8 Most Hospitable Retirement Towns In West Virginia
West Virginia stands out for retirees who appreciate quiet mountain towns, friendly neighbors, and day-to-day living that stays comfortably within budget. The state’s peaceful valleys, forested hills, and historic small towns create a setting where community life thrives. Seniors find a relaxed rhythm here, supported by local gatherings, outdoor activities, and dependable essential services. Despite its rural feel, West Virginia delivers strong hospitality and a warm sense of belonging. Discover the eight most welcoming retirement towns to call home.
Oak Hill
Oak Hill gives retirees steady ways to enjoy time with friends and visiting family. The Oak Leaf Festival on Main Street fills the town with energy, bringing residents together for activities that span all ages. ACE Adventure Resort creates a full week of excitement, especially for grandkids, while the White Oak Rail Trail is nearly eight miles of paved and gravel paths for walking, biking, or taking pets along. At the same time, Collins Park adds a 9-hole disc golf course, pavilions, and a playground that keep days active and social.
Daily needs remain manageable with a home value of $144,000 (Zillow) as of November 2025, staying below the state average of $169,000 and helping pension income stretch further. Seniors seeking additional support can choose Oak Hill Place, renowned for its attentive care and clean, welcoming environment. Central West Virginia Aging offers in-home services for those who prefer assistance while continuing to live independently.
Elkins
Elkins stands out with traditions that bring residents together year after year, especially during the Mountain State Forest Festival each October. This long-running celebration highlights autumn scenery, conservation, and local culture through concerts, lumberjack events, art exhibits, parades, and more. Evenings come alive at the Gandy Dancer Theatre, where retirees can enjoy rotating dinner shows spanning decades of music. The Elkins Depot Welcome Center gives helpful guidance for exploring downtown, while the Augusta Heritage Center keeps minds active with seminars on music, cooking, and regional traditions.
Healthcare needs are well-supported with Davis Medical Center in town, ensuring dependable healthcare. Seniors seeking a warm, community-focused setting can choose Mountain Memories Assisted Living & Retirement Center, known for attentive care and a family-like atmosphere. To top it off, homeownership remains within reach as well, with an average value of $166,000 helping retirees settle in comfortably.
Marlinton
Marlinton, set along the Greenbrier River, is known for striking scenery and spirited traditions like the Roadkill Cook-off and Hudson Cream West Virginia Biscuit Bake Off during the Autumn Harvest Festival. Watoga State Park brings more than 10,000 acres of wooded mountains with trails, cabins, and campgrounds, while Stillwell Park creates space for sports, skating, and nature walks. The Locust Hill Inn, Cabin, and Restaurant give retirees a relaxed setting to spend a weekend and reconnect with family and friends.
A cornerstone of Marlinton is its affordability, with an average home value of about $161,000, helping retirees maintain a residence on a fixed income. Headwaters Spa & Salon adds comfort in later years, while the Pocahontas Community Wellness Center is right in town to support active routines. To add to this, HandMade WV Market keeps life vibrant with local food and crafts, including festive treats for the season.
Moundsville
Moundsville stands out for its strong commitment to retirees’ daily needs. WVU Reynolds Memorial Hospital and the Moundsville Healthcare Center ensure dependable medical support, while Wesley Park has apartments for adults 62 and older, with rent set at 30% of adjusted monthly income. The Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library encourages mental engagement through reading and community programs, and the Marshall County Senior Center brings retirees together as a multi-purpose hub serving local seniors.
Commanding attention in town are attractions that bring friends and family together. West Virginia Penitentiary gives guided tours and unique paranormal experiences, and the New Vrindaban Temple presents intricate architecture, artwork, and peaceful grounds. Grand Vue Park creates memorable days with mountain-top scenery, an aerial adventure area, a pool, and camping sites praised for great pricing. It is a fun place to take grandkids, keeping family visits lively and meaningful.
Buckhannon
Buckhannon is celebrated for its deep community spirit and outstanding affordability, with an average home value of $160,000. It is the proud host of the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, held annually during the third week of May. This vibrant event, featuring live entertainment, a carnival, games, and parades, brings everyone from the town together to celebrate, providing excellent opportunities for retirees to easily meet new people. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Audra State Park is a beautiful natural retreat, featuring a riverfront popular with whitewater kayaking enthusiasts, as well as tent and RV camping sites. Furthermore, retirees with pets can enjoy the dedicated Buckhannon Dog Park.
Mental and social engagement is well-supported here. Retirees can join courses at West Virginia Wesleyan College to update their skills and stay mentally active. The Charles W. Gibson Public Library also focuses on lifelong learning. The Buckhannon Senior Center is a key hub where retirees can participate in engaging activities and make lasting friendships. For those seeking structured care, Serenity Assisted Living gives that option, ensuring comfort and support are readily available within the community.
Weirton
Weirton gives retirees a welcoming environment with recreation, community life, and dependable care. Williams Country Club brings weekends to life with its acclaimed 18-hole course, a favorite setting for friendly rounds and long-standing tournaments. Grandkids enjoy lively outings at Blue Steel Grill & Cafes and Steel Valley Bowling Center, where bowling, darts, and pool keep everyone entertained. The Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center presents local heritage, while Dee Jays BBQ Ribs & Grille adds relaxed meals in a cheerful setting. With an average home value of around $142,000, settling in town is financially practical for seniors planning long-term stability.
Furthermore, Woodland Hills Assisted Living sits within the community for those seeking supportive living, and Serra Village Retirement Community provides attentive care across varying needs. The Weirton Senior Citizens Center brings retirees together through activities that encourage connection, making the town a warm place to build friendships and maintain an active routine.
Grafton
Grafton holds great historic pride as one of the nation’s earliest Memorial Day observance sites. It is an annual tradition at Grafton National Cemetery, known as Flower Strewing Day, that brings the community together as children place blooms on each marker before a ceremony led by a distinguished West Virginian. This strong sense of unity pairs well with nearby Tygart Lake State Park, where mountain views and calm water create a peaceful setting for retirees seeking relaxation or light recreation.
Tygart Lake Public Golf Course adds a classic 18-hole layout appreciated by seniors who enjoy a steady game with friends. With an average home value of $139,000, settling in Grafton remains within reach, leaving room to enjoy small indulgences at Cutting Edge Hair Design Studio, Tanning, and Spa.
Princeton
Princeton showcases deep community commitment to its seniors, making it a highly hospitable place to retire. The CASEWV Commission on Aging Senior Center is a vibrant hub for Mercer County residents aged 60 and above. Open weekdays, the center is a welcoming space for enjoying nutritious congregate meals and socializing with peers. Beyond this, Council on Aging & All Care provides case management, serving the aged and disabled as an alternative to nursing home care. Additionally, Cassells Board & Care is an assisted living facility available in town. Financials are also sorted here, with the average Princeton home value of around $161,000.
Furthermore, Princeton's attractions are truly remarkable for visiting family and grandkids: the Brush Creek Holl’r Mountain Coaster, West Virginia’s first mountain coaster, is an exhilarating, gravity-driven experience. Families also enjoy Glenwood Recreational Park, which features multi-use trails around a 55-acre lake, paddleboat rentals, play equipment, and picnic areas. Finally, the Princeton Railroad Museum holds a wonderful collection of railroad and coal mining history.
West Virginia’s Most Supportive Towns for Fulfilling Golden Years
These eight towns create a meaningful balance between affordability, community spirit, and everyday convenience. Each provides dependable healthcare, senior-focused services, and engaging spaces shaped by nature, history, and shared traditions. From Princeton’s adventure-driven charm to Elkins’ festival energy and cultural learning, retirees find places that foster connection and purposeful living. For seniors seeking welcoming, down-to-earth communities in West Virginia, these towns blend small-town warmth with practical features that support comfort, stability, and an enjoyable pace of life.
