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.
1. Bluefield
Percentage of Population Over 65: 20.40%
Median Home Value: $78,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 11.05
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 3.47
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 217
Retiring in Bluefield means surrounding yourself with striking scenery and plenty of chances for adventure! This beautiful West Virginia town features some of the best hiking in the state thanks to the Glenwood Recreational Park and the Pinnacle Rock State Park. After a rewarding hike head over to a local winery and enjoy good times and good company.
2. Moundsville
Percentage of Population Over 65: 24.10%
Median Home Value: $83,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 5.01
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 14.16
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 100
Moundsville is the perfect town for retirees who never want to feel bored. This stunning historic community has so much for you to see and do. Local museums include the Archive of the Afterlife, the Marx Toy Museum, and the Fostoria Glass Museum. Beautiful scenery surrounds Moundsville for when you want to enjoy the great outdoors.
3. Clarksburg
Percentage of Population Over 65: 16.60%
Median Home Value: $92,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 4.56
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 47.96
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 236
The third 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.
4. Parkersburg
Percentage of Population Over 65: 21.10%
Median Home Value: $94,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 4.66
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 39.25
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 236
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.
5. Weirton
Percentage of Population Over 65: 23.00%
Median Home Value: $96,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 1.12
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 2.18
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 181
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 it’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.
6. Huntington
Percentage of Population Over 65: 17.20%
Median Home Value: $98,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 6.95
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 35.05
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 457
Huntington is the second-largest city in West Virginia and is commonly referred to as H-town. It’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!
7. Princeton
Percentage of Population Over 65: 23.40%
Median Home Value: $102,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 4.14
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 6.21
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 217
Feel welcomed into a charming community when you retire in Princeton. This lovely town embraces its small town atmosphere, and makes all residents feel at home. You can enjoy Mother Nature at her finest at the Glenwood Recreational Park, or explore a quaint and historic downtown. No matter how you want to spend your retirement, you’ll love life in Princeton.
8. Oak Hill
Percentage of Population Over 65: 20.40%
Median Home Value: $103,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 0.62
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 2.61
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 87
Oak Hill, West Virginia serves up laid back luxury to all its residents, including retirees. This beautiful town features some of the most amazing scenery in the state, perfect for retirees who love the great outdoors and want to stay active. Historic buildings like the Whipple Co Store & Museum offer up good times in the great indoors as well.
9. Dunbar
Percentage of Population Over 65: 25.40%
Median Home Value: $103,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 5.46
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 30.42
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 386
Dunbar is a lovely and affordable river town outside of Charleston. If you want easy access to a vibrant city, but aren’t in the mood to spend your retirement surrounded by constant noise, life in Dunbar gives you the best of all possible worlds. Even when you aren’t going into Charleston for the day, you’ll love Dunbar’s quaint downtown and bucolic atmosphere.
10. New Martinsville
Percentage of Population Over 65: 21.40%
Median Home Value: $105,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 0.58
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 2.71
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 76
If you are hoping to spend your retirement enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle, you will love life in New Martinsville. This charming West Virginia town offers up striking scenery and a small town vibe that simply cannot be beat. New Martinsville welcomes all residents, and makes life in this close knit community a true joy.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’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.
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Drew Port is a writer for NewHomeSource. She writes on the homebuying process, as well as informing readers on homeownership.
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