7 Best Towns In West Virginia For Retirees

Retirement opens the door to a slower pace and deeper connections, and few places deliver that sense of belonging quite like West Virginia. With nearly 22% of its residents aged 65 and older, the Mountain State has long been a welcoming choice for those seeking comfort, community, and affordability. West Virginia combines scenic charm, quiet parks, and friendly neighborhoods where neighbors still wave from their porches. Whether it is the town's favourite hometown eatery in Huntington, easy access to healthcare at Parkersburg, or the joy of attending Augusta Heritage Festival at Elkins, these seven towns stand out as some of the best spots in the state to enjoy your golden years.

Beckley

If affordability and a strong sense of community top your list for retirement, Beckley checks every box. With 21.7% of its residents aged 65 and older and a median home price of about $145,000 as of June 2025 (Zillow), well below the state average of $170,000, Beckley is a smart and welcoming place to settle down. Healthcare is easily accessible, thanks to two full-service hospitals: Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital and Raleigh General Hospital, both of which have a wide range of medical services. Support for seniors extends beyond healthcare. Facilities like Pine Lodge, Bayberry Retirement Inn, and Heritage House Senior Living provide comfortable living options, while the Raleigh County Commission on Aging and services such as Village Caregiving and Right at Home help older adults maintain independence in daily life.

But life in Beckley is not all routine; there is plenty to enjoy as well. Tamarack Marketplace is a cultural treasure that showcases Appalachian craftsmanship, featuring local art, food, and live performances year-round. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s mining history through guided underground tours, while the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia engages visitors with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a recreated pioneer homestead.

Huntington

Huntington is the kind of place where retirees can enjoy their days at a thoughtful pace, surrounded by culture, green space, and a welcoming community. A stroll through the Downtown Huntington Historic District reveals beautifully preserved architecture, boutique shops, and cafés that invite retirees to linger. Just beyond, the Huntington Museum of Art spans over 50 acres and nearly 60,000 square feet, with exhibitions ranging from classic to contemporary. Its forested campus also includes walking trails and the lush C. Fred Edwards Conservatory, where tropical plants thrive year-round.

For a breath of fresh air, Ritter Park has long been a local favorite. Designated as one of America’s top public spaces, encourages walkers, joggers, and dog-owning retirees to get outdoors and stay active. Seniors in the mood for something indulgent can swing by Cam’s Ham, a hometown eatery known for its legendary sugar-flaked ham sandwiches, perfect for celebrating milestones with loved ones or enjoying a relaxed afternoon bite in a familiar setting.

Retirees will also find it easy to settle down here without financial strain. The median home price sits comfortably around $137,000, as of June 2025. And for those who prefer a worry-free lifestyle, Huntington features several quality senior living options such as Woodlands Retirement Community, Madison Park Healthcare, and Heritage Center. Underwood Senior Center adds a social touch, with fitness classes and community programs that keep everyone engaged.

Parkersburg

Perched at the meeting point of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, Parkersburg blends scenic river views with an active community spirit, making it a smart choice for retirement. The town hosts a lively calendar of festivals that give seniors plenty of reasons to stay engaged all year. June brings the Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of music and food. In August, the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival draws crowds with its parade, fireworks, and live entertainment, while Memorial Day weekend kicks off with Taste of Parkersburg, showcasing local flavors and wines. Come fall, the Downtown Throwdown serves up barbecue and craft beer, adding even more community flair to the mix.

Retirees looking for quieter moments will enjoy exploring the area’s many attractions. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park features horse-drawn carriage rides and guided tours of its elegant 18th-century mansion. Fort Boreman Park has peaceful trails and hilltop views across the valley, while the Oil & Gas Museum dives into the industry’s lasting impact on the region. Just downtown, the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History adds another layer of depth to the Mid-Ohio Valley story.

In addition to its welcoming atmosphere and cultural scene, Parkersburg is well-equipped for senior living. Camden Clark Medical Center provides full-service healthcare close to home. For those needing assistance, Village Caregiving delivers in-home support with compassion and consistency. The Wood County Senior Citizens Association has programs like transportation, nutrition services, and in-home care. A decent home here can be purchased for an average of $144,000, and with 21.3% of the population aged 65 and over, Parkersburg feels naturally suited for a fulfilling, connected retirement.

Buckhannon

Buckhannon, a peaceful town in north-central West Virginia, is a wonderful place for retirees who want to make the most of their free time. With no rigid schedule, many seniors here enjoy spending quiet mornings or sunny afternoons outdoors. Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Area is a favorite escape for fishing, scenic views, and relaxed picnics by the water. Closer to downtown, Jawbone Park provides a pleasant spot for daily walks, filled with flower gardens, shaded benches, and room to meet with friends. The Buckhannon Farmers Market and Artisan Shop adds to the town’s appeal, where older adults can browse local produce and handcrafted goods while sipping coffee and chatting with vendors.

What gives retirees peace of mind in Buckhannon is knowing that St. Joseph’s Hospital is nearby, ready to handle a full range of medical needs. With housing prices around $160,000, it is easier to purchase a home here than in many parts of the country. And for those who prefer extra support, Holbrook Healthcare Center and Serenity Assisted Living are local options that ensure care and companionship are always close at hand.

Elkins

Elkins, a picturesque town in Randolph County, is a wonderful place for retirees who want a rich mix of culture, community, and natural beauty. Music lovers will find their calendar full thanks to the Augusta Heritage Festival, a long-standing tradition held on the Davis & Elkins College campus. Running for five consecutive weeks each summer, with special events in spring and fall, it brings together artists, crafters, and musicians from around the globe.

Furthermore, visiting grandkids in town during school breaks will have a blast riding the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, a scenic journey through remote Appalachian landscapes on vintage trains. Rail fans can also dive into the area’s locomotive legacy at the West Virginia Railroad Museum, while nature and history come together at the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center, which showcases the region’s ties to forest heritage. Golfers can enjoy a relaxing round at Elks Golf Course, which has two sets of tees for those who want to stretch their game to 18 holes.

At the same time, the Randolph County Senior Center ensures older residents stay active and socially connected through daily meals, games, and group activities, with no fees or membership required. For those needing extra support, Mountaineer Home Care Services and Professional Care Services provide in-home assistance tailored to individual needs. With homes averaging around $167,000, Elkins is an excellent place to enjoy retirement.

Summersville

Summersville welcomes retirees with its lively spirit, scenic beauty, and a schedule full of local happenings. One of the most anticipated events each year is the Potato Festival, held downtown every September. From live music and a 5K Spud Run to the quirky potato-eating contest and “Potato Idol,” it’s a fun-filled weekend that draws neighbors together. With homes averaging about $172,000 as of June 2025, settling here is within easy reach. Seniors seeking care have dependable choices as well, with facilities like Summersville Healthcare Center and CenterWell Home Health standing ready to help residents.

Nature-loving seniors can savor mornings and evenings at Summersville Lake, West Virginia’s largest and one of the country’s most picturesque, known for its emerald waters and 60 miles of shoreline. Nearby, the Summersville Lake Lighthouse offers panoramic views and stands as the state’s only beacon of its kind. Retirees looking to enjoy a relaxing afternoon or toast a milestone might stop at Kirkwood Winery & Isaiah Morgan Distillery, the region’s first vineyard and still a favorite for small-batch wines and local spirits. And for golf enthusiasts, the Nicholas Memorial Golf Course is a peaceful 9-hole challenge with open fairways and gentle terrain perfect for walking.

Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant delivers a rich historical backdrop and inviting spaces ideal for retirees looking to stay active and fit. At Fort Randolph, history comes to life with reenactments and exhibits that highlight the town’s role on the early American frontier. Just steps away, Tu-Endie-Wei State Park welcomes daily walkers and history buffs with its riverfront paths and impressive granite monument honoring the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant. For something lighthearted, the Mothman Museum brings local legend to life—a fun stop for retirees showing visiting grandchildren around town.

Healthcare is easily accessible through Rivers Health and the Pleasant Valley Healthcare Center, both trusted institutions for aging residents. One of the most comforting parts of retiring here is how financially manageable it is—a home averages just $152,000, leaving seniors more room to enjoy travel, hobbies, or extra comforts in daily life.

Wrapping Up

If your ideal retirement includes peaceful surroundings, picturesque drives through rolling hills, and friendly towns where neighbors still greet each other by name, West Virginia should be on your radar. With its fresh mountain air, relaxed pace, and communities that value connection, the state delivers a lifestyle that suits those looking to enjoy life’s next chapter. From Tu-Endie-Wei State Park in Point Pleasant to the Potato Festival in Summersville to reliable healthcare and affordable homes in Huntington, these seven towns prove that retiring in West Virginia means more than settling down; it means truly feeling at home in the Mountain State.