I live in Martinsburg, but outside of city limits. Everyone has stated valid points. Here are my takes...
Berkeley vs. Jefferson County
- Berkeley is cheaper both for living and property. My wife is from Jefferson County and I am from Berkeley. When we were house shopping, we noticed a dramatic difference in what you can get for your money in Berkeley County vs Jefferson. Dollar seems to go farther in Berkeley.
- Berkeley County offers more. Yes, Jefferson has the race track, but no bowling alley or movie theaters. Both of which Berkeley offers.
- Taxes. It's been a few years since I compared, but Berkeley County had a lot fewer taxes and rates.
Schools Systems
- In the latest WV School System Rankings, Jefferson County came in 9th while Berkeley County came in 13th
- 2017-2018 High School Test Score Rankings
- Washington (Jefferson) - 15th
- Musselman (Berkeley) - 19th
- Jefferson (Jefferson) - 22nd
- Martinsburg (Berkeley) - 26th
- Spring Mills (Berkeley) - 59th
- Hedgesville (Berkeley) - 63rd
- Overall all Berkeley County Schools are more crowded than Jefferson County. Jefferson County schools are not as crowded and are more "rural" but as more metro people move in, they are seeing a declining rural population.
- While drugs are a growing concern throughout the panhandle, Berkeley is seeing it worst in the school systems and talking to teachers and law enforcement friends, they all agree that Martinsburg is probably the worst for drugs in the school, but they have good academics and a great football program so its a weird one to figure out.
- I graduated from Hedgesville, and my Wife graduated from Jefferson and we both still support those schools and would send our kids to either of them.
Depending on what your kids are into (baseball, football, band, ffa, etc.) would help pinpoint a school that has a stronger program in that specialty as each school in the area seems to have their own "thing" they are known for.
Honestly, you won't be disappointed in either county. The area is beautiful and has great people. The WVCDL is prominant in both counties but Berkeley tends to vote politically more conservative on their politicians. There is quite a few different shooting ranges in the area as well hiking trails and water access.
In a few years we will be moving to a location with more land and having a knowledge of both counties and school systems, we have basically decided we will be moving somewhere in South Berkeley County and in Musselman School district. For us it puts us between our families in a great school district and still in a part of the county that is "rural" as opposed to "city" and if we go to the west side of 81 towards Glengary, land really opens up.
Like I stated, you will be happy with whatever you decide. I suggest trying to find a place outside of Martinsburg City limits though. Just gives you more freedoms and a bit less fees.
Feel free to pm me directly with any questions, and welcome to the Eastern Panhandle!