Potomac River has drawn people to Falling Waters for nearly 200 years
Since the 1740s, Colonial ferrymen, retreating soldiers and interstate commuters have crossed the Potomac River at Falling Waters. The river separates the West Virginia community from Maryland, and Pennsylvania is only 12 miles away. West Virginia’s lower taxes often entice Maryland and Pennsylvania residents to cross a state line or two and move to Falling Waters, says Tracey Scott, who leads the Tracey Scott Team at Path Realty. While homebuyers can take advantage of the state’s tax rates anywhere in West Virginia, Falling Waters comes with added bonuses: Interstate 81 on-ramps and miles of riverfront. “There are luxury homes with river views perched on the Potomac, and there are idyllic small-town, single-family homes with community river access,” says Scott, who sells homes across Berkeley County, including in Falling Waters.
New townhouses and homes come to the Eastern Panhandle
The community’s scenic landscape attracts second-home purchasers and retirees, as well as primary homebuyers, Scott says. Builders have responded to the area’s growing appeal by adding hundreds of homes since 2020. Two townhouse communities account for most of the new construction. Townhouse prices range from $230,000 to $335,000. Subdivisions of Craftsman- and Colonial-inspired single-family homes have been developed as well. New homes typically cost between $325,000 and $470,000. Although construction has picked up in recent years, much of the community remains rural, and hundreds of houses come with at least 3 acres. Prices for homes with large lots, including houses along the Potomac River, typically vary from $650,000 to $1.4 million.
Multiple dual enrollment options for Springs Mills High students
Marlowe Elementary teaches kindergarten through second grade, and third, fourth and fifth graders can go to Potomack Intermediate. Niche gives both schools B-minus grades, while Spring Mills Middle receives a C-plus. Students at B-minus-rated Spring Mills High can join dual enrollment programs to take college courses, such as Introduction to Visual Arts and General Biology, at Shepherd University’s campus or complete the first year of an associate degree at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. Spring Mills High even provides bus transportation to Blue Ridge Community and Technical College’s campus in Martinsburg.
The Potomac River flows past a waterfall trail and a historic park
It’s easy to miss the small parking lot along Encampment Road, but those who find it can take a short walk down a dirt path to see the cascading falls that give Falling Waters its name. Across the river, the Williamsport Boat Ramp provides access to the Potomac. “People come for the deep river access out here at Falling Waters because you can boat, ski and jet ski,” Scott says. “You can’t do those things in most places on the Potomac.” The riverbanks on the Maryland side are part of Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, which preserves 185 miles of waterfront where a canal once shipped coal and lumber to Washington, D.C. Visitors can bike the old towpath, walk along preserved canal locks and paddle the remnants of the canal. Just outside of Falling Waters, Dupont Soccer Complex hosts games for the Martinsburg-Berkley County Parks & Recreation Board’s youth soccer league.
New businesses and a growing hospital just outside of Falling Waters
Shopping centers cluster along Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 11. Walmart anchors the Spring Mills Towne Center, which also has fast-food restaurants and takeout spots. Across the street, a new shopping center has attracted businesses such as Dollar Tree and Chipotle. Spring Mills Diner opens daily for breakfast and lunch and serves a breakfast buffet on the weekends. A Food Lion stands between the community’s new townhouse communities. In 2025, West Virginia University began an expansion of Berkeley Medical Center to add more than 130 patient rooms to the Martinsburg hospital by 2028.
Located along I-81’s path between Martinsburg and Hagerstown
It’s about 10 miles down Interstate 81 to Martinsburg and a 12-mile drive on the highway to Hagerstown. Fifteen miles away, travelers can catch nonstop flights from Hagerstown Regional Airport to Myrtle Beach, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport. More direct flights are available at Washington Dulles International Airport, about 60 miles away.
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Alex Soderstrom
