Keyser offers small-town charm along the Potomac River
On the West Virginia-Maryland state line, Keyser is an Appalachian town along the North Branch of the Potomac River. As the county seat of Mineral County, Keyser has served as a regional hub for commerce, railroads and industry. “Keyser, like a lot of West Virginia, was a proud mining town with a lot of railroad activity,” says Logan DelSignore, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Home Town Realty, who was born and raised in Keyser. Today, Keyser maintains a close-knit, small-town charm, enhanced by the presence of Potomac State College, a division of West Virginia University. “We’re an old town on the Potomac River, but having the college brings a youthful energy,” DelSignore says. “There are constantly new thoughts and ideologies coming into the community.” Surrounded by scenic natural beauty, Keyser offers a quintessential West Virginia lifestyle, with outdoor destinations a short drive away, friendly neighbors and an annual summertime festival that brings folks together.
Small local parks in Keyser and large outdoor spaces nearby
There are many parks scattered throughout Keyser. West End Park is a great place for families, with a grill and pavilion that can be rented for events. It also has basketball courts, a baseball field and a playground with swings and a merry-go-round. Nearby Brooks Park has similar amenities: sports courts, picnic pavilions and a playground. It also features an amphitheater where local concerts are held. The park is across from the John R. Shelton City Pool, where many residents spend hot summer days. While the North Branch of the Potomac River cuts through town, DelSignore says that most people head to the South Branch when they want to access the water. “People will fish, kayak or float on the South Branch.”
Many sprawling outdoor spaces are within what West Virginians would consider a short drive. Deep Creek Lake State Park, which sits on the shores of a nearly 4,000-acre lake, is about 27 miles west and offers fishing, hunting, hiking and paddling opportunities. There’s also a sandy beach at the park. Potomac State Forest is about 37 miles southwest, and Seneca Rocks, a striking rock formation and popular hiking destination, is about 50 miles south. “It’s absolutely an outdoorsy community,” DelSignore says. “Keyser is a great hub where you can be near everything West Virginia outdoors.”
Local businesses dominate downtown Keyser
Although it’s a small town, Keyser offers everything residents could need. A shopping plaza in the community’s center has a Martin’s grocery store, a Family Dollar, a Tractor Supply Co., a Bealls department store and more. “There are basically no chain restaurants in town,” DelSignore says. “It’s all local." In an old Victorian home, The Candlewyck Inn serves everything from meatball subs and ribeye steaks to chicken parmesan and crab cakes. With string lights hanging from the ceiling and a metal bar, Fat Bottom Grille has a cool vibe. The restaurant serves large portions of American pub fare. Locals can grab lattes in the morning from Queen’s Point Coffee or ice cream for dessert from Dairy Queen. North Branch Brewing Co. is popular on the weekend or for happy hour, pouring craft beer and more. “Most people do their big-box shopping in Cumberland, Maryland, about 20 minutes away,” DelSignore says.
Zoned for Mineral County Schools and Potomac State College in town
Mineral County Schools serve Keyser. Students can attend Keyser Primary, Keyser Middle and Keyser High School. These schools receive C’s from Niche. Eligible high school students may enroll in courses at Mineral County Technical Center. “The technical center serves high schoolers, but after hours it serves as a center for health care professionals,” DelSignore says.
West Virginia University Potomac State College is also in Keyser. This public college is about 90 miles east of the main campus in Morgantown and is known for its small class sizes. It educates around 1,100 students across over 60 majors, and its average class size is 17.
Homes near town center and on suburban roads
Many homes in Keyser are on streets near the town center, where local businesses are within walking distance. Others line more traditional suburban roads. American Foursquares, farmhouses and ranch-style homes are common, and some Victorian houses are in town. For under $100,000, buyers can find a home needing major repairs. Prices typically range from $150,000 to $360,000, depending on the size, age and condition. “The buyer profile is insular,” DelSignore says. “Whether it be older folks downsizing, new local buyers getting houses or people who are from here and want a new home.”
Keyser’s annual Strawberry Festival
The annual Strawberry Festival occurs during the first weekend of June. “In terms of small town festivals, it’s a premier event,” DelSignore says. Vendors line sidewalks, strawberry-themed snacks are served and live performances take over downtown for the day.
Regional routes and airport options
U.S. Route 220 is the area’s main thoroughfare, traveling across the border into McCoole, Maryland. The Potomac Valley Transit Authority offers a ready-ride service, which allows riders to call a van to transport them where they need to go. The PVTA also has fixed bus routes. For air travel, locals will need to commute. “We’re two hours from the nearest major airport,” DelSignore says. “But we have options. It’s about two hours to Dulles, Ronald Reagan, BWI and Pittsburgh.”
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
