Second-home Buyers Paradise

By Jeff Adolph

Holiday Homes

Berkley Springs has legendary healing powers according to local sources, these evidentially flow through the warm mineral waters of the Berkley Spring State Park.

Situated in West Virginia's eastern panhandle this location has attracted hundreds or thousands of visitors since the pre-colonial era, when Native Americans and European explorers stopped for water.

A homey town, but not too homey, with a country music station and a vintage bookstore, along with antique malls and boutiques Berkley Springs makes the perfect home-away-from-home.

Outdoor activities include golf, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, hiking and of course swimming and warm spring indulgence in the local bath house and pool if you prefer a more modern atmosphere.

The local art gallery and movie theater provide you with light entertainment and there are some fabulous eateries and bars in the township.

The bonuses of this region is it is quiet and gay friendly, however, it's not New Hope or Provincetown. 'There's no gay bars, and that's not the focus here,' said part-time local Michael Dennis of Washington, who has lived in the town since 1996. 'But it's a diverse community where people enjoy being together and feel comfortable.'

On the real estate front, homes in the region are selling for around $175,000 and fixer-upper 'river rat huts' and hunting shacks sell for less than $100,000. Typically, a 3-bedroom house that is in 'move-in condition', on one acre will set you back $150,000.

Vacation homes are in the $250,000-$350,000 price range with listings over $500,000 rare.

There is also a 1,200 home resort community and spa planned for the region in 2009-2010 and 25% of home sales in the region are to second-home buyers.

So, if you are looking for a mountain view, healthy outdoor activities and plenty of space, Berkley Springs may be your home-away-from-home as well.

Regional Real Estate Facts: With a population of 701, Berkley Springs is a tranquil and scenic alternative to cit life, and perfect for second-home buyers looking for an escape. Typically, buyers are from Washington and Baltimore or those individuals or couples interested in art and New Age Healing. -- nytimes.com

Main Story Source: New York Times (2008) A Mountain Town Where Mineral Waters Flow; available online at http://www.nytimes.com

Picture Source: nytimes.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Holiday Homes

Berkley Springs has legendary healing powers according to local sources, these evidentially flow through the warm mineral waters of the Berkley Spring State Park.

Situated in West Virginia's eastern panhandle this location has attracted hundreds or thousands of visitors since the pre-colonial era, when Native Americans and European explorers stopped for water.

A homey town, but not too homey, with a country music station and a vintage bookstore, along with antique malls and boutiques Berkley Springs makes the perfect home-away-from-home.

Outdoor activities include golf, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, hiking and of course swimming and warm spring indulgence in the local bath house and pool if you prefer a more modern atmosphere.

The local art gallery and movie theater provide you with light entertainment and there are some fabulous eateries and bars in the township.

The bonuses of this region is it is quiet and gay friendly, however, it's not New Hope or Provincetown. 'There's no gay bars, and that's not the focus here,' said part-time local Michael Dennis of Washington, who has lived in the town since 1996. 'But it's a diverse community where people enjoy being together and feel comfortable.'

On the real estate front, homes in the region are selling for around $175,000 and fixer-upper 'river rat huts' and hunting shacks sell for less than $100,000. Typically, a 3-bedroom house that is in 'move-in condition', on one acre will set you back $150,000.

Vacation homes are in the $250,000-$350,000 price range with listings over $500,000 rare.

There is also a 1,200 home resort community and spa planned for the region in 2009-2010 and 25% of home sales in the region are to second-home buyers.

So, if you are looking for a mountain view, healthy outdoor activities and plenty of space, Berkley Springs may be your home-away-from-home as well.

Regional Real Estate Facts: With a population of 701, Berkley Springs is a tranquil and scenic alternative to cit life, and perfect for second-home buyers looking for an escape. Typically, buyers are from Washington and Baltimore or those individuals or couples interested in art and New Age Healing. -- nytimes.com

Main Story Source: New York Times (2008) A Mountain Town Where Mineral Waters Flow; available online at http://www.nytimes.com

Picture Source: nytimes.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts and opinions, ask a real estate question or offer story suggestions...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Proudly Sponsored By:

Comments

[Erica]

Berkley Springs sounds like my kind of town...the prices aren't bad at all