The Best Small Towns to Retire in West Virginia
Located in the Eastern United States, West Virginia is a scenic state filled with natural beauty. Home to the majestic Appalachian Mountains, it has been nicknamed the "Mountain State." In addition, West Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah River, outdoor activities, and low cost of living make the state a perfect retrieve from urban living. To this end, you can find amazing cities such as Charleston, perfect for retirement and settling down. However, with its low population, West Virginia also boasts some of the most amazing small towns with peaceful environments you will surely enjoy during retirement.
Bluefield
Offering scenic views and affordable prices, Bluefield ticks all the boxes for your retirement. Home to nearly 10,000 people, this stunning town in Mercer County mixes urban living and small-town vibes. Most of the town’s residents spend their days outdoors enjoying a baseball game at the local Bowen Field or relaxing at the Lotito City Park. These spots are always filled with friendly people, and you’ll never get bored of the positive vibes. Moreover, Lotito City Park features picnic spots, walking trails, and more for a fun time outdoors. If not outdoors, you can spend your time in the Bluefield Branch Library. With thousands of books, magazines, and DVDs, this place is a wellspring of knowledge about the town and state!
Along with the amazing activities, Bluefield is also an affordable option when it comes to retirement. With a low median house value of $78,100, you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank to settle down here. There is also no compromise on amenities as the town boasts multiple healthcare centers, a large shopping mall, and great connectivity. So, you can forget about your stress and enjoy your evenings playing golf at the Fincastle golf course.
Summersville
The county seat of Nicholas County, Summersville, is a quaint city encompassed by mountains and the stunning Summersville Lake. It offers an endless array of amazing outdoor sights that attract people from all over. To enjoy the waterfront attraction, spend your day at the 2,700-acre Summersville Lake. With more than 60 miles of shoreline, you can go swimming, boating, scuba diving, and even fishing here. So, grab some friends and enjoy your evening fishing for delicious trout, crappie, catfish, and bass for dinner. You can also visit the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park if not near the water. Home to 156 acres of natural land, this park is a great place to relax and learn about the town’s past.
Ode to the abundant natural sights and fun activities, Summersville is a popular retirement destination. With a median age of 54, you’ll find many retired individuals in town. So, there is no shortage of like-minded people who can enjoy a relaxing retirement with you. Just head over to the local Kirkwood Winery, filled with amazing wine, friendly people, and joyous conversations year-round. Add to this Summerville’s low crime rate and comfortable climate for an ideal small town to retire in West Virginia.
Beckley
Steeped in history, Beckley is a lively town home to 17,300 residents. Once famous for its coal mining industry, this town boasts a booming educational scene and a range of urban amenities. To this end, it is the perfect home away from home for people who want the comfort of urban life without the hustle and bustle. You can always find people out and about on the streets enjoying the great food, vibrant culture, and outdoor spots. For example, Grandview National Park is a popular spot nearby, boasting 52 acres of iconic views. The park offers opportunities for hiking, boating, camping, and fishing for an all-round nature experience. If you’re not into the outdoors, Beckley also boasts amazing spots like the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum, which showcase real mining equipment and memorabilia from the town’s past. With these spots and dozens of amazing stores, restaurants, and establishments riddled throughout town, there is no end to the fun you can have in Beckley.
If you plan on shifting to Beckley, you’ll be glad to know that the town offers a range of ideal amenities. Regarding healthcare, there are three large medical centers in town with a range of advanced equipment. These centers provide specialized services including social programs and Veteran care which is vital for many retirees. Additionally, getting to Beckley is easy with multiple highways and Amtrack connectivity via Prince Station. If you’re looking for a bustling small town to make your retirement enjoyable, Beckley should top your list.
Princeton
With over 23% of the town’s population over 65, you’ll have no shortage of friends in Princeton. So, you can enjoy the town’s homely vibes and quaint atmosphere, perfect for settling down and retiring. Have fun outdoors at the HP Hunnicutt Field, which hosts amazing baseball games year-round. Or, opt for Glenwood Recreational Park, which features hiking trails, amazing wildlife, and even fishing areas for the perfect time encompassed by nature. While these outdoor sights are amazing, Princeton has unique attractions that’ll keep you on your toes. For example, The Bronze Look, LLC is an all-in-one shop for gold, gemstones, fine art, and other items you might have saved. So, sell off extra stuff and receive money to enjoy your retirement in luxury.
After deciding what you’ll do during your relaxing retirement, another major concern is safety. You are in luck, as Princeton rarely sees violent crimes making it a safe and secure place to settle down with your family. Along with this, the town has decent housing and a dense suburban feel which makes living here comfortable for retirees.
Weston
Relish a laid-back retirement in the historical town of Weston in Lewis County. Founded in 1818, this town has seen many name changes and was the site of the former psychiatric hospital, Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Thanks to this, the town is any history lover’s dream boasting an array of iconic sights and landmarks. For example, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was recently converted into a museum offering historical tours, amazing exhibits, and intriguing stories of the site’s past. Similarly, the Museum of American Glass is another popular spot showcasing over 20,000 unique glassworks. With these and dozens of other historical spots nestled within Weston’s two historic districts, you can spend weeks taking in the town’s beautiful past.
On the other hand, if you want to spend your retirement surrounded by nature, Weston has got you covered. The quaint town features bustling spots like Lewis County Park, always filled with locals and visitors. Here you can meet up with your mates and enjoy swimming, tennis, and golf to keep fit. Or, bring along snacks for a quick picnic encompassed by West Virginia’s verdant beauty.
After spending your day outdoors, you can always enjoy a hearty meal in your relaxing home. Weston boasts a low cost of living and low crime rate, which will take away half of your retirement woes. Add a reasonable median home price of under $100,000, and you can afford to live in luxury throughout your retirement.
Weirton
A 30-mile drive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Weirton is the perfect place to enjoy the best of both worlds. Home to a quaint population of 19,200, you can relax and enjoy the town’s laid-back vibe! With amazing establishments like the Williams Gold & Country Club and Steel Valley Bowling Center, there are many fun things to do in Weirton. So, make new friends, enjoy a day under the sun, and relish a peaceful retirement. If you ever need urban amenities like a hospital, bank, or specialty equipment, drive to Pittsburgh, and you will find it all! With easy air and road connectivity thanks to the nearby major city, traveling will never be an issue if you retire in Weirton.
Apart from the amazing recreational establishments, Weirton is also dripping with history. Once home to the Weirton Steel Corporation’s integrated steel mill, you can learn about the town’s past at one of the many cultural attractions. For example, the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center is a local hotspot showcasing dozens of unique items, artifacts, and souvenirs from the town’s eventful past. If you do decide to retire in Weirton, you’ll be glad to know that the town has one of the lowest crime rates in the state, making for safe and secure surroundings.
Oak Hill
Oak Hill is a great town you can consider if you want to take in the great outdoors after retiring. Located in Fayette County, this town offers a secluded vibe away from the hustle and bustle of urban cities. So, you can enjoy some peaceful luxury encompassed by amazing natural sights. One of the most popular spots in town is the White Oak Rail Trail. Offering miles of pristine scenery, you can take a daily stroll along this route and keep your body fit through retirement. Or, make some friends in town and head over to the Collins Park Disc Golf Course to hit the tees. After the day outdoors, you might want a local bar or cafe to cool off and recharge your batteries. If so, grab a seat at The Lost Paddle Bar and Grill, always bustling with friendly people and lively conversations.
While the sights and attractions are one thing, Oak Hill is also affordable. Compared to the state average of $128,800, the town’s median house value is $103,800, making it ideal to buy a house here. If you’re not looking to buy a house, Oak Hill also has many retirement homes. As 21% of the population is over 65, you’ll find amazing assisted living facilities such as Oak Hill Place, Hidden Valley Center, and the Kate Boone Care Home. These places offer ideal living conditions, round-the-clock care, and a great environment to make friends.
With so many amazing small towns, West Virginia is a treasure trove of ideal retirement places. Boasting safety, great amenities, and a load of fun things to do, you can enjoy your retirement here without any stress. Also, most small towns offer affordable rates, making it easier to spend your life in luxury. So, if you plan on retiring, consider these stunning towns in West Virginia.
