11 Best Places To Retire In West Virginia

Despite being generally overlooked, West Virginia is an excellent retirement destination, thanks to its unique mix of unmatched natural beauty, pristine rural atmosphere, low cost of living, and trademark Southern hospitality. The Mountain State, as it is popularly known, invites retirees to trade the rat race and the concrete jungle for community connections and untouched wildernesses. With affordable housing, tax-friendly policies for seniors, and outdoor adventures just a nature walk away, West Virginia makes a compelling case through its small towns.

These lovely localities allow retirees to step into their sunset years with confidence and live life to the fullest. From scenic mountain enclaves to charming riverside outposts, here are some of the top places to retire in West Virginia.

Buckhannon

Ideal for a day trip from Harpers Ferry, this tiny village in Upshur County attracts retirees with a promise of year-round outdoor adventures and an affordable cost of living. Buckhannon's median home listing price of $219,500 is lower than West Virginia's $253,100. It also boasts an abundance of untouched natural spaces that serve as a playground for outdoor recreation, led by Audra State Park. This 355-acre reserve invites and accommodates activities such as camping, kayaking, and hiking to ensure seniors lead an active lifestyle. Meanwhile, the lively downtown district includes a variety of entertainment venues, where residents can catch the latest box office releases at Upshur Cinema 6 and enjoy the coldest beer in town at 88's Lounge.

Grafton

Grafton is a sleepy village along the Tygart River, renowned for its heavenly natural landscapes and serving as the perfect playground for nature lovers. It is home to Tygart Lake State Park, where you can choose from various activities to spend time in a beautiful wilderness setting. The 390-acre reserve features a campground, a lovely marina, and miles of hiking trails. Nearby, the Tygart Lake Public Golf Course invites seniors to connect and stay active on its 18-hole championship course.

Away from the great outdoors, the downtown district is lined with local cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, such as Arts and Treasures, which presents residents with the opportunity to shop for charming decor pieces featuring candles, furniture, handicrafts, and photographs. Grafton also caters to its older adults at the Taylor County Senior Citizens Center, and has an affordable median home listing price of $140,000.

Weirton

Weirton is a small town on the Ohio River, boasting a rich steel-producing heritage and a hardworking community. It welcomes newcomers to familiarize themselves with its history and culture at the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, where a library of photos, artifacts, and memorabilia tells the region's story dating back to the 1700s. The Williams Golf & Country Club offers an escape for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a chance to enjoy fun with friends on its serene 18-hole course. Residents also get great opportunities for indoor entertainment at the Plaza Theatre. The venue screens classic and new movies in a fun atmosphere.

Point Pleasant

This rural town, under an hour from Charleston, is renowned for the Mothman, a legendary figure from local folklore that newcomers can explore further at the Mothman Museum. The venue extensively documents the local legend using primary sources, clippings, photographs, and memorabilia. However, there is more authentic human history to explore at the West Virginia State Farm Museum. This 50-acre property showcases the lives of early pioneers through self-guided and group tours of the historic buildings, which include a taxidermy museum, sawmill, loom house, and tractor collection. Elsewhere, residents who wish to venture outside can go to Tu-Endie-Wei State Park. This charming natural space overlooks the scenic convergence of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers, featuring a monument commemorating the Battle of Point Pleasant.

Weston

This historical village in Lewis County charms locals and visitors alike with its nostalgic flair, anchored by a couple of museums that showcase the region's dynamic heritage. Weston is home to the Mountaineer Military Museum, which pays tribute to hundreds of West Virginia natives in the American armed forces. Meanwhile, fans of the spooky and mysterious can take a paranormal tour of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, a former psychiatric hospital that operated in the 19th century.

Lewis County Park serves as the local recreational hub, with a swimming pool, fountains, picnic areas, and other amenities, and the Lewis County Senior Citizens Center creates programs and provides services to improve the lives of older adults. With all this and more, Weston's median home listing price of $160,000 makes it one of the most attractive and affordable places to retire in West Virginia.

Barboursville

Small-town spirit and a strong sense of community draw retirees to settle in this welcoming village in Cabell County. Barboursville hosts year-round social events that strengthen the bond between residents, including Barboursville Civil War Days, which reenact an iconic battle and are fun for the whole family. The Huntington Mall is the town's premier indoor entertainment hub, where you can shop for household essentials, dine at popular restaurants, and catch the latest movies in a modern cinema. Barboursville also offers opportunities for outdoor recreation at the sprawling Beech Fork State Park, a 3,000-acre playground with a wide range of campsites and cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, and kayaking routes.

Kenova

Kenova's charm lies in its low living costs, beautiful riverside setting, and robust sense of community. The town sits cozily on the confluence of the Ohio and Big Sandy rivers and offers seniors recreational activities at Virginia Point Park. This quiet natural space is perfect for fishing, picnicking, and camping. Meanwhile, Kenova's Pumpkin House is an interesting attraction in the community that comes to life during the annual C-K AutumnFest, as everybody gathers here to admire almost 3,000 pumpkin decorations. Seniors can also get a full-body workout by swimming at Dreamland Pool, which also serves as a gathering spot for the entire community. Meanwhile, the CHH Family Medical Center guarantees potential movers access to essential health services, while Kenova's median home listing price of $147,500 is well below both the state and national averages.

Glenville

This unassuming village on the Little Kanawha River encourages outdoor recreation with access to Cedar Creek State Park. Spanning over 2,500 acres, the serene space is a hub for fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. Alternatively, residents can enjoy fun and games at the Sue Morris Sports Complex. This important facility features a softball and baseball field where the whole community comes to watch. Blizard's Flea Market brings together artists, farmers, crafters, and yard-salers, while Gilmer County Senior Citizens provides various assisted living services to benefit retirees, such as exercise classes, social events, and daily hot lunches.

Oak Hill

Oak Hill's proximity to New River Gorge National Park guarantees boundless opportunities for outdoor thrills, which attracts senior citizens with an affinity for open spaces. This Fayette County town encourages staying young and active through rafting excursions at ACE Adventure Resort. However, locals can opt for something less extreme at the Collins Park Disc Golf Course, which is home to a 9-hole course in a tranquil wooded area. The Lively Family Amphitheater connects the community through the arts by hosting fun events and performances on a lovely outdoor stage. The CAMC Plateau Medical Center serves the town of Oak Hill, offering a range of services, from emergency and primary care to specialties such as cardiology and orthopedics.

Moundsville

Moundsville is a riverside municipality in Marshall County with noteworthy historical sites and stunning natural surroundings. It is home to the Grave Creek Mound Historical Site, one of the largest of its kind in America, believed to date back more than 2,000 years. This Native American burial site provides a unique insight into traditional ways of life in the region through its museum and archaeological research center. The West Virginia Penitentiary is one of the most recognizable buildings in Moundsville. Built in the 19th century, it now offers historical and paranormal tours of the facility. Meanwhile, retirees can appreciate the beauty that surrounds Moundsville from the Grand Vue Park Overlook. The Marshall County Senior Center is a multi-purpose community hub for aging residents, providing meals, transportation services, and social activities, as well as health, fitness, and wellness programs.

Wellsburg

Retirees in Wellsburg can learn a great deal about the heritage of their adopted home at the Brooke County Museum, which features thousands of exhibits showcasing the region's history. Meanwhile, the quiet downtown area hosts several restaurants, such as the Station Grille, which includes a menu for seniors with smaller portions at discounted rates. Meanwhile, those who enjoy time outdoors have ready access to Brooke Hills Park, which boasts multiple recreational amenities, including a swimming pool, fishing ponds, and an 18-hole executive golf course. With a median home listing price of $140,500, Wellsburg's mix of comfort and convenience comes at an affordable price.

West Virginia offers an appealing blend of natural beauty, affordability, and welcoming communities, making it an ideal destination for retirees. From scenic mountain towns to peaceful riverside settlements, the best places to retire in West Virginia provide diverse options to match every lifestyle. Whether you seek outdoor adventure, rich cultural experiences, or small-town tranquility, the Mountain State delivers in the United States. With its low cost of living and relaxed pace, it’s a hidden gem for those looking to retire comfortably and happily.