Romney, WV

Set in the South Branch Potomac Valley, Romney is a quiet mountain town of about 1,700 people that has served as the Hampshire County seat for over two centuries. Chartered in 1762, it shares the title of West Virginia's oldest town with Shepherdstown. Today, Romney acts as a natural hub for the surrounding countryside, with local businesses, county offices, and everyday services gathered along its main crossroads. Residents get the benefits of a close-knit, slower-paced community while staying reasonably connected to regional centers like Winchester, Cumberland, and Keyser.

ATTRFamartin / CC BY-SA 4.0

The town's most prominent landmark is the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind, which has anchored the local community and economy since 1870. Surrounding the campus, Romney's central neighborhoods feature classic brick architecture, quiet residential streets, and historic sites like Literary Hall and the colonial-era Wilson-Woodrow-Mytinger House. Up on the hill, Indian Mound Cemetery overlooks the valley, named for a preserved pre-Columbian earthwork that adds to the area's deep sense of history.

ATTRHilary Mayhew, Seattle, Washington / CC BY-SA 3.0

Beyond the downtown streets, Hampshire County’s rolling hills open up into working apple and peach orchards that supply fresh fruit to local markets each harvest season. Outdoor recreation is a major draw here, with the South Branch of the Potomac River offering easy access for kayaking, floating, and fishing. The town is also the departure point for the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, which carries passengers through the river canyon known as the Trough to spot nesting bald eagles. For people considering a move, Romney offers a blend of mountain scenery, affordable small-town living, and easy access to nature.