9 Most Comfortable Towns In West Virginia For Seniors

With its scenic natural landscapes and friendly towns, West Virginia is a haven for seniors looking for a comfortable, fulfilling, and affordable lifestyle. The state's low property taxes and sales taxes, and the fact that Social Security retirement benefits are subject to reduced state tax, are just two draws for seniors considering moving to West Virginia. Whether you are searching for a peaceful village surrounded by natural beauty, a tight-knit community with a slower pace, or access to recreational opportunities and healthcare, these towns in West Virginia will make seniors feel right at home.

Wheeling

Founded in 1769, Wheeling, population 27,052 (per US Census Bureau), sits on the Ohio River at the foothills of the Appalachians in West Virginia's Northern Panhandle. As of 2023, 24.3 percent of the town's population is over the age of 65. This charming town offers many draws for seniors, including its affordable cost of living, with the median home price of $167,540 and an average rent of $825 per month (both figures per realtor.com).

Wheeling is just 55 miles from Pittsburgh and its amenities. If you need hospital care, West Virginia University Wheeling Hospital is conveniently located in town to serve seniors' medical needs. The town has a vibrant arts community with its focus being the Artisan Center Shop on Main Street. This shop allows local artists to display their work and visitors to purchase arts and crafts from the region.

Wheeling offers several recreational venues to seniors like the historical Wheeling Park with its Olympic-sized swimming pool, golf course, tennis courts, several walking trails, boating facilities, and more. The beautiful Capitol Theatre hosts multiple events, including major concerts throughout the year. There is also the 1853-built Wheeling Centre Market, where local businesses sell local produce like fresh flowers, fresh seafood and coffee, and locally made products.

Morgantown

The college town of Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, consists of 30,347 full-time residents, just 9.4 percent of whom are over the age of 65. Median home prices in Morgantown are $329,000, and rent averages $1,300. Many seniors appreciate the youthful, college-town vibe of Morgantown and the added bonus of being able to take courses at the college at reduced fees.

The Morgantown History Museum houses the area's social, cultural, and commercial history, with exhibits on the famous local native Don Knotts, local glassware and pottery, and more. Arts and culture lovers may wish to visit the Metropolitan Theatre, dubbed the state's most beautiful playhouse, and the Monongalia Arts Center, which offers classes, events, and exhibits from local artists.

Hikers will enjoy the Monongahela River Trail's South Trail, a 17.7-mile trail following the Monongahela River from Morgantown to Prickett's Fort State Park in Marion County. The trail goes through a wooded river valley complete with scenic river views, waterfalls, and wildflowers.

Senior Monongalians, Inc. in Morgantown welcomes older adults for lunch weekdays, and hosts activities such as group exercise, card games, and billiards. The highly-rated J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital of WVU Medicine is also located in town. Morgantown's proximity to Pittsburgh, which is just 75 miles north of town, is also a draw for seniors considering moving to Morgantown.

Lewisburg

Located in Greenbrier County, in southeastern West Virginia, Lewisburg is home to 3,922 residents, with 25.7 percent over the age of 65. Median home prices of $351,900 and monthly rent averaging $1,200 balance with the fact that Lewisburg was named one of the "Best Small Towns to Retire" by Southern Living. It is about 50 miles west of the larger town of Beckley. These are just some of the reasons seniors are attracted to Lewisburg.

For a small town, Lewisburg is chock full of arts and culture, starting with Carnegie Hall, which offers world musical performances. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre presents main-stage productions to the townsfolk of Lewisburg. Lee Street Studios sits in what was originally the town's high school and now houses working art studios and spaces.

Lewisburg's Historic District consists of 112 buildings representing the town's history from 1763 to 1977. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the district includes famous landmarks such as Old Stone Church, Greenbrier County Courthouse, and John A. North House.

WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg provides medical services to seniors and other residents. The Lewisburg Senior Citizens Center provides services, resources, and activities, including exercise classes, crafts, games, and day trips for town seniors.

Shepherdstown

Overlooking the Potomac River, Shepherdstown, population 1,531, is another college town, home to Shepherd University. Although just 11.3 percent of the town's population is over the age of 65, seniors who come to town may be drawn by the Shepherdstown Area Independent Living program, offering lifelong learning programs through the university to those over age 55, some of which are tuition-free. Shepherdstown's median home price is a bit higher than average, at $554,500, and monthly rent averages $1,670.

Bikers and hikers will enjoy the C&O Canal Trail, which runs through Shepherdstown and spans 185 miles from Washington, DC, to Pittsburgh, PA. The Appalachian Trail is another favorite for hikers and can be accessed in Harpers Ferry, just 12 miles from Shepherdstown. Five miles from town, you will find the Snavely Ford Trail along Antietam Creek, which combines outdoor beauty with history, as this is the site of the Battle of Antietam.

Cultural events in Shepherdstown include the Contemporary American Theater Festival, held each July, and the Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival, held at the end of September. Active seniors may also access Shepherd University's Wellness Center at special senior rates.

When searching for hospitals, Berkeley Medical Center is just 10 miles down the road from Shepherdstown in Martinsburg. Meritus Medical Center is 15 miles away, in Hagerstown, MD.

Parkersburg

Located where the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers meet, Parkersburg, in Wood County, is home to 29,738 residents, 21.6 percent of whom are over the age of 65. In addition to its natural beauty, many seniors are attracted to Parkersburg for its affordable median home prices of $169,950, and monthly rent that averages $1,200. The larger city of Columbus, OH, is just 90 miles to the northwest of Parkersburg.

Parkersburg houses over 130 acres of parkland and recreation areas, including Point Park on the Ohio River, and Johnson T. James Park, the largest nature preserve housed within a West Virginia town. Art and theatre lovers will enjoy local art displayed at the Parkersburg Art Center, and can catch performances at the Historic Smoot Theater.

Events held in Parkersburg during the year include the Parkersburg Half Marathon and the Taste of Parkersburg antique car shows. Point Park also hosts a popular summer concert series.

The Wood County Senior Citizens Association in Parkersburg is open to those 60 and older and offers nutrition services, in-home care, transportation, and information services. The WVU Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg is ready to serve the medical needs of seniors and others in the town.

Beckley

Situated in Southern West Virginia and the county seat of Raleigh County, Beckley's population is 17,286, with 21.3 percent over the age of 65. This quaint, quiet town features outdoor recreation and a large arts and crafts area. Its median home price of $162,450 and average monthly rent of $1,400 also attract seniors to the town. Charleston is about 55 miles northwest of Beckley if city amenities are needed.

Twelve community parks are found throughout Beckley, as is the Lewis McManus Memorial Honor Trail, running 4.1 miles. Grandview State Park is just 20 miles up the road from Beckley in Beaver and is part of the larger New River Gorge. Grandview features Theatre West Virginia, with outdoor drama presentations in the summer.

The Beckley Arts Center offers programs, classes, and exhibits from local and regional artists. Arts and crafts lovers will not want to miss the annual Appalachian Arts and Crafts Fair and Festival held each August.

The Raleigh County Senior Center in Beckley provides area seniors with nutritional care, transportation, access to in-home care, and other services. Hospitals in Beckley include the Beckley Appalachian Regional Healthcare Hospital and the Raleigh General Hospital.

Summersville

The county seat of Nicholas County, Summersville, has a population of 3,431, with a huge percentage, 38.8 percent, of residents over the age of 65. One of its main draws is that it is home to the largest lake in the state, Summersville Lake, providing 60 miles of shoreline and 2800 acres of water. Summersville's median home price of $336,350 and average monthly rent of $1,200 also attract seniors to the town.

The Old Main Arts and Heritage Center in Summersville, built in 1913, hosts fairs, events, and can also be booked as a venue for events. Annual events in Summersville include the Mountain Made Makers' Market in late May/early June and the Nicholas County Potato Festival in September.

The Nicholas County Senior Center provides meals, events, and activities to Summersville's seniors. The town is also home to the Nicholas Community Action Partnership, which offers in-home services, respite care, transportation, and nutrition services to area seniors.

Part of WVU Medicine, Summersville Regional Medical Center can handle most residents' medial needs. For greater needs, CAMC Memorial Hospital in Charleston is just 40 miles away.

Barboursville

Located in the western part of the state, within driving distance of Kentucky and Ohio, the village of Barboursville has 4,456 residents, 18.8 percent of whom are over the age of 65. The reasonable median home price of $287,250, affordable monthly rent averaging $700, and natural beauty of the area draw many seniors to Barboursville.

The 750-acre Barboursville Park is West Virginia's second-largest municipal park. In addition to walking trails, the park houses baseball and soccer fields, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, a fishing lake and ponds, a horse show ring, and an amphitheater. A 3,100-acre state park, Beech Fork State Park, lies just 12 miles south of Barboursville. This park is home to the 720-acre Beech Fork Lake and is also home to many varieties of wildlife and fish.

Barboursville is just five miles east of the larger city of Huntington, putting its amenities close to seniors living in Barboursville. The Barboursville Senior Center serves lunch on weekdays for a small fee and hosts social hour, exercise class, dance class, and other events and activities for area seniors.

St. Mary's Medical Center is a top-notch hospital just five miles away in Huntington. Cabell Huntington Hospital, a teaching hospital for Marshall University, is also in nearby Huntington.

Romney

The county seat of Hampshire County, Romney, is home to 1,724 residents, 23.7 percent of whom are over the age of 65. Living in Romney is affordable, with a median home price of $235,000 and monthly rent averaging $1,000. Officially chartered in 1762, Romney is one of the two oldest towns in West Virginia.

Begin your study of Romney's history at Taggart Hall, built in the 1790s. Historic walking tours of Romney start here. The Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Museum is also a historic landmark of particular interest to those fond of Civil War history.

Seniors should check out the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, which runs from Romney and takes a variety of scenic routes through the mountains. From the 25-mile Green Spring Special, which travels along the south branch of the Potomac River; to the longer nine-hour trip to Parkersburg, through Trough Canyon, riders on the railroad are able to see much of the state's beautiful landscapes.

The Romney Senior Center provides senior transportation, medication assistance, companionship, and activities for the town's senior population. Hampshire Memorial Hospital-Valley Health is Romney's general hospital and can handle most medical needs. The larger city of Winchester, VA, is located an easily drivable 40 miles east of Romney.

Move To The Mountain State

West Virginia's charm shines through its welcoming communities, scenic landscapes, and rich history, making it the perfect place for seniors to enjoy a comfortable, fulfilling lifestyle. Historical towns like Romney, with its serene, peaceful surroundings; Beckley, with its mixture of modern conveniences and recreational opportunities; and Wheeling, with its vibrant culture and accessibility, show the diversity of options available in the Mountain State. These towns typify why West Virginia is a popular option for seniors wishing to live the most comfortable retirement lifestyle possible.