10 Cost-Effective Retirement Towns In West Virginia
West Virginia, with its rolling hills, friendly communities, and low cost of living, has become an increasingly attractive destination for retirees looking to make their savings stretch further. The Mountain State offers affordable housing, the median home price across the state is $170,604, scenic beauty, and a slower pace of life, without sacrificing access to essential amenities and healthcare. Check out these 10 cost-effective towns in West Virginia where you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retirement.
Elkins
Located in the Allegheny Mountains along Randolph County's Tygart Valley River, the town of Elkins, population 6,900, is a haven for retirees. Median home prices there are $168,000, below the state average. Elkins is a gateway to the Monongahela National Forest, with over 920,000 acres of land at elevations rising to 4,863 feet above sea level. Elkins is a great place to retire to if you are looking for a peaceful, natural setting in which to enjoy a comfortable life.
The Randolph County Community Arts Center in Elkins brings art, music, and live theater to the Elkins community. Retirees may enjoy gathering at the Randolph County Senior Center, also in Elkins, for socialization and recreation. If medical care is ever needed, Elkins has its own Davis Medical Center right in town.
Thomas
The tiny town of Thomas, population 600, in Tucker County, is set against the Appalachian Mountains and mixes history with a vibrant modern arts and music scene. Homes here average just $159,000, another attraction for retirees to consider this town, which was once a booming coal and timber mining hub.
Douglas Falls is along the Blackwater Canyon Trail in Thomas and is a site to behold. The trail spans 10.5 miles and is ideal for hikers seeking a peaceful escape in the forest. Those who enjoy indoor pursuits more than outdoor might want to take in a band playing at The Purple Fiddle, which attracts live performances all year round. Medical care is available at WVU Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, approximately 19 miles away.
Wheeling
The historic city of Wheeling lies along the Ohio River in Ohio and Marshall Counties in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. About 27,000 people live in Wheeling, where homes average a reasonable $145,000. Wheeling is in the state's northern panhandle, about 55 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Many retirees choose Wheeling for its modern amenities, natural beauty, and lively energy.
Wheeling's Oglebay Park encompasses 1,650 acres, featuring five golf courses, a tennis court, a pool, walking trails, and numerous other amenities to keep outdoor-minded retirees engaged. Those interested in the arts may want to check out the events hosted by the Wheeling Arts & Cultural Commission, which hosts the Foxfire Film Festival each September. Senior services operate in Wheeling, including the Ohio County Senior Center. The town also has its own Wheeling Hospital if medical care is ever required.
Huntington
Huntington is located in southwestern West Virginia's Cabell and Wayne counties, at the junction of the Ohio and Guyandotte Rivers. This town of 46,000 features affordable homes averaging just $139,000. Huntington retains a small-town feel despite its size, appealing to many retirees who desire the camaraderie of a small community but still want to have amenities close at hand.
Beech Fork State Park includes a frisbee golf course, fishing areas, a swimming pool, and a beach for retirees who want to spend time outside enjoying nature. Marshall University is also in Huntington and offers reduced tuition for those 65 and over who enroll in classes as non-degree students. The Marie Redd Senior Life and Enrichment Center is an excellent place for seniors to congregate for fun activities. Huntington's own Cabell Huntington Hospital provides medical care when needed.
Point Pleasant
At the border with Ohio, the small town of Point Pleasant, with a population of 4,000, sits where the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers meet. It is appealing to many retirees for its affordable housing, averaging $154,000.
Riverfront Park, a park along the Ohio River, features a scenic riverwalk along with historic statues and murals relaying the history of the Battle of Point Pleasant during Lord Dunmore’s War. Another local site of interest is the Mothman Museum, dedicated to the legend of the Mothman —a winged humanoid creature supposedly sighted in Point Pleasant on multiple occasions over the years. The Mason County Action Group Senior Services produces programs and services for senior citizens in the area. Point Pleasant's Rivers Health Medical Center can handle the medical needs of most residents.
Hinton
The Summers County seat of Hinton, population 2,200, is along the New River, just north of its confluence with the Greenbrier River. It is just an hour north of the state's southern border with Virginia. Homes in Hinton average a comfortable $130,000, which is a reason for many retirees to move to this beautiful small town.
Bluestone State Park encompasses the 2,040-acre Bluestone Lake and provides a serene setting for those seeking solitude. Retirees wanting more lively activities could visit the Ritz Theatre, which, in addition to showing films, showcases live performances. The Summers County Council on Aging Center serves meals and hosts activities for seniors in the area. Hinton's own Summers County Appalachian Regional Hospital is conveniently located in town for times when medical care is needed.
Parkersburg
Parkersburg, in Wood County, is home to about 29,000 people. This town at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers is just 14 miles south of Marietta, Ohio, and 110 miles from Columbus, Ohio. Homes here average an affordable $145,000. Affordability is just one reason retirees choose Parkersburg.
Johnson T. Janes Nature Preserve (94 acres) is located in Parkersburg. Retirees who are art lovers should check out the Parkersburg Art Center, which exhibits the works of local and regional artists. The Wood County Senior Citizens Association meets in Parkersburg to promote camaraderie among retirees. Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg is available for medical needs.
Buckhannon
The small town of Buckhannon, population 5,100, is the Upshur County seat and sits along the Buckhannon River. It is just one hour south of the larger city of Morgantown. Average home prices in Buckhannon are $159,000, drawing many retirees to this small town, which is conveniently located near a larger city.
Audra State Park is situated along the Middle Fork River near Buckhannon and offers ample space for swimming, fishing, and hiking. Art lovers should check out the Sleeth Gallery in Wesleyan College. The Buckhannon Senior Center has a full slate of activities for seniors in the area. St. Joseph's Hospital in Buckhannon provides needed medical care.
Oak Hill
Oak Hill, home to about 8,100 residents, is in Fayette County, about an hour south of Charleston, the state capital. Homes in Oak Hill are priced reasonably at $144,000. Retirees who want to explore history as well as the outdoors may be drawn to Oak Hill.
The White Oak Rail Trail is an eight-mile mostly paved trail that runs through the town, ideal for hikers, bikers, or those who simply want to stroll. The nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, just minutes from Oak Hill, showcases breathtaking vistas, miles of hiking trails, and remnants of the area’s coal-mining past. It’s an ideal spot for retirees who want to enjoy West Virginia’s natural beauty while exploring the region’s rich history. The Oak Hill Senior Center caters to seniors seeking friendships with others of the same age bracket. CAMC Plateau Medical Center in Oak Hill supplies medical care for the town.
Beckley
Beckley, in Raleigh County, southern West Virginia, houses about 17,000 residents. Retirees are attracted to Beckley's low median home prices of $143,000, its suburban feel, outdoor activities, and rich coal history and culture.
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is an interesting site to visit for those into the history of this Appalachian area. Arts and culture are celebrated each August at Beckley's Appalachian Arts and Crafts Fair. The Raleigh County Commission on Aging in Beckley runs meal programs, an adult daycare, and other activities to support seniors in the area. Raleigh General Hospital takes care of town residents' medical needs.
Move to the Mountain State
Retirees looking to move to the Mountain State have many options when it comes to choosing small towns in which to make their new homes. Whether a retiree is drawn to charming small towns nestled in the Appalachians or peaceful riverside communities, West Virginia supplies plenty of friendly, lively, and welcoming small-town options for budget-conscious retirees. Consider relocating to the Mountain State to maximize your retirement savings.
