8 Friendly Towns To Retire In West Virginia
Retirement in West Virginia offers a rare blend of affordability, neighborly charm, and easy access to nature. From riverfront communities to historic mountain towns, the state is filled with places where retirees can enjoy a slower pace without giving up culture, healthcare access, or engaging activities. Lower-than-average home prices stretch retirement savings further, while community centers, festivals, and scenic parks encourage active and social living. The following eight friendly West Virginia towns stand out for their welcoming atmospheres, local attractions, and senior-friendly amenities, making them appealing options for retirees seeking comfort, connection, and a strong sense of place.
Weirton
Weirton is an appealing river town on the Ohio border that offers both outdoor adventure and community spirit. Just north, the Tomlinson Run State Park invites retirees to hike, fish, boat, or enjoy scenic picnics, and in town, they can enjoy the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, which shares local history from pioneering days. Seasonal events like the Greek Festival and farmers markets foster neighborly connection, as will a league or family reunion at the Blue Steel Grill and Steel Valley Bowling Center. The Millsop Community Center provides indoor swimming, exercise classes, and group activities. Weirton Medical Center ensures quality healthcare close to home, and specialty services in nearby cities are available in case of urgent needs. With home prices hovering around $141,000, peaceful riverfront strolls, activity centers, and a small-town feel with welcoming locals, Weirton makes retirement both enriching and relaxed.
Huntington
As the state’s second-largest city, it comes as a pleasant surprise that property can be had at a budget-friendly median list price near $156,000 in Huntington. Retirees here will find a vibrant city with a relaxed pace, where peaceful morning walks through Ritter Park’s gardens can be followed by viewing the engaging local art exhibits at the Huntington Museum of Art. Calling it home means having the scenic Ohio River nearby, and lively festivals like RibFest that bring neighbors together. The community calendar includes the St. George Greek Festival and frequent Marshall University performances that add culture without overwhelming the town. Healthcare needs are served by facilities such as Cabell Huntington Hospital, while senior programs at the Huntington Senior Center encourage social activity, fitness, and learning opportunities. With riverfront views and a healthy mix of culture and nature, Huntington appeals to retirees who want both community involvement and peace for their golden years.
Ripley
This friendly small town provides homeowners with affordable homes, with average values of about $198,000, and Ripley’s famous Independence Day Celebration makes the town ideal for retirees who love hometown spirit. History shines with the classical architecture of the Jackson County Courthouse, built in 1920, and the Staats Mill Covered Bridge, providing scenic spots for day strolls. Jackson General Hospital offers trusted medical care close to home, and the Ripley Senior Citizen Center hosts weekly lunches, fitness sessions, and hobby groups that help new residents feel welcome. With community pride, seasonal events, and outdoor beauty just minutes away, Ripley captures the essence of relaxed, fulfilling retirement living.
Parkersburg
Parkersburg became an incorporated town in 1810, and the historic downtown offers charming reminders of its past as well as a walkable main street for morning coffees or window shopping. Retirees who love history can volunteer as tour guides at the Julia-Ann Square Historic District, or at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History with its exhibits dating back centuries. Median home listing prices around $159,000 make it a solid choice for retirees seeking affordability without giving up amenities. A walk in Point Park is always a pleasure, especially from June to August when the entertaining Point Concert Series takes place. Music lovers can also listen to the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra when they are in town and enjoy the talent that has been entertaining residents and visitors for the last 30 years. With a blend of small-town friendliness, music events, and outdoor recreation, Parkersburg keeps retirees active, connected, and comfortable with their surroundings.
Fairmont
Nicknamed the “Friendly City,” Fairmont has many ways for the retiree to enjoy themselves. The quirky Telephone Museum features eclectic collections of nostalgia and offers educational and fascinating exhibits. Outdoor lovers enjoy Valley Falls State Park’s scenic fishing spots and picnicking areas, while nearby Prickett’s Fort State Park offers trails and living history demonstrations. Country music fans will be well served by Saturday concerts at the Sagebrush Roundup Country Music Hall. With valley views, active community events, and an estimated median home sale price of $182,000, Fairmont strikes a pleasing balance of affordable housing, quiet living and opportunities for community engagement.
Elkins
Arts and culture are on the menu, and with average home values near $164,000 and stunning mountain scenery, retirees will adore Elkins. The Randolph County Community Arts Center brings live theater, art exhibits, and concerts to town, while the Old Brick Playhouse offers children and youth a variety of theater programs and performances for the public. Nearby Monongahela National Forest offers a vast array of trails, bird-watching spots, and scenic drives, while the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center offers exhibits and lessons concentrating on forest preservation. The Randolph County Senior Center serves as a hub for social gatherings, and the local Davis Medical Center caters to health needs. Annual events like the Elkins Ramps and Rails Festival provide joyful community engagement, celebrating heritage and the seasonal ramp harvest with music, crafts, and rail excursions. For retirees who cherish arts, nature, and small-town camaraderie, Elkins will quickly become home.
Glenville
A small, close-knit community of around 1,000 residents, Glenville boasts one of the most affordable housing markets in the state with average home values near $113,000, ideal for retirees on a fixed income. The town’s serene setting on the Little Kanawha River invites fishers and paddlers on the water and quiet morning walks along its banks. Retirees can serve as community ambassadors at the Holt House, where the Gilmer County Historical Society helps preserve local heritage. Nearby Cedar Creek State Park’s acres of woods offer recreational activities year-round. The West Virginia State Folk Festival, each June, showcases music, crafts, and heritage that opens Glenville to the wider community. Youthful energy is abundant when Glenville State University is in session, while also hosting public lectures and cultural programs. With festivals, nature at the doorstep, and friendly neighbors, Glenville presents a mellow and affordable pace for retirement.
Clarksburg
Clarksburg combines affordability with rich local flavor as the town’s median home listing price of $147,000 sits comfortably under the state median. The historic downtown is ideal for leisurely walks past boutique shops, and Veterans Memorial Park offers picnic areas, walking paths, and a peaceful place to spend sunny afternoons. Retirees can become patrons of the Benedum Civic Center, a vibrant hub for arts and community gatherings in neighboring Bridgeport, or attend shows at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, which offers plays, musicals, and special events. Retirees can attend the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival for music, food, and camaraderie. For retirees who value community events, outdoor enjoyment, and a historic setting, Clarksburg consistently shines.
West Virginia’s towns offer retirees affordability paired with genuine community connection, something increasingly rare. These eight towns showcase the state’s strengths, from walkable historic districts and riverfront parks to cultural festivals and accessible healthcare. Whether retirees prefer a lively university town, a quiet mountain setting, or a close-knit riverside community, West Virginia delivers options that support an engaged retirement. With low home prices and a welcoming spirit, these friendly towns allow retirees to focus less on expenses and more on enjoying their time, building relationships, and embracing a relaxed, fulfilling lifestyle.
