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Home ยป 55+ ยป The 10 Best Places to Retire in West Virginia in 2021

The 10 Best Places to Retire in West Virginia in 2021

Sunset over the Potomac River in West Virginia.

West Virginia is known for its epic outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes. From mountains to forests to whitewater rivers, the scenery in West Virginia is picturesque. This beautiful state is also known for its extensive military history. Those wanting a good mix of the outdoors, history, and affordability will love West Virginia.

NewHomeSource has named the top 10 cities for retirees in West Virginia. This article will help you find the perfect city to start your new life.

Skip Ahead
1. Clarksburg
2. Parkersburg
3. Weirton
4. Huntington
5. Wheeling
6. Beckley
7. Fairmont
8. St. Albans
9. South Charleston
10. Vienna

1. Clarksburg

aerial view of clarksburg, WV

Percentage of Population Over 65: 16.80%

Median Home Value: $86,200

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 17

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 106

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 9

The best city to retire in in West Virginia is Clarksburg. Folks who choose to retire here can explore the Quality Hill Historic District, relax at parks and lakes, and watch a live concert at Clarksburg Amphitheater. Plenty of family-owned cafes and coffee shops are sprinkled across the city, where you can gather with friends and celebrate retirement.

2. Parkersburg

view of the ohio river in parkersburg, west virginia

Percentage of Population Over 65: 19.90%

Median Home Value: $91,100

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 206

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,235

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3

Parkersburg is the spot where the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers intersect. It is a lively city surrounded by mouth-watering restaurants, breweries, and an assortment of historic attractions. When you are in the mood to participate in recreational activities, you will have a tough choice to make: You can spend your days mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, and more.

3. Weirton

Percentage of Population Over 65: 22%

Median Home Value: $94,800

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 14

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 88

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 9

Retirees wanting to settle down in a city dripping with history will love Weirton. This town is bursting with history about the Revolutionary War. Additionally, the Weirton Steel Company makes the city very intriguing. Those who decide to retire in Weirton will be delighted to know itโ€™s only a 30-minute drive to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This allows you to live off the beaten path, and still have an easy commute to the big city when the mood strikes.

4. Huntington

park in huntington, west virginia

Percentage of Population Over 65: 15.4%

Median Home Value: $98,200

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 333

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,813

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 9

Huntington is the second-largest city in West Virginia and is commonly referred to as H-town. Itโ€™s fair to say that Huntington has a little bit of everything. Here you will find tranquil parks, fascinating museums, exquisite fine-dining restaurants, awesome cafes, unique shopping, and more!

5. Wheeling

waterfalls in wheeling, west virginia

Percentage of Population Over 65: 22.6%

Median Home Value: $110,100

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 254

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 341

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 8

Wheeling is West Virginiaโ€™s first state capital, but residents voted to move it to Charleston in 1885. Plenty of Civil War soldiers marched across the area, and if you love history, you can immerse yourself in museums and landmarks. Additionally, Wheeling has an abundance of outdoor activities folks can enjoy, including swimming, tennis, and mini-golf.

6. Beckley

Percentage of Population Over 65: 20.2%

Median Home Value: $110,000

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 165

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 930

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 5

Beckley is a small town located in the Appalachian Mountains, and the landscape is breathtaking. It is an idyllic place for outdoor lovers to spend their golden years. Grandview National Park is one of the many spots to connect with nature. Residents enjoy hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing, and camping. At the end of an action-packed day, you can relax and at a live outdoor concert.

7. Fairmont

skyline of fairmont, west virginia

Percentage of Population Over 65: 18.2%

Median Home Value: $110,900

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 70

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 306

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 9

The city of Fairmont has something that everyone can enjoy. Folks spend their days enjoying outdoor activities, dining on divine food, and absorbing the cityโ€™s rich history. Fairmont is yet another city in West Virginia packed with stories and relics of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Those wanting to retire in a town with plenty of diverse cuisines, outdoor activities, and a fascinating past will love Fairmont. 

8. St. Albans

Percentage of Population Over 65: 23.2%

Median Home Value: $113,300

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 34

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 326

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 6

Retirees who are looking for a tight-knit community with a friendly atmosphere will love St. Albans. The city is surrounded by the Kanawha and Coal Rivers, so those who love spending time in or near the water will think they are in paradise. Kayaking is a favorite for residents, and even attracts tourists. If gliding by spellbinding sites while making new friends sounds appealing, then St. Albans may be your perfect destination.

9. South Charleston

Percentage of Population Over 65: 19.1%

Median Home Value: $130,700

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 53

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 631

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 7

South Charleston is another small city known for its extensive history. Those who decide to retire in South Charleston can spend their days relaxing at Little Creek Park, learning about its history at one of the many museums. Afterward, grab some friends and enjoy small talk and delicious food at friendly cafes.

10. Vienna

Percentage of Population Over 65: 24.1%

Median Home Value: $134,900

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 29

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 380

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3

Vienna is a city that has everything you could need. If you are an adventure lover, you will be glad to know that this city is brimming with recreational activities. Folks who retire in Vienna can spend their days biking, camping, fishing, hiking, golfing, relaxing at the natural springs, and so much more. Additionally, you can shop at malls that also feature several tasty restaurants.   

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicareโ€™s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city.

Other West Virginia Resources

Best Places to Live in West Virginia
How to Build a House in West Virginia
The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in West Virginia
20 Most Affordable States in 2021
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in West Virginia
Top 10 Safest Cities in West Virginia
Drew Port

Drew Port is a writer for NewHomeSource. She writes on the homebuying process, as well as informing readers on homeownership.

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