The housing market is remaining relatively steady, so much so that my recaps are beginning to sound a little repetitive! We are enjoying a strong economy of late, and that always has positive ripple effects on housing. December 2019 numbers are in and real estate remains relatively steady, in spite of a slight uptick in job losses. Let’s take a look:

Home Sales, Prices, and Loan Performance

The Home Price Index numbers from CoreLogic indicate that nationwide, prices increased year over year by 4%, including distressed sales, compared with December 2018. Additionally, prices saw a month over month increase of .03% in December 2019 compared to November 2019. CoreLogic is forecasting that home prices will increase by 5.2% from December 2019 to December 2020.

This means that while home values are on the rise, the trend of high demand for moderately-priced homes won’t subside any time soon. This is good news for current homeowners as they enjoy solid home equity numbers, but this does create a market of high demand and short supply. This demand is not expected to slow any time soon, creating a tougher situation for first-time homebuyers attempting to purchase.

Statewide, West Virginia saw a slight increase in unemployment, rising .01 percentage point to 5.0% in December. This hasn’t had much of an effect on mortgage delinquencies, as the latest numbers show a decrease – the share of mortgages in West Virginia with payments 90 or more days past due fell to 1.1%. This may be associated with an increase in real personal income, which rose 0.1% in Q3 2019 and was up 0.5% over the same quarter in 2018.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

2019 saw West Virginia enjoy the highest average employment in more than 10 years, according to a news release from the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce in January. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics shows the seasonally adjusted average employment for 2019 was 759,000, the highest since 2008.

According to Chamber President Steve Roberts, ‘the impressive data proves that West Virginia is now creating jobs. The economic policies that have been implemented to improve West Virginia are working.” With the strong growth and job creation happening, West Virginia is proving itself to be a great post-Great Recession comeback story.

Learn more: West Virginia Sees Highest Average Employment In Over 10 Years

Nurturing Small Businesses

Further proof that West Virginia is in the throes of an economic renaissance, the Secretary of State’s office has created the One Stop Business Portal. The goal is to streamline all the government services needed to start a new business under one umbrella – the Secretary of State’s office, State Tax Office, the Department of Labor, and WorkForce West Virginia. The main One Stop Business Center is located in Charleston, with satellite offices in Clarksburg and Martinsburg, offering immediate service for people to get started launching a business.

As the only state in the country with these four agencies under one roof, West Virginia’s aim is to support entrepreneurship and business and make the prospect of starting a new business venture in the state as easy and seamless as possible.

Learn more: West Virginia Groups Work to Cultivate Small Business

West Virginia Department of Ed Seeking Partnerships

Students in West Virginia often face a difficult stretch during the summer months when school is out. Without school meals, many experience food insecurity. The West Virginia Department of Education is seeking partnerships for its summer feeding programs.

In a recent Department of Education press release, the department invited county school boards, local government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations to participate in the Summer Food Service Program.

198,435 school-aged children depend on free and reduced-price meals at school – that’s about 76% of West Virginia students. Continuing to provide nutritious meals for children in the summer helps them return in the fall ready to learn.

Organizations interested in becoming a 2020 summer sponsor should contact Cybele Boehm or Samantha Reeves with the Office of Child Nutrition at cboehm@k12.wv.us or snsuffer@k12.wv.us or by calling 304-558-3396. Summer sites will be announced in June.

Learn more: Summer Lunch Community Partnerships

Local Hero!

Angie Gray, nurse director for the Berkeley-Morgan County Board of Health, received the “Governor’s Living the Dream” award in January for her work battling the Eastern Panhandle’s opioid crisis.

Gray’s message surrounding the need for more resources to help addicts resonates with the community and the people she helps. “We absolutely have to keep going, and I use these opportunities as much as possible to get people in power – and who make funding decisions – to listen,” she said.

Learn more about Ms. Gray’s MLK award and her efforts: Berkeley County Public Health Nurse Receives State MLK Award.

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Good News on Home Prices and Loan Performance

The November numbers are in, and according to CoreLogic, the overall delinquency rate for October 2019 was the lowest in at least 20 years, down to .04%, a decrease of .01% from October 2018. Home prices were up again as well, with an increase of 3.7% year-over-year in November 2019 compared with November 2018. Regionally, the Washington D.C. statistical area, which includes Jefferson County, Charles Town, and Harpers Ferry, saw a home price increase of 3.3% year-over-year.

“Home price growth builds homeowner equity and reduces the likelihood of a loan entering foreclosure,” says Dr. Frank Nothaft, chief economist at CoreLogic.

West Virginia saw its delinquency rates for fixed and adjustable-rate conventional mortgages decrease to .09% and 1.9% respectively, following the national downward trend in foreclosure rates. With personal income rising .05% since October 2018, the housing market in the state is enjoying steady increases in value, fewer foreclosures, rises in household income, and solid footing.

Good News on Area Employment Prospects:

Some positive news for the local job market – Clorox has finalized an agreement to build a manufacturing facility in Berkeley County, at the Tabler Station Business Park. According to Vice President of Product Supply Michael Holly, the site was chosen because of it’s existing infrastructure, access to I-81, and skilled workforce. Clorox estimates they will begin hiring as soon as next year and be fully operational by 2022.

Learn more: Clorox Plans New Manufacturing Facility in West Virginia

Helping Our Nation’s Veterans, One Home at a Time:

The non-profit Operation Jackson County, based out of Ripley, is a Veteran-focused organization that has broken ground on a 17-acre property in the countryside outside Jackson County. After seeing a rise in housing needs among the vets they serve, the group raised the funds to build five temporary “transition” homes to serve as a safe and peaceful place while they work with the organization to secure permanent housing. The group chose the rural location in the hopes the natural beauty and quiet would be especially helpful for families with children or veterans suffering from PTSD. The first home should be completed this month (January) and there are plans to have a total of five homes on the property.

Learn more: Houses For Homeless Veterans

The Webb-Blessing House Gets a New Lease on Life:

One of the things about West Virginia we are especially proud of is our rich history. There are so many priceless and significant historical sites here. As a real estate professional, I feel especially connected to the homes of our history, and I was especially heartened to learn that the Webb-Blessing House in Charles Town will be getting a new lease on its life with its purchase by the Friends of Webb-Blessing House. This home is a vital piece of African American history, as it was originally owned by the Webbs, a free African-American family before the Civil War. Its storied history will live on thanks to this purchase. The group, Friends of Webb-Blessing House, is seeking volunteers and donations, so if you’re interested in being a part of the preservation effort, check out the Friends of Webb-Blessing House Facebook page to learn more.

Read more: New Owners Vow to Preserve Important Historic Home

Be Neighborly!

When it’s chilly, wet, icy, snowy, etc., our instinct is likely to huddle up and hibernate until spring. But… it’s also a perfect time to reach out and check on your neighbors. For some ideas on how to reach out to your neighbors during the winter months, take a look at our handy guide: Ideas For Helping Neighbors During Winter.

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It seems appropriate to give a shout out to the turning of the decade. Welcome to the ’20s! (Whoa. What?) With such a momentous occasion headed our way, now is a good time to take a look at the area’s coolest, newest, and maybe a few familiar New Year’s Eve celebrations since we brought you some ideas a few years ago.

Ready? HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Martinsburg

Brix 27 Bistro is hosting a $50 per person, 3-course prix fixe (fixed price) menu for New Year’s Eve. Brix 27 (131 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, 304-616-1628) opened in 2017 and infused some wine, food, and fun in the area. With seatings available from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, eat well, grab a bottle of bubbly from the wine shop to go, and make it to your next party to ring in the new year. Find more info here: New Year’s Eve at Brix.

New Year’s Eve Apple Drop is a free, family-friendly event for the early birds in our mix who want to celebrate early. (Hey, it’s midnight somewhere in the world, right?) Join the fun in the Town Square from 4:30-6:30, and enjoy free apples, donuts, hot apple cider, live music, and family activities. The apple drops at 6:00. No sitter required!

Charles Town

In Charles Town, we have the choice of a familiar celebration and a new option to consider:

The Hollywood Casino is hosting their big bash again this year with their big bash. Come join in the fun with the Countdown to 2020 Dance Party featuring Earth to Mars, a Bruno Mars tribute band. Tickets are $25.00 and include two free drinks. Other fun can be had in the casino, with giveaways and promotions happening throughout the event. Find out more: Hollywood Casino New Year’s Eve.

Looking for something a little lower-key? Inkwell’s Tavern is hosting their first-ever New Year’s Eve celebration. Tickets include live entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres, select cocktails, and beers, as well as a midnight toast. Inkwells is taking care of its customers by keeping Lyft drivers on standby in case anyone needs a safe ride home. (Smart!) 8:00 pm to 12:00 pm New Year’s Eve. More info: Inkwell’s New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party.

Winchester

First Night Winchester is THE place for a budget-and-family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration.  Admission is $10, with children under 10 FREE. Festivities include dance performances, face painting, museum entries, music performances and more. The $10 per person gives you a button – wear that and you’re IN. Grab the schedule of events here: First Night Winchester.

Shepherdstown

A no-cover karaoke and dance party soiree? Sign me up. The Devonshire Arms Café & Pub is hosting this event with DJ Michelle spinning for some dancing and you can brush off your rendition of “I Will Survive” for some New Year’s Eve fun. Ring in the roaring ’20s with a midnight toast! Head over to Facebook for more info.

Drive Safe

We care about you and your safety. Please don’t drink and drive, and if you decide to take an Uber or Lyft, follow these safety tips. We want you home safe and sound.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year friends! May the next year – and next decade – be prosperous and bring you joy.

 

The holiday season is well underway, which explains why this recap is later than usual! November brought news about homeowner equity, the Amazon-effect in the DC-Metro area, and more!

Home Equity News

CoreLogic released its quarterly Homeowner Equity report for 2019 Q3, and there is great news on this front. U.S. homeowners, accounting for roughly 65% of all properties, saw an equity increase of 5.1% over September 2018. Total, that’s an increase of $457 billion (that’s Billion with a ‘B.’) Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s Chief Economist, stated, “Ten years ago, during the depths of the Great Recession, 11 million homeowners had negative equity or 25% of mortgaged homes. After more than eight years of rising home prices and employment growth, underwater owners have been slashed to just two million, or less than 4% of mortgaged homes.”

The local angle? West Virginia’s home prices have seen a steady rise since 2017 and are essentially on-par with the national index numbers. Prior to 2017, West Virginia seemed to lag a bit behind in home prices recovery but has caught up nicely in the last two years. Coupled with the steady drop in delinquency rates – 1.1% in September for mortgages 90 days+ past due – and a rise in real household income means West Virginia homeowners are seeing their equity increase. These trends indicate the overall market for West Virginia is not looking too shabby.

The Amazon Effect

Amazon announced it would be opening new headquarters in Crystal City a year ago. Since then, the DC-Metro area has seen an explosion in home prices. This has the possibility to affect the Eastern Panhandle region, specifically Jefferson County, as Charles Town and Harpers Ferry are included in the DC statistical area. Amazon has just started hiring for the region and the area closest to the announced HQ2 has already seen double-digit price increases; Arlington County saw a 33% surge in prices since the announcement and a 49% reduction in available listings. This mirrors what happened in Seattle with home prices, supply, and affordability.

CoreLogic’s Chief Economist Ralph McLoughlin: “Amazon has created a new hotbed of demand in Northern Virginia. Given that we’re seeing double-digit upswings in house prices and Amazon has only just started hiring in the region, I think we can expect prices to increase further in already hot ZIPs and spread to ZIPs farther out.”

We’ll be keeping watch over the situation and the pricing spread in the coming year.

Read more: “Thanks, Amazon! Home Prices in These Washington DC Areas are Skyrocketing”

Airport Funding

Two of West Virginia’s airports are about to receive a nice windfall for improvements. The Senate Appropriations Committee, which both Senator Manchin and Senator Capito are members of, announced $4.6 million in funding through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program. The recipients are Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport and Greenbrier Valley Airport, with the aim of improving safety and efficiency.

Read more: West Virginia airports to receive $4.6M in funding

Day of Giving

West Virginia University and the WVU Foundation hold an annual Day of Giving and this year raised more than $11 million overall, with United Bank making a donation of $1 million in support of WVU Medicine Children’s. The funds will be put toward family-friendly facilities near the main lobby and a welcome center located in a new tower. The spaces will include a pharmacy, gift shop, and lounge area. John Fahey, senior vice president, and bank spokesman:

“This is more than just a check; it’s an investment. What better investment could one have than investing in the health and the healthcare of our youth and our young people?”

We couldn’t agree more. Thank you United Bank.

Learn more: United Bank Donates $1 million to WVU Medicine Children’s

New Homeowner In Your Life?

A few years ago we put together a “New Homeowner Holiday Gift List” and it was a big hit. Still need ideas? From personalized doormats, Homeowner Tool Sets, to splurges like Sonos home speakers, check out our suggestions: Cool New Homeowner Gift Ideas.

Building Community, One Home at a Time

We love our state and the people who live here with us, and we’re invested in building strong communities. Contact us today for all your panhandle real estate needs!

It’s been quite a month! Federal interest rates were cut again, settling between 1.5% and 1.75% by the end of October. Lower mortgage rates followed, with the national average for a Freddie Mac 30-year fixed loan around 4%, and a 15-year fixed-rate at 3.53%. The housing market is seeing an influx of Millennial-age buyers, which is being attributed to a rise in household income and this drop in interest rates, boosting homeownership to its highest rate in more than five years.

FORECLOSURE AND DELINQUENCY NEWS

There is good news on the foreclosure/delinquency front as well. According to CoreLogic, in August 2019, (the most recent data available) the national foreclosure inventory rate is currently at 0.4%, and the national 30-day delinquency rate for the same time period was 3.7%, a 0.2% decrease from the previous year. The delinquency rate is near the lowest for this time period (August) in nearly 20 years.

Locally, West Virginia’s market is continuing to mirror national trends, as home prices are forecasted to increase in value over the next year. While the increase in home value is smaller than the previous year, it currently stands at 3.4% year-over-year and forecasted at a 5.5% increase in value over the next year. (August 2019-August 2020.)

Source: CoreLogic

WV Women & Technology Conference

On October 21st, hundreds of people gathered at the WV Women & Technology Conference in Charleston to learn more about boosting the state’s economy, closing the gender pay gap, and other tech-related topics. The conference, held by the Charleston-based nonprofit organization TechConnectWV, featured panels and presentations on a variety of topics and coincided with the opening of Infor, a cloud-based software company for specific markets and industries. The company has promised 100 new jobs in the area. West Virginia has seen tech sector growth recently, and this conference highlighted the need for technology-trained workers in the coming years and how women are an essential part of that growth. Learn more: WV Women in Tech Conference.

New Incentives to Fill West Virginia Teacher Vacancies

The West Virginia legislature recently passed an education reform bill, including pay raises for teachers and service workers, more support staff, and additional funding in struggling school districts. One provision that is especially exciting; changes were made to the Underwood-Smith Scholarship and Loan Repayment program. Now called the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Progam, the initiative is now focused on helping fill teacher vacancies in the state. $10,000 per-year scholarships will be rewarded to 25 students who meet the program’s criteria. After graduating, they are required to teach math, science, elementary education or special education in West Virginia public schools for five years, with the goal to attract future professionals to West Virginia classrooms and boost classroom performance state-wide.

Learn more: Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars

On this day in West Virginia History

We have such a deep, rich history in our state, there’s bound to be some ghosts of Halloweens past, right? This engrossing ghost story took place in 1897 and has become the stuff of Halloween legend. How did a visit from the ghost of a deceased daughter help her mother catch her killer? The Greenbrier Ghost is one of West Virginia’s enduring ghost stories. The Washington Post published this exciting story on October 31st this year. Have you heard of it? “The Time an Apparition Helped Convict a Murderer.”

Your Local Real Estate Expert

We love to share news about West Virginia! Our state has so many wonderful things happening. We love West Virginia and the people who live here with us. Contact us today for all your panhandle real estate needs!

Home Price News

CoreLogic published its national Home Price Index for August 2019 at the end of September, and reports indicate a year-over-year increase of 3.6% compared with August 2018. Month over month, prices increased 0.4% compared with July 2019. This 3.6% increase represents a marked slowdown from earlier in the year, especially in the lower end of the market. According to Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s Chief Economist, “Prices for the lowest-priced homes increased by 5.5%, compared with August 2018 when prices increased 8.4%. This moderation in home-price growth should be welcome news to entry-level buyers.” While we’ve seen a moderation in home-price growth, the news for current homeowners is still positive, as CoreLogic’s forecast indicates a continued rise in home prices at 5.8% on a year-over-year basis from August 2019 to August 2020.

What does this mean for homes in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle? CoreLogic has determined that market conditions in the DC-Metropolitan Area, which includes Jefferson County, are considered “overvalued.” However, neighboring Berkeley County’s housing market is considered at-value in communities such as Martinsburg, Inwood, and just over the border in Winchester, VA. As more Millennials enter the housing market, West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is proving to be a promising market for new homeowners.

West Virginia’s Business Leaders Exploring Economic Partnerships

In September, Governor Jim Justice met with Hungarian representatives and signed an economic cooperation document called a “Memorandum of Understanding.” The deal will bring Hungarian businesses to West Virginia and with them jobs, international interest, and opportunities for exciting new partnerships and trade. Hungarian representatives said they chose to do business in West Virginia because of the abundance of natural resources, as well as an affinity for the Hungarian immigrants to the state in decades past. Says Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, “We Hungarians had some contribution to the success of the industry here in West Virginia given the fact that some coal miners arrived here from Hungary. They took part in building up the industry here and we are proud of them.”

There is currently no defined timetable, but Hungarian officials indicated they would like to begin the economic partnership soon.

Fall Color Peak Weeks!

West Virginia is gorgeous. At no time during the year is that more obvious than fall, when the leaves begin to turn colors. Now is the perfect time to take a road trip around and take in the natural beauty of the season. The West Virginia Tourism Office released its fall foliage forecast – go to West Virginia Tourism Office’s Fall Info Page for all the details you need to plan the perfect trip. Be a tourist where you live!

40th Annual Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival

One of our favorite yearly celebrations, Martinsburg will host the Apple Harvest Festival on October 17-20, 2019. After a long summer of warm and dry, come enjoy one of Martinsburg’s most loved community celebrations. Activities include an apple pie baking contest, a Royal Gala, parade, pop-up shops, an art fair, a car show and more! Don’t miss out! See what this wonderful community has to offer. Get the details: MSAHF.

Your Local Real Estate Expert

West Virginia’s monthly housing news and insights from around the state help us develop better ideas to build even stronger communities. We love our state and the people who live here with us. Contact us today for all your panhandle real estate needs!

Late Summer Housing News

The big news in August centered around the economy, including escalating trade wars, interest rate cuts, and bond yields that reached what’s called a “yield curve inversion,” which can indicate a recession is looming. All of these factors have a ripple effect in the housing sector. As of September 6th, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage (conventional) is 3.75% and trended downward throughout August. At the same time, CoreLogic’s Home Price Index report is forecasting a 5.4% increase in home prices on a year-over-year basis. What does that mean? Interest rates are falling which means it can be more affordable to take out a mortgage loan, but this is mitigated by the continued increase in home prices.

Locally, West Virginia’s housing market remains strong, which is in keeping with national trends. Home growth increases year-over-year are at 3.36%. Mortgage delinquencies are still in a long-range steady decline, but with a slight edge up in July 2019. Regionally, low unemployment, increasing home values, and real income increases are keeping West Virginia in a steady economic pattern that is keeping more people in their housing.

Looking for work? Start here:

The company Job Case has launched a new website called Discover WV Jobs. Job seekers and employers from around the state can now search for work or workers. Touted as a “social media platform for the future of work,” the site also provides tools for resumes, profiles, and community forums for users to share advice, tips, and triumphs with each other. Presently, jobs in construction and healthcare are the most in need of workers to fill positions.

Check out the site: http://www.DiscoverWVJobs.com

West Virginia’s “Last Dollar In” Showing Promise

The program, passed in the last legislative session, creates a grant program that provides tuition assistance to community and technical colleges. Students are required to learn how much in assistance they can get from state and federal grants, and West Virginia will supply the rest of the needed funds. The grant program was implemented this year, and Sarah Tucker, the chancellor for the state Community and Technical College System, states, “we’ve got 2,000 students who are going to school for free in the state of West Virginia,” either because of the grant program or because they learned they qualify for a federal Pell Grant. The program is just getting started, but with more training and technical education, these students are more prepared to meet the needs of in-demand jobs.

Learn more: Tucker Happy With WV Invests

Mountain Heritage Fall Festival

A favorite of mine, the Mountain Heritage Fall Festival is coming September 27, 28, and 29. Over 200 regional artisans and craftspeople participate in the annual festival, and it’s amazing. Three days of art, craft, bluegrass music, wine tasting, food, and more! The festival is being held in a new location this year, so be sure to check out their website for more information. (There’s a coupon available there, too.) Learn more about it here.

YOUR WEST VIRGINIA LOCAL EXPERT

West Virginia’s monthly housing news and insights from around the state help us develop better ideas to build even stronger communities. We love our state and the people who live here with us. Contact us today for all your panhandle real estate needs!

June and July have been strong economically, with a Federal Reserve rate cut, strong housing, and other economic factors, as well as low unemployment and rising household income. A defining characteristic of West Virginians is our ability to weather some economic uncertainty and thrive. This month’s recap shows us just how our communities endure and grow.

Interest Rate Cut

The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by one-quarter of a percentage point on July 31st in an effort to provide a continued boost to the economy. The new lending rate is now set between 2 percent and 2.25percent. Lower rates typically ripple through the economy by spurring business investment and increasing consumer spending. Interest rate cuts are always felt in the mortgage and housing sector, both for purchasing and refinancing. What this means for the overall economy as we head into the 4th quarter remains to be seen, especially in light of pending proposed tariffs on Chinese imported goods. Read more: Federal Rate Cut

Housing Forecast

Freddie Mac is a leading source for mortgage rate forecasting, and they recently cut their previously-predicted rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages from 2019 from 5.1 percent to 4.1 percent. This is significant as it can mean a larger home or a more desired neighborhood for buyers, and provide budget breathing room for people refinancing. With inventory still tight, an interest rate drop like this could be what they’ve been waiting for. However, this can also drive home prices up. At the moment these are predictions, so the true impact of the historic low mortgage rates remains to be seen.

Statewide, housing and employment numbers remain strong. Employment rose 0.3 percent in June, real personal income rose 1.3 percent, and unemployment is down 0.5 percent over June 2018. Housing remains strong as well, with state-wide home values appreciating 1.8 percent in May and 3.0 percent on a year-over-year basis. West Virginia’s mortgage delinquency rate has decreased yearly since 2011. Personally, I love seeing the growth and strength in our state’s economy and housing. I hope to see it continue! Economy Snapshot

School Supplies For Tickets

Spencer is offering to forgive unpaid parking tickets in exchange for school supplies! What a fantastic idea – buying one item from a list of elementary, middle, or high school supplies will wipe your parking ticket slate clean! It’s a one-for-one program (one school supply item = one unpaid ticket cleared) and supplies can be dropped off at the city’s municipal building. I call that a win-win.

Readers Needed!

Read Aloud West Virginia, a non-profit focused on changing “the literacy culture of West Virginia” is looking for volunteers to regularly read to children around the state. They currently have 205 schools throughout West Virginia enrolled in the program, including Berkeley County. With schools starting up again this coming week, now is a perfect time to get started making a difference. Go to their website to learn more about this fantastic organization and find a school near you!

West Virginia Football’s Exciting New Era

New head coach Neal Brown is proving to be an exciting addition to the program. The team held their first official practice in late July and the players have reported a feeling of energy they haven’t felt for a long time. The Mountaineers are ranked number 7 in the Big 12 and are set to open their season against James Madison on August 31st. We can’t wait! Check out the game schedule and get tickets.

Your West Virginia Local Expert

West Virginia’s monthly insights help us develop better ideas to build even stronger communities. We love our state and the people who live here with us. Contact us today for all your panhandle real estate needs!

Did you know our region has some incredible biking trails? Biking is a wonderful, healthy hobby and we have some fantastic options for cyclists to get out and enjoy the beauty of West Virginia with paved paths, mountain biking, and more. Now is the perfect time of year to take advantage of them. Check out our favorite West Virginia biking trails and don’t miss our tips for a successful outing!

Safety First

I know for some of us, we remember just jumping on our old banana-seat bike and hitting the road without much thought. Times have changed! Some basic safety rules and laws for West Virginia cyclists:

• All traffic laws apply if you are on the road with cars.
• Children under the age of 14 are required to wear a helmet – if your child is 15 or older they can go without, however – please ride with your helmets! Better safe than sorry.
• If you think your ride may last into the evening, West Virginia requires your bike to be equipped with a light on the front, and a reflector on the back.
• You can’t put your kid or a friend on the front of your handlebars, grab a car fender and hitch a ride, or other crazy 1970’s stuff we used to get away with. Be smart!

Local Biking Resources

If your bike needs a little TLC or even a complete overhaul, Martinsburg happens to be home to one of the best bike pro shops in the country. Eastern Panhandle Bicycle has everything you need to outfit yourself with a new bike, new equipment, or they can fix what you have and make it road- or trail-ready.

Another great bike shop we recommend is Shepherdstown Peddle & Paddle. They are a “full-service bike, kayak, and canoe shop.” Here you can rent, repair, buy (new or used) and even book guided bike tours. Shepherdstown Peddle & Paddle also rent kid’s bike trailers. They’re local experts and a great group to get insider tips from.

The non-profit Panhandle Pedalers Cycling Club is a local biking advocacy group located in Charles Town. They offer weekly rides, scheduled events, and advocate for bicycling activities throughout the panhandle.

Michelle’s Favorite West Virginia Biking Trails

The Route 9 Pathway – This 8.1-mile paved, point-to-point trail is great for all skill levels and takes you from Martinsburg to Bardane. You will share the trail with walkers and runners, so be aware of your surroundings. The trail is in its peak season right now, so get out and enjoy!

 

The Winchester Green Circle Trail is a 12.5-mile loop trail is good for all skill levels and offers several activity options. It even features a lake! This moderately-traveled loop trail isn’t quite completed yet, but the ride is definitely worth it. So pretty!

The Hite Park Trail in James Hite Park is a great stop for a quick ride. The two-mile loop on crushed gravel is easy and a great way to introduce your children to cycling.

For a longer journey, the C&O Canal Towpath is a long route you can take in chunks when you have time. Pick a section and plan for a day. One section you can try that won’t keep you out all day is the Towpath Detour – a 4.8 mile paved stretch of the trail that will challenge you (but not too much!)

West Virginia’s Local Expert

There are so many wonderful things in West Virginia – let’s get you settled here! Our growing, strong communities want YOU. Contact us today to start your home search.