West Virginia's Best Small Town For Retirement

Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is a land prized for its stunning landscapes, rugged beauty, deep history, and friendly communities, from the rolling peaks of the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains to its dense woodlands, meandering rivers, and deep, virgin valleys. The state is a haven for nature lovers who enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting in places like New River Gorge National Park, Monongahela National Forest, and Seneca Rocks. Once a frontier land, the state played a major role in the Civil War, breaking away from Virginia in opposition to secession to join the Union in 1863. Make it the only state to be formed because of the Civil War. West Virginia was part of the backbone of America’s industrialization, with their coal mining and railroad industries. Today, the state has become a beacon for senior living, offering retirees a chance to settle in one of its many friendly, small towns.

With so many fine options, the question becomes which town to call home. So we put the spotlight on Lewisburg, which brims with small-town charisma. Surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, Lewisburg is not only the best place in the state for senior living but also arguably one of the best southern towns for retirement. This is demonstrated by its unique blend of affordability, natural beauty, culture, and safety. Its easy access to all the modern amenities that "mature" crave. Join this tour of Lewisburg and discover all this town has to give.

Affordability and Housing

One of the top considerations when selecting the right state and town to spend one’s golden years in is the overall cost of living. This is especially important for those on a fixed income. In Lewisburg, the median home value is $287,400, well below the national average. Residents save on more than just housing; they also beat the national averages in grocery, utilities, and transportation.

Bestplaces.net uses a cost-of-living score that places the average in the USA at 100; therefore, anything above 100 is more expensive, and correspondingly, anything below 100 is less expensive. Overall, Lewisburg and West Virginia rank in the upper 70s. Seasons Place has good reviews for those looking for community living or additional care and offers both assisted living and memory care services.

Safety and Well-being

Everyone wants to feel secure and welcome where they live. People want to be able to walk the streets after dark, visit the mall, or go out for some drinks and not be looking over their shoulders. This is especially true for more vulnerable populations, such as those over the age of 65. Lewisburg has relatively low crime rates, as one would expect from such a friendly, close-knit town. Bestplaces.net measures crime rates on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high) and finds that Lewisburg has a violent crime rating of 8.9, which is well below the US average of 22.7. The property crime rate is 36, which is roughly in line with the US average of 35. Overall, this makes Lewisburg a safe bet.

Healthcare Facilities

As one ages, access to healthcare becomes a premium, and even if one is presently healthy and “doing all the right things,” it is important to plan for the worst and hope for the best. The Lewisburg Health Center offers primary care, counseling, oral health care, pharmacy, and more right in town. A short five-minute drive up the road will take one to Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, a hospital that US News and World Report ranks as a top performer in treating pneumonia, an ailment that can be serious in elderly populations.

Cultural Vibrancy

Despite its size, Lewisburg provides a great deal of culture. For starters, the town is home to one of only four Carnegie Halls still in continuous use worldwide, featuring live performances, art exhibits, and cultural events. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre hosts year-round professional plays and musicals in its quaint 50-some-year-old building.

The village also hosts many popular cultural events throughout the year. For a taste of Lewisburg, consider attending the Lewisburg Restaurant Week (typically in March) or the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival in April. There are carriage rides during the holidays as a part of the annual The Magic of Christmas event. Residents find it easy to make and maintain friends through community events like these and many others.

Nature and Outdoor Recreation

There is so much in the way of natural beauty and outdoor activities to keep “silvers” active in their later years. Consider the nearby Greenbrier State Forest, with its nearly 5,200 acres of secluded wilderness, offering plenty of hiking, biking, camping, wildlife sighting, and fishing. A less than half-hour drive down the road is The Greenbrier River Trail, a 77-mile former railroad, which now exists as a multi-use trail for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. Both of these options offer seniors the best way to enjoy a Lewisburg sunset, surrounded by the verdant rolling hills and dense forestry of West Virginia.

Downtown

Stepping into downtown Lewisburg, one is greeted with a journey into the past, with its perfectly preserved 19th-century brick and stone buildings. The town’s architecture combines Greek Revival, Victorian, and Federal styles, which represent the hamlet’s rich heritage. Washington Street is Lewisburg’s commercial center, overflowing with local treasures. Harmony Ridge Gallery is a must for art lovers who want to sample the work of local artists. Brick House Antiques is in an 1815 brick building and is home to a treasure trove of vintage finds. The French Goat delivers residents and their guests a fine dining experience with their farm-to-table quality foods.

Why Lewisburg Shines for Retirees

Lewisburg offers retirees the absolute best combination of affordable living, solid health care, safety, a rich heritage, and natural beauty in the state of West Virginia. The town’s people are welcoming, and residents are met with a diversity of recreational opportunities and community events throughout the year, making it easy to make and maintain friendships. The retirement experience in Lewisburg is one that is sure to be enriching and pleasurable.