Life in Hampshire
Living Well in the Eastern Panhandle
An Unmatched Quality of Life.
Beyond being an ideal business location, Hampshire County is nestled in a hub where education, healthcare, recreation, arts, and culture mesh to create an enjoyable and serene quality of life. Much like our rivers, life in Hampshire is not too rapid and not too still – always moving and growing with a steadfast sense of community and quality of life.
Education
Hampshire sits within the Potomac Highlands in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia with access to various higher education institutions ranging from universities to colleges and technical colleges.
Universities near Hampshire County:
Colleges and Technical Institutes near Hampshire County:
Hampshire County offers students and companies access to multiple regional educational facilities that provide technical, community and college programs at various levels of degree and certification.
In addition industry-specific curriculum with certification can be formatted to employer needs resulting in a ready, trained and dynamic workforce that is specific to the company. Custom formatted programs include advanced manufacturing, wood engineering/manufacturing, healthcare, cybersecurity, IT development, energy and sustainable agricultural production.
West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind
Hampshire County is home to The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind (WVSDB), providing a welcoming, accessible, and diverse atmosphere that is boosted by its proximity to regional colleges and universities.
WVSDB provides an expansive campus sitting in Hampshire County in the city of Romney, the county seat. Students have the ability to live on campus and engage in a personalized curriculum that focuses on both core studies such English, writing, mathematics, and history, as well as career and technical studies. Allowing students to design, build, cook, and practice a wide variety of hands-on activities gives the state school an advantage in educational and practical programming for its students.
Students also have the opportunity to receive vocational instruction. The Career and Technical Education Department offers five areas of concentration for certification to the students of WVSDB. These include: Agriculture Education, Carpentry, ProStart, Business Education, and Radio Broadcasting. Students participate in a curriculum that focuses on hands-on, real world applications to prepare them for employment after graduation. The WVSDB campus created the regional-wide radio station, 104.1 FM Classic Country, which provided students from the West Virginia Schools for the Blind career opportunity in radio programing, operation, technology and marketing. The program was expanded to the community and now incorporates similar career technical opportunities for area high school students.
Primary and Secondary Education
Hampshire County is currently home to six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school, all of which comprise the Hampshire County Schools system. There are also Head Start programs in the county for Pre-K children for proactive education preparation and socialization. For more information on the K-12 schools in Hampshire County including the New Schools Improvement Initiative, visit the Hampshire County Board of Education.
“Public Education, including the built infrastructure provides economic benefit to the community through skilled job creation and quality education which is essential to business retention, expansion, and recruitment. The Hampshire County Development Authority fully supports the Hampshire County Board of Education New Schools Improvement Initiative that will improve the quality of education, learning, health and safety for students, educators and staff.”
– Eileen M. Johnson, Executive Director HCDA
Retail
Visitors and locals alike can stop by any of the local retail businesses to enjoy shopping for everything from antiques and gifts to jewelry and furniture. Hampshire has businesses that stretch to each corner of the county for accessible and quality products that range from fine imports to locally made items.
Along with multiple resources for homegrown agriculture products, the county provides unique shopping experiences that include distilleries and shops for antiques, gifts, fine jewelry, art, outdoor equipment, furniture, motorcycles and vehicles, clothes, and toys to name a few.
Resources on different businesses, organizations, and government entities providing products and services can be found with the Hampshire County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Health Care
Hampshire Memorial Hospital is a licensed critical access hospital providing high-quality medical care in Hampshire County opened in 2011 serving Hampshire County and the greater community providing much need access to quality healthcare with 14 acute care beds, 30 transitional/long term care beds and an emergency department. The hospital provides a comprehensive range of services including cardiology, respiratory care, diabetes management, women’s health, emergency care, rehabilitation and fitness and surgery.
In addition, the hospital operates the Rural Healthcare Clinic and the Hampshire Wellness and Fitness Center.
As an affiliate of Valley Health System, the hospital systems provides extensive resources, advance treatment with state of the art technology.
Hampshire Wellness and Fitness Center is a state of the art fitness and professional services center developing personalized programs that incorporate education, exercise and nutrition. The project began as a public and private collaboration facilitated by the Hampshire County Economic Development Authority, Hampshire County Commission and Valley Health System. This project preceded the building a of new Critical Access Hospital – a 35 million dollar investment in Hampshire County.
Recreation
Outdoor enthusiasts can find home in Hampshire County through everything from canoeing to camping. Hosting not only a lush natural beautiful, local parks, and hunting land, Hampshire also provides a host of outdoor recreation.
As West Virginia’s oldest county, Hampshire delves into the historic with activities and landmarks that remain from yesteryears.
- Ice Mountain: natural landmark; hiking and scenic tour.
- Potomac Eagle: historic excursion; train and scenic railroad.
The county also offers a unique experience through charming getaways that range from award winning vacation resorts to local campgrounds along the South Branch river
- Capon Springs and Farms: award-winning, historic vacation resort.
- Wapocoma Campgrounds: campground along the South Branch of the Potomac River.
Along with recreational activities and relaxing getaways, the county offers a wide variety of local shopping that ranges from cultural variety boutiques and fine jewelry stores to antique shops.
Along with a variety of outdoor activities, local shopping and cultural getaways, Hampshire also has a host of activity programs offered through the Hampshire County Public Library each month as well as shows and workshops hosted by the Hampshire County Arts Council.
Blending the energy of the present with the heritage legacy of the past, Hampshire provides a hub of activity that combines the area’s natural beauty and historic culture with modern recreation for residents and visitors.
Arts & Culture
Whether you’re into history, the arts, or anything in between, Hampshire is rich in Appalachian culture and provides various activities for both locals and folks passing through.
Some festivals include:
- South Branch Valley Bluegrass Festival
- West Virginia Peach Festival
- Fort Edwards Frontier Day
- Capon Bridge Founder’s Day
As a host to a plethora of organizations and clubs for people of all ages, the area provides a variety of activities ranging from outdoor fun and community service to education outreach and skilled artisan gatherings. Hampshire maintains a strong network of community-minded organizations focused on collaboration, fun, and service for those interested in growing with like minded locals.
Coupling interests of old and new, Hampshire provides a close-knit and welcoming community focused on growth and heritage.
