Ranson blends industry with natural beauty in the Shenandoah Valley
In 1890, the Charles Town Mining, Manufacturing and Improvement Company purchased a 333-acre homestead from James M. Ranson and laid out what would become the city of Ranson. Originally designed as an industrial center that balanced the Shenandoah Valley’s rapid industrialization with the natural beauty of its mountainous surroundings, Ranson has since evolved beyond its manufacturing roots.
Today, the city is a destination for outdoor recreation in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. “It’s an awesome place for people who like to go fishing or hunting, and people who want to get out and hike,” says Matt Ridgeway, a Realtor with Re/Max Real Estate Group who has nearly 40 years of experience selling homes in the area. “We’re so close to the Shenandoah River, the Potomac and Harper’s Ferry.” Alongside its recreational offerings, Ranson is centrally located along the northwestern edge of the Washington metropolitan area.
Ranson is known for hosting thrilling horse races.
Locals can browse through local vendors at the Devil's Due Christmas Market in Ranson.
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Trails, fishing and local parks near the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is about 7 miles from Ranson, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. It has more than 20 miles of hiking trails that allow residents to explore Civil War sites, grand overlooks and part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The park also has a river access area where fishermen can cast their lines into the Shenandoah River. During warmer months, locals can float rafts and tubes down the river at various locations. For golfers, the public Locust Hill Golf Course is less than 5 miles from Ranson.
The Ranson Civic Center is a popular spot for outdoor and indoor recreation. Outdoor features include a playground and basketball court, while indoor offerings range from pickleball courts to batting cages. The civic center hosts annual events like the Jefferson County Community Youth Block Party, a summer favorite with kid-friendly activities and free school supplies. Lance-Slusher Park has sports courts and a playground, while Charles Marcus Field hosts a local youth football league.
Ranson has parks and playgrounds throughout for families to enjoy.
The Shenandoah National Park is convenient to residents of Cedarville.
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Housing options range from older Foursquares to newer townhouses
Ranson offers a wide variety of housing styles and options. Closer to the city center, residential streets feature a mix of American Foursquares, Colonial Revivals, shotgun houses, and National-style homes with shed-roofed porches. On the outskirts, subdivisions include everything from traditional split-level and Cape Cod-style homes to brand-new constructions built throughout the 2020s.
Prices for older homes typically range from $190,000 to $430,000, while newer builds sell for $400,000 to $600,000. Recent construction also includes townhouses, which sell for $260,000 to $365,000. Ridgeway notes that Ranson appeals to buyers seeking relative affordability in the Washington metro area. “We’re in a sweet spot for the region. The population is lower, and that means there's more room and the cost of living is better than nearby areas,” he says. As of mid-2025, the average home value in Ranson is nearly 60% lower than the average across the metro area.
Many new home developments are being constructed in Ranson.
Ranson still offers some rural areas and homes with acreage for home buyers.
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Jefferson County Schools district includes updated Ranson Elementary
Ranson is part of the Jefferson County Schools system, which earns an overall grade of B-minus from Niche. Ranson Elementary School receives a C and features STEM labs, outdoor classrooms and energy-efficient design elements, all part of a $31 million renovation completed in 2024. Older students can attend the B-minus-rated Wildwood Middle School and B-rated Jefferson High School, which is known for its award-winning baseball team with 12 state championships.
Ranson Elementary sits in the heart of town, and some residents can walk to school.
Wildwood Middle School serves students in Jefferson County, West Virginia.
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Local spots and essentials near the action in downtown Charles Town
Mildred Street anchors a quaint business district with small shops and chains. Two Rivers Treads, a local running store, showcases illustrations of the Appalachian Trail, while Boxers Craft House offers craft supplies and sewing classes in a family-owned setting. Essentials are available at stores like Dollar General, and larger shopping centers farther out include big-box stores and supermarkets. “We have Home Depot, Walmart and really everything you would need on a day-to-day basis,” Ridgeway says.
The dining scene includes local establishments such as Bagel Chicks Bakery and Pizza City, as well as fast-casual chains like Domino’s and Dairy Queen. Benchwarmers is a laid-back sports bar that serves as a neighborhood hangout, and neighboring downtown Charles Town has more cafés, breweries and restaurants.
Charlestown is a charming town rich with history south of Ranson.
Main Street Charlestown is within walking distance from many Ranson neighborhoods.
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Catch an exciting race at the Charlestown Races on the border of Ranson and Charlestown.
Entertainment at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
The Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is just outside the city and serves as a regional entertainment hub with table games, slot machines and a sportsbook. It also hosts horse races, including the Charles Town Classic and West Virginia Breeders Classic. “The Thoroughbred racing is something not a lot of places have,” Ridgeway says.
Residents rely on cars or MARC trains to reach NOVA and D.C.
Ranson is mostly car-dependent, but the Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA) offers local bus service. Washington is about 65 miles away via Routes 9 and 267, while Northern Virginia suburbs like Leesburg are within 30 miles. Commuters can travel 6 miles north to the Maryland Area Rail Commuter's Duffields Station for train access to the capital. Dulles International Airport is 40 miles away. Ranson hosts Jefferson Medical Center, a Level IV Trauma Center and Jefferson County’s only hospital. It’s part of the West Virginia University Health System, the state’s largest private employer.
The MARC Duffields station is convenient for Ranson residents commuting to D.C.
Beautiful views and stunning sunsets are the norm in Ranson.
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Written By
Sally Stimpson
Photography Contributed By
David MacNeill
Video By
Mike Dunleavy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kimberly Wheatley,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ranson, WV sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Ranson, WV over the last 12 months is $329,240, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MODEL HOME – 54 Sumter Ave To Be Built | Customize Your Home! St. Peter Townhomes – The Largest Townhomes in the Ranson & Charles Town Area! 4TH BEDROOM WITH PRIVATE FULL BATH INCLUDED IN THE PRICE! Build your dream home from the ground up — don’t settle for options another buyer selected. Choose your finishes, layout, and upgrades to fit your lifestyle. Enjoy spacious layouts with flexible
**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
Welcome to the To-Be-Built CADENCE Floorplan at the brand new MADISON GREENS community in Ranson, WV! Luxury townhomes that live like a single family home with backyards and a prime location walkable to Potomac Towne Center and right off Rt. 9. Only 20 min from Frederick County, MD and 30 min from Loudoun County, VA. Step through the welcoming foyer into an expansive recreation room, perfect for
Apart from our Americana series, this contemporary, two-story home design offers up to 2,853 square feet of finished living space. As you enter the Rockford, you're introduced to a front room and foyer, which can be closed with double glass doors for a more private den. Continuing through the home, you enter a large family room open to the breakfast nook and kitchen. This area is airy and light
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Build your dream home in Ranson! This cleared residential lot at 406 E 11th Avenue offers a prime opportunity to design a custom home in an established growing city. Utilities are available nearby, and the property is conveniently located near downtown Ranson and Charles Town. No HOA and easy access to Route 9 and commuter routes to Northern Virginia and Maryland. Buyer to verify all information
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Apart from our Americana series, this contemporary, two-story home design offers up to 2,853 square feet of finished living space. As you enter the Rockford, you're introduced to a front room and foyer, which can be closed with double glass doors for a more private den. Continuing through the home, you enter a large family room open to the breakfast nook and kitchen. This area is airy and light
Fantastic home featuring beautiful hardwood floors throughout the main level. The huge kitchen is a dream for cooking and baking, complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, abundant cabinet space, ample counter space, and a pantry for extra storage. Enjoy spacious bedrooms, including a stunning primary suite with an amazing shower and a generous walk-in closet. Additional
Apart from our Americana series, this contemporary, two-story home design offers up to 2,853 square feet of finished living space. As you enter the Rockford, you're introduced to a front room and foyer, which can be closed with double glass doors for a more private den. Continuing through the home, you enter a large family room open to the breakfast nook and kitchen. This area is airy and light
The first floor of this three-story home features a recreation room with a convenient powder room. The second level is host to an open concept floorplan that seamlessly connects a Great Room, dining area and modern kitchen. On the top floor, there are two bedrooms, including the luxurious owner’s suite, which offers residents a restful bedroom, spa-inspired bathroom and generous walk-in closet. A
MODEL HOME – 54 Sumter Ave To Be Built | Customize Your Home! St. Peter Townhomes – The Largest Townhomes in the Ranson & Charles Town Area! 4TH BEDROOM WITH PRIVATE FULL BATH INCLUDED IN THE PRICE! Build your dream home from the ground up — don’t settle for options another buyer selected. Choose your finishes, layout, and upgrades to fit your lifestyle. Enjoy spacious layouts with flexible
The Penwell is a two-story plan with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, totaling 2,148+ square feet. The main level features a chef-inspired kitchen with an oversized island and walk-in pantry, as well as a flex room that’s ideal for a formal dining room or home office. The kitchen opens into a spacious living room, perfect for the entertainer. The primary suite on the second level offers a luxurious
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Discover the perfect blend of modern living and community charm in this stunning new construction townhouse in the desirable Shenandoah Springs subdivision. Featuring two spacious bedrooms and four bathrooms (two full and two half), this home offers ample space. Enjoy a fully finished basement with daylight windows, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and window treatments. Step outside to your private
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Property Id: 1186599BEDROOM for one person in a single house Bathroom: sharing with one person Kitchen sharing Utilities; included Pets : not allowed Laundry: NONEText to
Move right in! This stunning, sun-filled townhome in Shenandoah Springs is available immediately and has everything you are looking for. Enjoy a bright, open floor plan highlighted by a chef's kitchen with crisp light cabinets, granite counters, stainless appliances, and a huge eat-in island. The main floor also offers an expansive living room and a convenient powder room. Head upstairs to find
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Be the first to live in this brand-new end-unit townhome in the sought-after Shenandoah Springs community in Ranson, WV. This Lancaster model offers modern comfort and thoughtful design, featuring a 2-car rear-entry garage, attractive landscaping, and a versatile lower-level recreation room with a convenient half bath, perfect for a home office, gym, or additional living space. The main level
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Coming Soon! Nice spacious townhome in a desirable neighborhood at a great affordable price! This is a three bedroom, 2.5 bath. with a one car garage and a long driveway for extra parking. Features a finished basement with laundry on lower level. This home is being freshly painted and professionally cleaned. New photos coming soon! Sorry, No Pets
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