West Virginia’s Luxury Real Estate Hotspots: An In-Depth Look at the State’s Most Expensive ZIP Codes in 2024
West Virginia, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and affordable living, also harbors pockets of luxury real estate. A recent study utilizing Zillow’s Home Value Index and Census Bureau data has pinpointed the most expensive ZIP codes in the Mountain State, revealing a cluster of affluent communities primarily located in the Eastern Panhandle, boasting stunning homes, scenic views, and significantly higher incomes than the state average. This comprehensive analysis examined median home values from November 2024 and a 12-month average spanning December 2023 to November 2024, providing a robust overview of the state’s high-end housing market.
Leading the pack is ZIP code 25442, nestled between Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg, centered around Shenandoah Junction. This area offers a diverse mix of housing options, from sprawling farms and manufactured homes to luxurious residences. The significant wealth concentration in this area is reflected in the median household income of $120,217 and an average household income of $149,985. Nearly 30% of households in this ZIP code earn over $200,000 annually. The area has experienced a remarkable surge in home values over the past five years, with the median home value skyrocketing by 60.4% from $302,332 in November 2019 to an impressive $485,052 in November 2024.
A close second is ZIP code 25443, situated just upstream from Harpers Ferry along the Potomac River, directly across from the historic Antietam National Battlefield. This desirable location has also seen a substantial increase in home values, with a 53.4% jump over the past five years, reaching $459,638 in November 2024. Even in the short term, the area has experienced significant appreciation, with a 7.4% increase in median home value over the past year alone. This sustained growth underscores the ongoing demand for properties in this picturesque and historically significant region.
Securing the third spot is ZIP code 25446, centered on Summit Point along the Virginia border. This area stands out for its relatively consistent income distribution, with the median household income of $130,278 closely mirroring the mean household income of $133,875. Approximately 40% of households in this ZIP code earn $150,000 or more annually. Similar to the top two ZIP codes, 25446 has experienced robust home value appreciation, with the median home value rising by nearly 60% from $280,017 in November 2019 to $447,037 in November 2024.
The fourth most expensive ZIP code, 25414, encompasses several towns east of Summit Point, including Charles Town, Mechanicstown, Kabletown, and Meyerstown. This area has witnessed impressive growth in home values, exceeding 50% appreciation between 2019 and 2024. The median home value rose from $261,550 in November 2019 to $399,633 in November 2024, a 52.8% increase. With an average household income of $121,034 and a median household income of $101,020, this ZIP code continues to attract residents seeking a blend of affordability and desirable living conditions.
Rounding out the top five is ZIP code 25430, encompassing Middleway, Leetown, and Kearneysville. This area has experienced a 5.8% increase in home values over the past year, significantly outpacing the national average. The median home value has climbed by 53.8% over the past five years, from $243,050 in November 2019 to $373,891 in November 2024. While still considered high for West Virginia, the median household income of $86,808 and the average household income of $106,795 are lower than the other top ZIP codes, potentially offering a more accessible entry point to the luxury real estate market.
These top five ZIP codes highlight a trend of significant home value appreciation in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, driven by a combination of factors including desirable locations, proximity to major metropolitan areas, and a growing demand for high-end properties. The concentration of wealth in these areas, reflected in the higher income levels, further contributes to the rising home values. While West Virginia remains an overall affordable state, these pockets of luxury demonstrate the diverse real estate landscape and the presence of affluent communities within the Mountain State. The continued growth and development in these areas will be interesting to observe in the coming years.
