In the Eastern Panhandle, you can rest easy knowing you're close enough to the action, but just far enough away to find some peace in the mountains! Keep your wanderlust at bay with Washington D.C. and Dulles International Airport only one hour away, explore our nation’s capital where the cherry blossoms bloom each spring or visit when business calls, or head to Baltimore where you'll find an historic art scene and local foodie favorites, like steamed blue crab legs.
Lining the mighty Potomac River, the Eastern Panhandle is a hub of water adventure and escapes on land.
Read More: Outdoor Recreation in the Eastern PanhandleUnlock the unique culture of the Eastern Panhandle and find your new home, with dynamic flavors and a wide variety of influences.
Read More: Cuisine and Culture in the Eastern PanhandleWhether a new build on a plot of land or a townhouse is on your list, the Eastern Panhandle has all of the housing options you could wish for– at prices you would never imagine.
Read More: Housing in the Eastern PanhandleThe beautiful and historic Market House is our Ascend Basecamp in the Eastern Panhandle! Over a century and half old, this unique piece of Martinsburg history is home to a dynamic group of members who have embraced the Panhandle as their new home. Grab a coffee (or make some at our coffee bar!) and head upstairs to over 12 offices and quiet rooms as well as an educational center and conference room. Located directly in downtown Martinsburg, you may even get to step right out into the middle of a parade or street feast!
A part of the West Virginia education system, the Eastern Panhandle is home to Jefferson, Morgan and Berkeley County schools as well as several private school options. With its high education score, the Eastern Panhandle has all of the schooling options that your family will ever need. Find highly rated pre-school options in the Morgan Academy and the Shepherdstown Daycare Center. The Eastern Panhandle is also home to Shepherd University, the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, James Rumsey Technical Institute and the American Public University.
With a deep love for community, join the many innovators of the Eastern Panhandle who are making a difference. Help tackle crisis response with Shepherdstown Shares, through work placement, artisan sponsorships and food pantry services. Venture out with the Community Club and get to know beautiful Morgans Grove Park at a closer level.
The Eastern Panhandle is located near many major healthcare centers. In the region, the Jefferson Medical Center and Berkeley Medical Center both offer full-service hospitals and other services as a part of the West Virginia University Medicine program. In Shepherdstown, WVU Medicine recently opened a completely new 10,000 square foot Primary Care Medical Facility and Lab, providing Eastern Panhandle residents easy access to high-quality healthcare.
Sales Operations, Docker, Inc.
A great career is only part of the story. What matters most is building a life in a place where you feel connected. In West Virginia, I've found the opportunity to grow professionally while becoming part of a welcoming community, exploring incredible outdoor spaces, and creating a life that's both fulfilling and authentic. That's what First Ascent is all about—helping you find not just your next job, but your place to belong.
Hi! I’m Travis, your Eastern Panhandle Coordinator. I’ll be helping you navigate the First Ascent program from the day you submit your application and beyond. Have a question or want to chat? Reach out to me at First_Ascent@mail.wvu.edu to talk about all things about the Eastern Panhandle.