to supporting businesses, planning events and revitalizing our downtown,” Derr says. She adds that the biggest event is the annual West Virginia Festival, a celebration with local vendors, live music, food and activities. “The organization will partner with local businesses downtown for pop-up events,” Derr adds. “Following them on Instagram and Facebook is the best way to find things to do.” The Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, a large gaming and entertainment complex with a racetrack, draws national acts to perform and is a major contributor to tourism in the area.
The Sunset Market in Charlestown welcomes residents from across Jefferson County.
Try some of the best food around at the West Viginia Fest.
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Chain restaurants near the casino and local dining downtown
Restaurants are concentrated in two spots in Charles Town: near the casino and in the historic downtown area. Around the casino, residents find chain restaurants, supermarkets and big-box retailers. The historic buildings downtown host locally owned bakeries, eateries and pubs. Jefferson Medical Center, which is associated with West Virginia University Medicine, is in the area.
A wide range of retail chains and businesses make Charles Town convenient for residents.
The Charles Town Hollywood Casino is a key attraction in Charles Town.
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Commuters take a train or interstate to go to D.C.
U.S. and state routes crisscross through town, keeping residents connected to other parts of Jefferson County. Commuters headed toward D.C., Maryland and Virginia have about a 60-mile drive southeast. They can also take a train, as there’s a MARC station about 5 miles north, in Shenandoah Junction; it takes about 2 hours to reach Washington Union Station. Dulles International Airport, which is about 40 miles southeast, is the closest major airport. According to FBI statistics, incidents of violent crime in Charles Town increased slightly from 2022 to 2023, while property crimes decreased.
The MARC train runs through Jefferson County, making commuting to Washington, D.C., convenient for Charles Town residents.
Commuters have convenient rail options from Martinsburg to Washington, D.C.
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Technical-education options through Jefferson County Schools
Kids are zoned to Jefferson County Schools; the district scores a B-minus rating from Niche and serves about 8,300 students. High schoolers may enroll in courses at the James Rumsey Technical Institute, which offers programs in automotive technology, firefighting, graphic design and more.
Washington High School serves the Jefferson County community in West Virginia.
Serving Jefferson County, West Virginia, Page Jackson Elementary supports local students and families.
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Written By
Amanda Boivin
Photography Contributed By
David MacNeill
Video By
Tony Simonetti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tara Lowe,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Charles Town, WV sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Charles Town, WV over the last 12 months is $384,850, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**Model Home 54 Sumter Ave** NOW AVAILABLE — 4TH BEDROOM WITH PRIVATE FULL BATH OPTION!St. Peter Townhomes – The Largest in the Ranson & Charles Town Area! Customize your dream home from the ground up — don’t settle for options other buyers picked out! Enjoy spacious layouts with flexible spaces for family fun, entertaining, and weekend cookouts! Up to 2,349 Sq. Ft. of Modern Luxury Special
STONE SPRING- NEW UPTON MODEL NOW RELEASED! January Move In! BY APPOINTMENT ONLY UNTIL 1/2/26. Models can be toured using UTOUR. Go to model, UTOUR instructions are on the sales office door. Experience worry-free homeownership at Essence at Stone Spring by Stanley Martin—where the list price includes all options and upgrades!Welcome to The Upton, a stylish and spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath
STONE SPRING- NEW UPTON MODEL NOW RELEASED! BY APPOINTMENT ONLY UNTIL 1/2/26. Models can be toured using UTOUR. Go to model, UTOUR instructions are on the sales office door. Experience worry-free homeownership at Essence at Stone Spring by Stanley Martin—where the list price includes all options and upgrades!Welcome to The Upton, a stylish and spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home. This two-level
Welcome to this expansive and beautifully appointed home offering 4,500 +/- square feet of finished living space, including a mostly finished basement. With 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, this property delivers an exceptional blend of elegance, comfort, and flexibility for modern living. The main level features hardwood flooring throughout, crown molding, a formal dining room, a spacious living
Attached 1 car garage. Open concept kitchen with optional island opens to the living room. Optional choices are: a sun room, morning room, and fireplace. Owner’s suite with expansive walk-in closet, dual vanity, and shower. Finished lower level options available.
Open concept kitchen with large island. Owner’s suite with oversized walk-in closet, dual sink vanity, and seated shower. Optional attached or detached 2-car garage. Optional features available are a study and fireplace.
This new three-story townhome design combines comfort and style, with an unfinished recreation room and a one-car garage on the first floor. The second floor showcases an open-plan layout combining a dining room for memorable meals, a kitchen for adventurous cooks and a Great Room for shared moments. The third floor hosts three restful bedrooms including an owner’s suite with a walk-in closet and
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday and Sunday 12pm - 3pm Welcome to the Crafton II, a beautifully designed floor plan offering the flexibility needed to truly make it your own! As you enter the home, you'll be greeted by a spacious family room, powder room, and stairs leading up to the second level. You can also access the house through the attached 2-car garage, which is weather-protected. The dining and
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday and Sunday 12pm - 3pm Attached 2-car garage. The open concept kitchen features a generous island and opens to breakfast area and family room. Optional choices available include a patio and den. Main level owner’s suite with expansive walk-in closet, dual vanity, and shower. Finished lower level options available.
This new three-story townhome design is a perfect blend of casual elegance, featuring an unfinished recreation room and a one-car garage on the first floor for added convenience. The second level offers an open-concept layout where a lovely dining room flows seamlessly into an upgraded, multi-functional kitchen and welcoming Great Room. Wide plank scratch-proof, water-resistant flooring enhances
This new three-story townhome design blends comfort and style, featuring an unfinished recreation room and a one-car garage on the first floor. The second level showcases an open-concept layout with a dining room for memorable meals, a kitchen for adventurous cooks and a welcoming Great Room for shared moments. Wide plank scratch-proof, water-resistant flooring flows throughout the main living
COMING SOON! Welcome to Riverpointe, Charles Town’s newest community! This beautiful two-story Colonial offers 2,148 sq. ft. of well-designed living space with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. The open-concept main level features 9-foot ceilings, a spacious family room, and a modern kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and a large corner pantry—perfect
Welcome to the Bridgeport II, a place where style meets functionality! Crossing the threshold, you'll find an open concept layout that includes a bright gathering room with an optional fireplace, a spacious kitchen with a large island and walk-in pantry, a mudroom, a powder room, and a flex room or main level bedroom. Moving upstairs, you'll discover a private owner's suite that comes with a
This new three-story townhome design is a perfect blend of casual elegance, featuring an unfinished recreation room and a one-car garage on the first floor for added convenience. The second level offers an open-concept layout where a lovely dining room flows seamlessly into an upgraded, multi-functional kitchen and welcoming Great Room. Wide plank scratch-proof, water-resistant flooring enhances
End of Row, 3 Level Model Townhome with 8 ft. Sunroom and Deck! Model Home for Sale! This beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath townhome in Charles Town offers designer upgrades throughout and stunning mountain and tree-line views from the front. The main level features an extended kitchen island, pendent lights over the upgraded quartz countertops, and upgraded soft closed sand-colored
Available now! ready to move in! Call now for your private showing appointment. Discover the charm of this stunning townhouse in the desirable TOWNES AT TATE MANOR, built in 2022. The kitchen boasts modern stainless steel appliances, an island for casual dining, and a pantry for all your culinary needs. Enjoy the luxury of three spacious bedrooms, each with ample closet space, and three full
Modern designs, elegant finishes, and upscale amenities await you at Washington Landings. Our Charles Town apartments come in one, two, and three-bedroom spacious and adaptable layouts. Various interior luxuries adorn them, including granite countertops, walk-in closets, in-unit washers/dryers, and more. As a resident of our pet-friendly community, you will also have exclusive access to
Spacious 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment in the newly renovated Stephenson Building. This beautiful unit features 11 ft ceilings, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplash and luxury vinyl plank flooring. There is a lighted tenant parking lot in the back of the building, security cameras and controlled access. Basement storage units are available for additional monthly rent.
Residences at Jefferson Crossing is located at 55 Pimlico Drive in picturesque Charles Town, WV. Professionally managed by Gates Hudson, Residences at Jefferson Crossing offers stunning 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments with spacious, well-appointed layouts. Amenities include our Business Center, Clubhouse, Sparkling Pool & Sun Deck, Granite Countertops, Dishwashers, and all of the comforts of HOME.
Available for rent, this 2023-built single-level home offers an open and functional layout with 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and an island that opens to the main living area, making it easy for everyday living and entertaining. LVP flooring runs through the main living spaces, with carpeted bedrooms for added comfort.
Property Id: 1790961Welcome to your new home at 157 Gumspring Drive in Charles Town, WV! This beautiful single unit property features modern amenities such as a dishwasher, oven, and washer/dryer. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a spacious backyard. With a spacious garage, central air, and a lovely lawn, this pet-friendly rental is perfect for you. Don't miss out on this
Come take a look at this nice home, Granite counters in the kitchen and bathrooms. 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths with washer and dryer. 2 car garage, with remotes. LVP flooring in kitchen, dining room, living room. Fenced in back yard with a small patio. HOA is paid by the landlord and garbage is included in the rent. Credit scores needs to be 650 plus and make 3 times the rent. Dogs is a case by
Welcome to this bright and spacious two-story apartment in a beautifully maintained historic home just steps from downtown Charles Town. Featuring gleaming hardwood floors, tall ceilings, and plenty of natural light, this 3-bed / 1-bath unit offers classic charm with modern convenience. The main level includes a comfortable living area and an open kitchen with oak cabinetry, full-size appliances,
Beautiful, newly completed 3-level town home in the Huntfield community of Charles Town, WV. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features an upgraded kitchen with a large island and stainless steel appliances. The ground floor includes an office and a family room with walk out door to the backyard. The primary suite includes a soaking tub, separate shower, double vanity, and large walk-in
This large single family home is located in the golf course community of Locust Hill in Charles Town, WV! You are welcomed into this beautiful home by the hardwood floors that flow throughout the main level that features a spacious eat-in kitchen with large island and plenty of counterspace; sun room with french doors that access the rear deck and unfenced yard - the perfect space for
Nice Spacious brick front townhome with extra bump outs, close to shopping and commuting areas. All hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, kitchen island, front loading washer and dryer. Finished basement with wood vinyl flooring with walk out to a patio and fenced in backyard. Third level has bedrooms with wood floors, walk in closets and nice master bathroom. Ready to move in, must pass
***Added finished Basement with 2 new Bedrooms, 1 Full Bath and Kitchenette , Price adjusted for basement addition ***** Available now, Rarely available, Sunny and Spacious, Single Family detached 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bath home with attached 2-car garage in commuter friendly Kings Crossing community. Enjoy the convenience of one level living. The spacious open-concept kitchen features a generous island
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