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Keyser

Keyser

Located in Mineral County

$187,911 Average Value
$105 Average Price per Sq Ft
17 Homes For Sale

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.

Keyser housing is close in proximity to one another.
Keyser housing is close in proximity to one another.
The Potomac River flows through the edge of the City of Keyser.
The Potomac River flows through the edge of the City of Keyser.
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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.”

Families enjoy games and picnics at West End Park.
Families enjoy games and picnics at West End Park.
Residents enjoy a peaceful lunch at Brooks Park in Keyser.
Residents enjoy a peaceful lunch at Brooks Park in Keyser.
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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.

The Candlewyck Inn serves hungry residents a hot lunch during the week.
The Candlewyck Inn serves hungry residents a hot lunch during the week.
Residents meet for food and drinks at Royal Restaurant in downtown Keyser.
Residents meet for food and drinks at Royal Restaurant in downtown Keyser.
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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.

Students prepare for high school at Keyser Primary/Middle School in Keyser.
Students prepare for high school at Keyser Primary/Middle School in Keyser.
Keyser High School prepares students for college.
Keyser High School prepares students for college.
Potomac State College draws in students from the surrounding area in Keyser.
Potomac State College draws in students from the surrounding area in Keyser.
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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.”

Two story single family homes sit close to the road with sidewalks on some streets of Keyser.
Two story single family homes sit close to the road with sidewalks on some streets of Keyser.
Larger lots can be found further from downtown Keyser.
Larger lots can be found further from downtown Keyser.
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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.”

Adreanna DeMarino
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Nicholas Conti
Photography Contributed By
Nicholas Conti
Anne Sheridan
Video By
Anne Sheridan

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Keyser Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$170,950
Median Sale Price
$175,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$165,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
65
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$105

Area Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
684
Number of Homes for Sale
17
Median Year Built
1978
Months of Supply
3.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,870
On par with the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
16,117

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Keyser Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,521
Median Age
39
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$46,638
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,545

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.6%
College Graduates
22.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.1%
% Population in Labor Force
54.8%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
32''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

46 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®®

67 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Keyser