8 Most Affordable Towns to Retire in West Virginia
West Virginia's natural beauty proves to be a major pull for those seeking a place to settle after leaving their careers. From rolling mountains and dense forests to beautiful rivers, the scenery is ideal for pensioners in their sunset years, especially when they opt for the small towns in the state's backcountry. Rich natural surroundings and diverse landscapes result in various outdoor opportunities to keep tired legs active. These small towns also maintain a strong sense of community and value different local traditions that advocate for togetherness and harmonious living. Add this to friendly residents who are always willing to offer a helping hand, and there is no better situation for a senior citizen. So, if you are looking for a pocket-friendly place to retire in West Virginia, these are some of the best options.
Fayetteville
The seat of Fayette County, this tiny village borders the popular New River Gorge National Park, guaranteeing retirees amazing outdoor experiences whenever they want to leave the comfort of their homes. Fayetteville is comprised of a small, close-knit community where everybody knows everybody. This is made possible by social centers like the Historic Fayette Theater, where town residents gather to enjoy diverse live performances in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Families can spend quality time at different kid-friendly venues around the town, including Escape-A-Torium, a popular amusement center with group-based escape games. Participants have to work together to solve a puzzle, making it ideal for family, friends, and peers. The median home price in Fayetteville is about $270,000, which is very affordable compared to larger cities or other states.
Buckhannon
Buckhannon is a charming riverfront community set on the banks of the Buckhannon River. It presents a serene natural atmosphere that allows seniors to commune with nature in different outdoor spaces. Thanks to the sprawling Audra State Park, residents have no shortage of recreational activities to indulge in, ranging from hiking and camping to whitewater kayaking. Retirees hoping to further their academic knowledge can find lifelong learning opportunities locally at the West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Meanwhile, those who crave a sense of belonging can join the Buckhannon Country Club to meet peers while relaxing with a game of golf. With a median home value of $157,000, pensioners can comfortably invest in a home without worrying about exhausting their retirement savings.
Barboursville
This tiny village in Cabell County offers a serene rural environment and several urban comforts, ensuring a balance for all kinds of preferences. Retirees looking to shop can find lovely opportunities at the Huntington Mall or Merritt Creek Farm, providing an answer to all their household grocery needs. To stay active and healthy, residents can take advantage of several hiking trails and various sports facilities at Barboursville Park. Alternatively, seniors can sign up for membership at Planet Fitness to access different gym facilities.
Barboursville's downtown is home to a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, providing multiple meeting points to unwind after a long day. The 1861 Public House is an excellent option when you want to catch up with friends and family or socialize with the community. Also, the average price for homes in the town is $262,500, below the United States average.
Charles Town
Interestingly, Charles Town was named after President George Washington's youngest brother and is remembered as the site in which John Brown was tried and executed after his Harpers Ferry insurrection. Today, it hosts a tight-knit community that will welcome new retirees with open arms. The town's warmth is always on display at the Old Opera House Theater Company & Arts Center, as residents gather to enjoy various stage productions in a friendly venue. Those curious about the area's colorful past can stop by the Jefferson County Museum anytime to browse various historical archives.
Elsewhere, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will have a great time exploring the 63-acre Cool Spring Nature Preserve. This beautiful green oasis features a serene setting made up of a marsh, meadow, and forest, with several local wildlife to spot. Finally, pensioners who can afford the $400,500 home median cost will realize the return on their investment within no time!
Grafton
Beautiful outdoor scenery, a safe environment, and low-cost living, with a median home price of $185,000, present the ideal combination of factors when searching for a place to retire in West Virginia. This adorable waterfront community is home to the Tygart Lake State Park, where adventurers converge to enjoy aquatic recreations like boating, swimming, and paddle boarding. Furthermore, Castle Creek Playground presents a more family-friendly option, with amenities like an Olympic-grade swimming pool, secret castle hiding, and picnic areas, perfect for family outings.
Other notable attractions in Grafton include Mother's Day Shrine, a famous site designated as a national historic landmark. Anna Jarvis conceived the idea of Mother's Day there. Finally, the restaurant scene is bustling, with several venues serving as the perfect hangout, including Biggies Restaurant.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg's exciting atmosphere is evident in its theater venues, which encourage community interactions and foster tight bonds between members. Art is a quintessential part of local culture, with the town playing host to the state professional theater, Greenbrier Valley Theater, among others. When not enjoying entertaining stage performances, retirees can venture underground to explore the Lost World Caverns. This National Natural Landmark offers a magical experience with dramatic formations like stalactites, dome pits, and curtains awaiting discovery.
Greenbrier Historical Society allows newcomers to get a sense of the town's rich history by browsing diverse exhibits from the region accumulated through the years. Meanwhile, fun times with family or friends can be spent watching the latest movies at Lewisburg Cinema 8. Finally, the median home value here is $345,000.
Kenova
The name "Kenova" was derived from Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia, representing the site where the three states intersected before the formation of West Virginia. This lovely community sits at the confluence of the Big Sandy River and Ohio River, promising pensioners a raft of water-based adventures whenever they crave outdoor entertainment. Recreations are generously available at Virginia Point Park, which boasts a surreal riverfront atmosphere with fishing, camping, and picnicking activities.
Kenova's Pumpkin House is a must-visit in the town and the epicenter of the Ceredo-Kenova AutumnFest. Come the Halloween season, townsfolk gather here to admire 3,000 intricately carved pumpkins. Also, Kenova's real estate prices are quite friendly, posting a median of $147,500.
Point Pleasant
This adorable community has been the subject of a famous West Virginia folklore, the Mothman, and lies on the confluence of the Kanawha River and Ohio River. It is endowed with charming nature spaces where retirees can seek outdoor solitude, including the historic Tu-Endie-Wei State Park. The McClintic Wildlife Management Area is another pleasant outdoor area where you can find secluded trails for a lazy walk through a mix of wetland, brushland, hardwood forests, and lowlands.
Point Pleasant honors its famous human-like legend with the Mothman Museum, a great place to learn about his myth and peruse a vast collection of souvenirs dedicated to him. Lastly, retirees planning to establish a permanent home in Point Pleasant need about $225,000 to buy a decent property in the town.
Deciding to retire in West Virginia allows pensioners to settle in a safe and picturesque setting without having to worry about how long their retirement savings will last. The state has one of the lowest real estate prices in the country, and the above charming towns represent what retirees can expect without burning through their pensions. Thanks to their tranquil rural environments, friendly local communities, and generous outdoor adventures, most senior citizens will not have to think hard before selecting them as their retirement destination.
