NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION
Potomac Highlands | Mineral County, WV | Grant County, WV | Hampshire County, WV | Randolph County, WV | Morgan County, WV | Hardy County, WV | Tucker County, WV | Pendleton County, WV | Pocahontas County, WV | Taylor County, WV | Allegany County, MD | Garrett County, MD
Potomac Highlands
 
Welcome to our neighborhood information page. Living in the Potomac Highlands region has been a dream come true, and although I know the area better than anyone, each day is a wonderful new experience. Below I've provided some essential information for navigating through all that Potomac Highlands real estate has to offer. Getting to know the community you wish to live in is a necessity when searching for that perfect home. Our blossoming communities within the Potomac Highlands region provide some wonderful areas for working, learning, and leading an overall enriched life. The wealth of recreational opportunities, great schools, and a burgeoning economy makes the Potomac Highlands area one of the premier living districts in West Virginia. Check out the information below to learn more about what makes the Potomac Highlands the ideal place to call home.
General Information
Bordering Maryland and Virginia, the Potomac Highlands comprise five counties: Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, and Pendleton. The counties of Pocahontas, Randolph, and Tucker are often unofficially included in the Potomac Highlands region, though they don't lie within the Potomac River watershed. Roughly 81,000 people are currently living in the Potomac Highlands region, with Mineral County being the most populated of the five major counties. Keyser, located in Mineral County, is the most populated city in the region and is home to nearly 5,500 people.
Scenery
Located among the Allegheny Mountains, the Potomac Highlands region is filled with gorgeous rock formations and rhododendron groves. Home to five federal wilderness areas and over a million acres of national forest, the Potomac Highlands are perfect for outdoor adventures. If you like skiing, then Snowshoe Mountain, Canaan Valley Resort, and Timberline Four Seasons are perfect for you, with the latter offering annual wine festivals, cook-offs, and symphony weekends. A myriad of other parks and outdoor areas in the region offer fabulous hiking and biking trails, visible wildlife, and stunning natural wonders.
For more information about the Potomac Highlands area, click here.
Mineral County, WV
Cities and Towns
Brief History
Discovered in 1669, the German physician and explorer John Lederer is believed to be the first person to set foot in what is now Mineral County. The county was officially named in 1866 by the Act of the West Virginia Legislature, receiving its name from the vast amount of minerals found in the region, particularly coal.
Population
Mineral County is home to nearly 30,000 people, occupying nearly 12,000 housing units. The average age of a Mineral County citizen is 38 years old, and the average household size is about 2.5 people.
Climate
Located in the Potomac Highlands region of West Virginia, Mineral County experiences four distinct seasons with average temperatures ranging between 61 and 37 degrees. Annual rainfall in the county is 45 inches and annual snowfall is 76 inches. The Potomac River runs through the county, which is home to an abundance of pastures and forests. These scenic areas are perfect for recreation and residential development.
Jobs & Commerce
A strong work ethic is the backbone of the Mineral County community. With a labor force of nearly 105,000 people and an average household income of about $31,000, the county is home to various manufacturing plants specializing primarily in lumber, glass, propulsion units, and mineral fabrication. Three hundred farms, on roughly 76,000 acres, contribute $3.5 million to the local economy per year. Small business growth is constantly on the rise, with programs such as the Region 8 Revolving Loan Fund providing financial assistance to qualified businesses.
Education
Mineral County houses an excellent education program that includes five primary schools, one intermediate school, three middle schools, and two advanced technology high schools. High-school test scores in Mineral County are among the best in West Virginia and consistently outperform national averages. The following is a list of local schools:
Primary Schools:
- Burlington Primary School (304-289-3073)
- Fort Ashby Primary School (304-298-3632)
- Fountain Primary School (304-788-4215)
- New Creek Primary School (304-788-4249)
- Wiley Ford Primary School (304-738-0400)
Intermediate Schools:
- Frankfort Intermediate School (304-298-3613)
Middle Schools:
- Elk Garden Primary Middle School (304-446-5141)
- Frankfort Middle School (304-726-4339)
- Keyser Primary Middle School (304-788-4220)
High Schools:
- Frankfort High School (304-726-4767)
- Keyser High School (304-788-4230)
For more information about these schools, click here.
Potomac State College (304-788-6820) and the Mineral County Technical Center (304-788-4240) provide local and out-of-state residents with a wide variety of collegiate educational and training programs.
Parks and Recreation
Mineral County is home to six parks and other state lands that provide a variety of hunting, fishing, sporting, camping, and family services:
- Larenim Park: Over 365 acres, including two pavilions, an amphitheatre, a baseball and softball field, fishing, hunting, an arboretum, and 5 miles of trails.
- Barnum Whitewater Area: Over 40 acres, including 4 miles of trails, hunting, 7 miles of whitewater rafting and canoeing, and one of the best trout fishing streams in West Virginia.
- MINCO Park: 13.5 acres, including pavilions, a picnic area, nine cabins, a dining field, a chapel, and a meeting room.
- Van Myra Campground: 10 acres, including a picnic area and pavilions.
- Dam Site #21: 178 acres of primarily fishing.
- Jennings Randolph Lake: 952 acres, including 13 miles of shoreline and extensive recreational opportunities.
For more information about these sites, click here.
Polish Pines and Mill Creek County Club provide beautiful nine-hole golf courses near Keyser. The Mineral County Fair is held each August, hosting events such as livestock judging and displays by civic groups, 4-h Clubs, Homemakers, and Future Farmers of America. "Running the North Branch," a Potomac River event that includes rafting and canoeing, has become a popular event each April and May that attracts families from all over, due to its thrilling ride and beautiful mountainous scenery. Other annual events include the Apple Harvest Festival, Yuletide Ball, Farmer's Market, and Cinco de Mayo Celebration.
Some popular quick-stop tourist attractions include Fort Ashby, The Log House, Saddle Mountain, and a variety of old churches and farms. For cultural arts entertainment, come see the Apple Alley Players or Highland Arts Unlimited, Inc., two performance groups that provide various music, art, and theatre programs at centers throughout the county.
Healthcare
Potomac Valley Hospital is the main health center in the Mineral County area, with other hospitals in Morgantown, Cumberland, and Winchester, including regional cardiac and cancer centers. The West Virginia University Hospital also provides services to nearby health facilities. The Heartland Nursing Home and various assisted-living homes help care for the needs of seniors in the area.
Places of Worship
A variety of religious denominations exist throughout Mineral County, with a large portion of the community being catholic, evangelical protestant, and mainline protestant. The numerous churches that represent these faiths provide a range of services and events for the county, helping to solidify the sense of community and open-mindedness that is exuded in every area of Mineral County real estate. For a complete list of churches and religious organizations in the county seat of Keyser, click here.
Grant County, WV
Cities and Towns
Fun Facts
Named for Ulysses S. Grant, the county of Grant was created from Hardy County in 1866. After the Civil War, former Confederates attempted to rename the county after Robert E. Lee, but the attempt failed.
Population
Over 11,500 people live in Grant County, which is an increase of more than 2% since the year 2000. There are over 4,600 households in the county, housing an average of about 2.5 people. The average age of a Grant County citizen is 39 years old.
Jobs and Commerce
Grant County is home to a strong and healthy economy, and citizens of the county display a strong work ethic that is noticeable in all facets of everyday life. Manufacturing, health care, and retail trade are the largest employers in the county. Other major industries in the county include food services, information services, and technical services. The median household income in the county is over $29,000, and per capita income increased by 24% between 1997 and 2002.
Education
Grant County provides exceptional educational services to children and young adults of all learning stages. Teachers and administrators in the county pride themselves on the care and attention they provide for each individual student. There are seven fantastic schools located in the county. Click on the school to learn more:
Recreation and Entertainment
Grant County offers unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you're interested in skiing, canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, white-water rafting, or just sight-seeing, there are endless activities for you to take part in. Here is a rough guide to outdoor recreation in Grant County:
- Canaan Valley: Offers winter sports, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, exploring, swimming, tennis, nature walks, golf, and evening events.
- Eagle's Nest Outfitters: Offers 80 miles of river for canoeing, fishing, camping, and even a Canoe Clinic.
- Dolly Sods: Over 10,000 acres of wilderness, plains, bogs, ponds, and sweeping vistas, resembling Northern Canada.
- Potomac River Fishing: Offers excellent fishing for bass, trout, channel catfish, and carp.
- Mount Storm Lake: A 1,200 acre lake offering fishing and water-skiing.
For more information about the above locations, plus details about other outdoor recreational opportunities, click here.
For a full list of other entertainment opportunities and historic sites in Grant County, click here.
Places of Worship
Grant County offers a wide array of churches and other religious organizations that cater to many different denominations. For a list of these facilities, click here.
Hampshire County, WV
Cities and Towns
Fun Facts
Named for the shire in England, the county of Hampshire was created on December 13, 1753 and is West Virginia's oldest county. The county seat of Romney is West Virginia's oldest town.
Population
Over 21,500 people live in Hampshire County, which is an increase of over 6.5% since the year 2000. There are more than 8,500 households in the county, housing an average of about 2.5 people. The average age of a Hampshire County citizen is 38 years old.
Jobs and Commerce
Hampshire County has a booming economy with a healthy, hard-working labor force. The largest industries in the county include health care and retail trade, followed by food services, administrative services, wholesale trade, information services, technical services, and real estate. The median household income in the county is over $31,000, and per capita income increased by over 28% between 1997 and 2002.
Education
Hampshire County is home to a fabulous educational system that provides for the needs of students at all learning levels. There are 11 public schools and 2 private schools in the county. To learn more about each school, simply click on it:
Parks and Recreation
As with the rest of eastern West Virginia, Hampshire County has some fantastic outdoor recreational opportunities. From rivers and mountains, to a plethora of historic sites, Hampshire County has it all. The Potomac River offers unlimited water leisure activities, including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Gorgeous wildlife and scenery surround the river, creating a perfect respite for the whole family. There are four major sections of the Potomac that run through Hampshire County:
- Cacapon River
- Little Cacapon River
- North Branch Potomac River
- South Branch Potomac River
Each of these sections of river has its own traits and offers its own particular beauty. For more information about the Potomac River, click here.
Hampshire County is also home to 11 mountains with stunning scenery, flora, and fauna:
Four additional famed geological formations are located in the county, including:
- Caudy's Castle
- Hanging Rocks
- Mechanicsburg Gap
- The Trough
Fiver major parks are situated in Hampshire County, including:
- Central Hampshire Park
- Green Spring Recreational Park
- Hampshire Park & 4-H Camp
- Romney Recreation Center
- Shanks Roadside Park
For more information about recreational opportunities in Hampshire County, feel free to Contact Us at anytime.
Places of Worship
Hampshire County is home to many churches and religious organizations that cater to a myriad of religious denominations. The county seat of Romney contains over 20 churches, contributing to the spiritual well-being of the community. For a list of churches in Romney, click here.
Randolph County, WV
Incorporated Cities and Towns
Population
Randolph County is home to over 28,500 people, which is an increase of more than .8 % since the year 2000. There are over 11,200 households in the county, housing an average of about 2.5 people. The average age of a Randolph County citizen is 39 years old.
Jobs and Commerce
The economy of Randolph County is sturdy and constantly growing. The labor force is steady and has remained so in recent years. Health care, manufacturing, and retail trade are the largest industries in the county, followed by food services, administrative services, and wholesale trade. The median household income in the county is over $27,000, and per capita income increased by almost 28% between 1997 and 2002.
Education
Randolph County contains a wonderful school system, with 15 public schools and 5 private schools. Serving students of all ages, teachers and administrators are proud to offer a variety of educational opportunities. For a complete list of public schools, along with contact and location information, click here. For parents more interested in private schools, click here to learn more about what the Randolph County school system has to offer.
Davis & Elkins College is located in Randolph County, as well. A private liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, Davis & Elkins College specializes in bachelor programs for psychology, business, education, recreation/fitness, and visual/performing arts. For more information about the college, click here.
Parks and Recreation
Randolph County, located in the heart of West Virginia, offers some of the best outdoor recreation in the state. Whether it's cliffs and caves, or the nearly one million acres of forest, Randolph is an outdoor dream. Twenty spectacular peaks and hundreds of miles of trails are perfect locales for bird-watching, sightseeing, and watching shooting stars soar overhead. Here is a list of some of nature's amazing sites in Randolph County:
- Bear Heaven Recreation Area
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- Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
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- Fernow Experimental Forest
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- Lake Buffalo Recreation Area
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- Monongahela National Forest
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- West Virginia State Wildlife Center
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For a complete list of outdoor recreation and facilities, click here.
Five additional major attractions in Randolph County each bring in thousands of visitors a year. Opportunities abound in all four seasons. The attractions are as follows:
- Cass Scenic Railroad
- Durbin-Greenbrier Valley Railroad/New Tygert Flyer
- Graceland and Halliehurst Mansions
- National Radio Astronomy Observatory
- World Class Skiing
For more information about each of these attractions, click here.
The city of Elkins was voted one of the Best Arts Towns in America, due to the variety of artistic displays and festivities hosted in the town year round. From theatre, antiques, and collectibles, to music, dancing, and storytelling, Randolph County is a cultural haven for the whole family to learn from and enjoy. For a complete list of cultural and artistic offerings in the county, click here. For a list of popular festivals and events in the area, click here.
Restaurants and Dining
From quick-eats to fine dining, Randolph County provides a wide array of eating facilities that cater to everyone's dining needs. Whether you're interested in getting a quick bite, or you want to treat the whole family to a top-notch meal, restaurants in Randolph are ready to serve you. For a list of eating establishments in the county, along with contact and location information, click here.
Places of Worship
Randolph County contains a wide variety of churches and other religious facilities, providing for the spiritual needs of a variety of denominations. For a list of churches and other religious organizations in the county seat of Randolph, click here.
Morgan County, WV
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Hardy County, WV
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Tucker County, WV
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Pendleton County, WV
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Pocahontas County, WV
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Taylor County, WV
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Allegany County, MD
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Garrett County, MD
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Thank you for visiting our Neighborhood Information page! We hope you found all the information you need regarding the Potomac Highlands and Maryland areas. If you have additional questions, please feel free to Contact Us at anytime. We'd love to help.
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