Berkeley County is located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and borders Virginia and Maryland. It has grown significantly in recent years, in part due to its proximity to the Washington, D.C. metro area (~60-70 miles east) and the growth of commuter communities. Towns such as Martinsburg (the county seat), Inwood, and Falling Waters are prominent. The region has a mix of suburban residential developments, historic homes, and rural land. Because of this growth, home prices are typically higher than many other WV counties: existing homes might range from the US $220,000 to US $350,000+ in more developed areas, with land for new builds in rural parts available perhaps in the US $50,000-US $120,000 range, and full build-costs for a new home perhaps US $200,000-US $300,000 depending on size and finish. The area is a mix of semi-urban and rural: many neighborhoods are suburban subdivisions, while further out you’ll find farmland and wooded lots. The county’s larger population and easy access to I-81 and commuter infrastructure make it more urban than many WV counties. Historically, Berkeley has a colonial era and antebellum past (part of Virginia until the formation of West Virginia). The housing stock includes early stone and brick homes in older towns, newer tract housing, and wooded lots. Its growth and proximity to major metro areas make it an attractive option for those seeking affordability with commuter access.