The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia has much to offer its residents. They say, a property's greatest asset is location, location, location. If that is truly the case, then the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia should be SOLD OUT! We are 70 miles west of the Washington, DC - Baltimore, MD metropolitan area. Travel to our west about the same milage and you will have reached the remote mountain areas of West Virginia. I-81, a major north/south roadway, disects our area. I-70, a major east/west roadway, is within 5 minutes of our boundary with Maryland. We are the center of the largest population in the United States within a 500 mile radius. For "Snow Birds" we are about half way between their winter homes in Florida and their native homelands in New England. As you can see we offer the crown jewel of locations here in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.
We are sometimes considered a "bedroom" community for those who work in the metropolitan areas. I believe that presents a negative image of our area. A perception that this area is less worthy of financial support from our state and federal governments because families just "sleep" here. The families, whose bread winners ride the train to Washington, DC or who commute to points in Virginia and Maryland for their jobs, leave behind each morning spouses, partners and children who partake of our resources all day long. They have made the choice to move here to enjoy the casual, rural lifestyle we have to offer. To escape the pressures of the metropolitan areas.
Comparative with our bordering states, our real estate prices, taxes and insurance costs are low. Our communities offer low crime rates, recreational opportunities and growing employment opportunities. Our infrastructures, roadways and schools are continuing to expand to provide quality services to our residents. However, we are still growing. This growth has presented many challenges to our local governments to continue to provide the quality of life that has attracted so many.
Some would say that regulations will limit this growth, enhance our lifestyle and address our challenges. We only need to look to our Northern Virginia and Maryland neighbors to see that does not work. Loudoun County, VA and Montgomery County, MD have continued to see phenomenal growth and drastic real estate price increases. What their regulations have done is force the less fortunate and working class families to seek housing farther west because they no longer can afford to live in those areas.
That's okay, West Virginia's doors are wide open and we are welcoming you! Bring your children, grandma and all the family pets. Don't forget to pack your moral and ethical values, community spirit and laid back attitudes. We'd love to have them. However, we'd like you to leave your criminal nature, your restrictive behaviors and extreme regulations behind. You are welcome to indulge in our beautiful landscape, rich history and the fruits of our orchards. But remember we did not lock the garden gate before you got here, so let's leave it open for others to enjoy our bounty too. We want the best you have to offer!
Rules and regulations do not make a better community, people do. We need people who think creatively, who can influence our state and national leaders, who are financially responsible when dealing with tax payer's money and above all have a true love for their neighbor and community no matter where they live. So...if you can make a positive contribution to our communities, come on in, we'd love to have you.
Welcome to Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. Let's keep it that way!
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