Martinsburg, WV

Martinsburg grew up around the railroad, and that heritage is still woven into the town's everyday personality. The centerpiece of that history is the 1866 Roundhouse, a massive brick landmark that once serviced steam locomotives and now serves as a popular venue for craft shows, community festivals, and weddings. Just steps from Queen Street, the old rail district gives the center of town a distinct historic charm with plenty of classic brick architecture to enjoy on an afternoon walk.

ATTRFamartin / CC BY-SA 4.0

For commuters and job seekers, Martinsburg offers convenient regional connections and a solid local job market. The downtown MARC station runs weekday commuter trains directly into Washington, D.C., making hybrid office schedules easily manageable. Drivers have direct access to Interstate 81, which connects distribution centers, manufacturing hubs, and neighboring towns across the Eastern Panhandle. Healthcare is another major pillar of the local economy, anchored by large regional employers like the Martinsburg VA Medical Center and WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center.

ATTRBaltimore and Ohio employees magazine; Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company / No restrictions

Daily life revolves around Queen Street and the surrounding neighborhoods. Downtown features independent restaurants, cozy coffee spots, and long-standing cultural staples like the Apollo Civic Theatre, which has hosted live performances for generations. War Memorial Park offers plenty of room for summer pool trips, youth sports, and seasonal festivals, while the downtown square brings neighbors together for open-air concerts during warmer months. With its accessible commute options and welcoming pace, Martinsburg makes an appealing landing spot for newcomers looking to settle down in West Virginia.