8 Welcoming Towns to Retire in West Virginia

Discover the charm of West Virginia, where affordability meets stunning mountain vistas and a rich sense of community. Each town offers its own unique allure: Morgantown boasts outdoor adventures and cultural activities, while Berkeley Springs focuses on wellness with its historic mineral spas. Shepherdstown enchants with its colonial architecture, and Parkersburg thrives on local arts and events. With picturesque downtowns filled with boutique shops and cafes, along with an array of annual festivals, West Virginia stands out as an inviting retirement destination filled with opportunities for exploration and connection.

Morgantown

Morgantown, located just two hours from Pittsburgh, is a town that balances outdoor pursuits with city-like conveniences. Residents can enjoy everything from hiking to cozy cafes without the high cost of urban life. Those interested in staying fit head to spots like The Pines Country Club and the Mon River Van Voorhis Trailhead for some lovely sights and activities. With large retail options like Target and Walmart on the University Town Centre Drive and medical services available at the J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, it’s a town designed to cater to all needs. The Senior Monongalians Center offers everything from bingo to group exercises, and transportation services provide further ease. The town also offers free bus passes if you own your home and half fares for seniors on buses operated by Mountain Lion Transit.

Parkersburg

Parkersburg is all about art and community and goes the extra mile to offer activities and amenities seniors can enjoy. Feel at ease with the Marietta Memorial Hospital located in the neighboring town of Belpre, or head to the Camden Clark Medical Center with any medical concerns. For day-to-day activities and engagement, the Wood Country Seniors Association offers home meals, lunches, and transportation. For other trips, enjoy $0.35 fares and $15 monthly passes as a senior citizen with Mid Ohio Valley Transit.

To stay fit in your golden years, head to the City Park to play tennis and horseshoes, take a dip in the pool, walk around the pond, or come out for events like festivals, car shows, and concerts. Or take up golfing at courses like the Worthington Golf Club and the Golf Club of West Virginia. Afterward, one can explore the streets of downtown and stop in at the many boutiques and shops offering handmade goods. Big-name stores include Walmart, Kroger, Home Depot, and the Grand Central Mall. And with an incredibly affordable price tag of $164,900, $3,000 less than the state average, you can call a single-family house or townhouse in Parkersburg home for the same price as a tiny studio in a big city.

Berkeley Springs

Known for Berkeley Springs State Park, which features a mineral spa from colonial times, this town takes self-care seriously. Keep on top of your health with spas, healing centers, salt caves, massage parlors, and acupuncture clinics. For all other needs, the War Memorial Hospital has you covered, as does the animal hospital for your furry friends. Senior Life Services of Morgan County has medical transport options, as well as lunch to go, farmers market vouchers, and medical equipment loans. You can also take part in activities like bingo, art classes, sports like pickleball, and exercise sessions that are commonplace in Berkeley Springs.

Find inner peace by exploring beautiful parks like Cacapon State Park, offering hiking and mountain views. Similarly, Cacapon Resort State Park has golfing and a wonderful swimming lake, or you can embrace your wild side at the Paw Paw Tunnels. If these activities seem a bit lonesome, the town has you covered with plenty of social events. Events to look forward to include the Uniquely West Virginia Food and Wine Festival, Fall Birding Festival, Morgan County Expo, and Apple Butter Festival, each offering a unique array of food, music, dance, and drink.

Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown is a scenic gem along the Potomac River, blending a rich history with modern recreation and relaxation. As the oldest town in West Virginia, Shepherdstown is steeped in history, from its 18th-century architecture to sites like the Rumsey Monument, which commemorates America's first steamboat launch. Active retirees can enjoy kayaking, hiking, and bird-watching along the Potomac River or nearby trails. Beyond the norm, this town is also an oenophile’s paradise, with plenty of vineyards abound. Top spots to visit include Antietam Creek, Breaux, Big Cork, and Two Twisted Posts Winery. If wine isn't your thing, check out Bavarian Inn, Resort, and Brewing Company for some delicious craft beers.

Shepherdstown also offers reliable healthcare services through Berkeley Medical Center and easy access to Washington, D.C., for big-city amenities. While the average home price in Shepherdstown is $570,000, the mix of recreational activities, natural beauty, and a tight-knit community make it a worthy investment for those seeking an active, relaxed retirement.

Martinsburg

Martinsburg offers the perfect balance of city amenities without the hustle and bustle. Healthcare is well-covered, thanks to the 24/7 Berkeley Medical Center, the Veterans Hospital, and multiple community health centers. For seniors, Berkeley Senior Services provides a dedicated bus system and a wide array of activities, from bingo and chess to ping-pong, yoga, and dancing. Transportation is convenient with Uber, Lyft, Amtrak, and the Eastern Panhandle Transit System, which offers discounted fares for seniors.

Active living is encouraged through the Berkeley 2000 Rec Center and the Lambert Outdoor Pool, while pet lovers can enjoy the Dog Park. With big names like Lowe’s, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart, shopping options abound. For local flavor, visit Orr’s Farm Market for fresh jams, flowers, and produce or Taylor’s Farm Market for local wines. Furthermore, Kitchen’s Farm Market ensures you have the freshest meats and fruits for some healthy meals at home.

Charles Town

Charles Town, steeped in rich history, offers retirees plenty to explore, from the Jefferson County Courthouse to the iconic Charles Town Race Track, where you can catch a live race or two. The town’s historic charm makes it perfect for leisurely strolls, and there are plenty of delightful eateries to enjoy with friends, such as Paddy’s Irish Pub or the locally beloved Ortegas Taco Shop. Afterward, you can stop by Abolitionist Ale Works for a craft brew and some local conversation.

Healthcare is convenient with the Jefferson Medical Center providing full services, while the Anna Mae Reedy Senior Center offers transportation to medical appointments and hosts activities like Zumba, art classes, and trivia. Seniors also have access to popular shops like Home Depot and Marshall’s for all their needs.

Clarksburg

Find a sense of community in Clarksburg, no matter your culture or interests. Harrison County Seniors Center has an appointment and shopping transportation service, and on top of that, they host bingo, tai chi, sewing classes, ceramics workshops, and so much more. CENTRA is the town's transit service, and fares are only 50 cents, so retirees need not worry about transportation. Speaking of cheaply, average home prices in Clarksburg hover around $140,000, a steal in today's market.

Activities are endless for those who decide to retire in Clarksburg, no matter the genre. For example, one can catch live performances, movies, and even Shakespeare in the Park at the Clarksburg Amphitheater or buy a membership to the Pete Dye Golf Club for some golfing. Further outdoor fun awaits on Watters Smith State Park, Valley Falls State Park, or Coopers Rock State Forest trails. End your days as a retiree with amazing views at Lowndes Hill Park, or get out on the water for some boating and swimming at Tygart Lake State Park.

Fairmont

Fairmont, nestled in the heart of West Virginia, has something for everyone, no matter the season. Adventure seekers can rent bikes at Prickett's Fort State Park, go boating, or explore the area’s rich history in the summer. Golf enthusiasts can play at Green Hills, Apple Valley, or Fairmont Field Club. As fall arrives, the Hometown Market offers live music, food, and vendors, while Blueberry Ridge Farm is perfect for U-Pick berries. Winter brings the cozy Christmas Market and arts events at the Fairmont State University Academy for the Arts.

For day-to-day needs, seniors can take advantage of the Marion County Senior Center, which offers social events, Meals on Wheels, and birthday celebrations. Fairmont Medical Center ensures health needs are covered, while the FMCTA provides discounted senior transit for trips around town. With affordable homes averaging $210,000, Fairmont offers charm and practicality for retirees looking for community, recreation, and comfort year-round.

Wrapping Up

So whether you're looking to settle somewhere where you can find a fantastic group of like-minded people, join a thriving arts community, get out and explore the wilderness, or sample some world-class brews and wines, West Virginia has everything you could ask for. And with its affordable housing, plus fantastic amenities and close proximity to big cities and international airports, you'll be head over heels in love with your new retirement destination in no time.