Located in the heart of Appalachia, West Virginia is a rural state known for its stunning mountain scenery, friendly small towns, and relatively low cost of living. If you’re interested in a West Virginia retirement, you’re not alone—many seniors consider the state to be a pleasant and more affordable alternative to nearby southern states such as Virginia.
West Virginia has four distinct seasons, punctuated by cold winters and hot summers. In the northern and more mountainous areas of the state, expect frequent snowstorms. The gorgeous Appalachian Mountains provide plenty of opportunities for active seniors to enjoy the outdoors, with easy access to hiking—especially the Appalachian Trail—as well as camping, fishing, boating, and more.
West Virginia’s home prices are surprisingly affordable—with median home costs considerably less expensive than the national average. Taxes in West Virginia are relatively low, with overall tax burden ranking at 29th out of 50 states. The state does not tax inheritances or estates; however, it’s one of the few in the country that taxes Social Security income. But property taxes are among the lowest in the country—so retirees who own their own homes can expect some savings in this area.
There are plenty of communities that are ideal settings for a West Virginia retirement. Here are a few places to start your search for ideal West Virginia retirement communities.
Morgantown
Home to the University of West Virginia, Morgantown’s cultural and artistic events are mainly driven by the university. Morgantown has been on a lot of lists lately of top places to retire, and has even been chosen by the State of West Virginia as a Designated Retirement Community. There are plenty of upscale boutiques, cafés, art galleries, and cultural events and activities in the city’s downtown, as well as exceptional outdoor recreation in the nearby mountains and Cheat Lake. Despite all this, housing prices remain extraordinarily low.
South Charleston
Situated on the south side of the Kanawha River, South Charleston has a rich history. Before European habitation, the area was a major Native American settlement. You can still see archaeological remains of this habitation, including the Criel Mound, dating from approximately 250-150 BC. Tourist attractions and historic buildings include the South Charleston Museum and the LaBelle Theatre. The area features a West Virginia Film series, talent exhibitions, an ice arena, and other cultural and artistic events throughout the year.
Bath / Berkeley Springs
Located in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, the town of Bath is often referred to as Berkeley Springs—the name of its post office. Once a popular resort town drawing tourists from all over to its remarkable mineral springs, today the number of inhabitants is only a little over 600. It’s ideal for those looking for a relaxed, small-town pace of life. The mineral springs still draw their share of tourists, and the area offers four full-service spas. There is also a major arts community in the area, with approximately 1% of the county’s population of 16,000 qualifying as working artists.
Assisted living in West Virginia has a lot to offer. If you’re looking for small town life set amidst the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, along with a relatively low cost of living, West Virginia may be the perfect place for you. West Virginia assisted living communities are located in towns known for their excellent access to outdoor activities, welcoming neighborhoods, and historic significance. Check out our free and extensive listings of retirement communities in West Virginia, and get your search started today. You never know—your ideal retirement community could be in West Virginia, but you’ll never know unless you look!
