8 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns To Retire In West Virginia

Coal mines and country music. The Moth Man and Loretta Lynn. West Virginia is a place where some of the best folklore, culture, and natural beauty come to life in the United States. The state is the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountains range. It's also located within a day’s drive from 75% of the country’s population, according to the West Virginia Department of Tourism, which also reports that, in 2024 alone, about 77 million people visited there.

There is no doubt it has been increasing in popularity as a nice place to visit. But how about for those who want to retire and call the place home? Of course, retirement comes with a good deal of decision making, especially as it relates to affordability. West Virginia’s cost of living is 12% lower than the national average and a median home list price of $244,267, making it a place retirees could potentially live comfortably in. So, if West Virginia’s country roads are calling you home to retire there, then check out the eight towns in West Virginia that will be easy on your lifestyle and your wallet.

Huntington

Huntington is home to about 45,000 residents and carries a median home list price of $163,283. The city sits along the Ohio River and provides easy access to parks, medical services, and a steady calendar of local happenings like RibFest and St. George Greek Festival. Retirees can spend time exploring Ritter Park’s walking paths, visit the Huntington Museum of Art for regular exhibits, or stop by Pullman Square for dining and entertainment. Marshall University adds a sense of youthful vigor and provides plenty of sporting and cultural events without overwhelming the town, while the riverfront provides peaceful places to walk or watch the boats pass by.

Parkersburg

Parkersburg has a population of 28,624 and a median home list price of $165,333. Parkersburg’s historic neighborhoods, local museums, and compact downtown give the city a welcoming feel. Retirees can enjoy regular activities such as visiting Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park for biking, camping, or taking guided tours of a replica Palladian mansion on the island.

Active retirees can keep the action and exploration going by walking the trails at Fort Boreman Park, which sits on the site of a Civil War fort overlooking a valley made by the joining of the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers. For retirees wanting to take up new hobbies, the Parkersburg Art Center offers art classes and has a gallery of work from creators across the state.

The area also has reliable healthcare access and a mix of small businesses that keep daily errands easy. Parkersburg’s affordability and strong preservation of local history add to its appeal for retirees who want comfort without feeling isolated.

Wheeling

Wheeling, home to around 25,846 people and with a median home list price that has been ranging from the mid- to upper-$100,000s, gives retirees a river city with a deep sense of heritage and plenty of recreation. Oglebay Resort remains one of the region’s biggest draws, offering year-round events, a zoo, a museum, and a sustainable gardening area. Downtown Wheeling continues to grow with renovated buildings, restaurants, and cultural venues like the Capitol Theatre. The Heritage Trail system runs for miles along the water, making it an excellent place for cycling or leisurely walks. Wheeling has affordability and easily accessible entertainment, making it especially inviting for retirees who enjoy staying active.

Beckley

Beckley’s population of 16,340 and median home list price of roughly $157,833 make it a comfortable option for retirees seeking manageable living costs and a healthy range of activities. The town is close to outdoor destinations such as the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, providing opportunities for scenic drives, gentle hikes, and quiet waterfront views. Locally, retirees can visit the Tamarack Marketplace for local artisan creations, tour the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine to pay homage to the state’s coal mining heritage, or stroll through local farmers markets. Healthcare services are readily available, and the town’s compact layout keeps daily life simple.

Clarksburg

Clarksburg has a population of around 15,100 and a median home list price of $164,267. The town has a walkable historic core and access to popular community spots such as the Clarksburg Amphitheater and Veterans Memorial Park. Nearby sites like the West Fork River Trail and local wineries like Batton Hollow Winery offer retirees easy weekend outings. Clarksburg’s long-standing Italian community brings the beloved West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival and plenty of local dining. The affordable housing market and convenient medical facilities make this town especially appealing to retirees looking for a friendly place to settle with opportunities to satisfy their palettes and sense of belonging.

Fairmont

Fairmont has about 18,000 residents and a median home list price of $205,625. Retirees can have a comfortable lifestyle with strong ties to local history and outdoor recreation. The town sits between Morgantown and Clarksburg, giving it access to a wide range of services and a calm atmosphere. Retirees can visit Valley Falls State Park, which was once the site of a lumber and grist mill, and enjoy days fishing and picnicking. There is also Prickett’s Fort State Park nearby for more outdoor activities. Retirees can also attend seasonal events at the Fairmont Farmers Market. Fairmont State University also hosts public programs that bring lectures, performances, and art to the community.

Weirton

Weirton has 18,117 residents in its town limits and a median home list price of $171,633 , and it is a prime spot for retirees seeking small-town familiarity and access to larger city amenities thanks to its location near the Pennsylvania and Ohio borders. Retirees can spend time at Tomlinson Run State Park hiking, fishing, boating, or swimming. Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center gives retirees a look back into the town’s history dating back to the Revolutionary War. Retirees wanting more time in nature can spend pleasant afternoons along the Ohio River as well. Healthcare and daily necessities are easy to reach, and the cost of living remains comfortable for retirees on fixed incomes..

Keyser

Keyser has a modest population of about 4,790 and a median home list price currently at $185,750. The town sits close to the North Branch of the Potomac River and is surrounded by rolling hills, giving residents opportunities for fishing, visually striking walking routes, and taking short drives to nearby state parks like Blackwater Falls State Park, which has a 57-foot cascade and fully furnished cabins. Keyser is home to Potomac State College, which brings cultural events and public programs. Retirees can learn local history at the Mineral County Historical Society Museum or take part in community gatherings like the annual Strawberry Festival.

Peak Retirement in The Mountain State

This blog has given just a little peek of the appeal and scenery of West Virginia and why millions stop within its state lines. West Virginia is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and urban legend chasers, but it is much more than a tourist stop. It is a place where the Americana spirit of being close to neighbors and nature is as commonplace as a road stop diner. Retirement is not just the end of one endeavor, but the beginning of another. The adventure and affordability of these eight towns make for attractive places for retirees to find what’s next.