3 Reasons Retirees Fall in Love With Living in West Virginia

There are so many factors to consider when choosing the best place to retire. In addition to things like the cost of living and access to healthcare, proximity to family and other resources can play a large role. There are many reasons why West Virginia is one of the best places to retire, and today, we’re going to cover our top three reasons why retirees fall in love with West Virginia. There’s a lot to love about the Mountain State, especially in your Golden Years!

Quality of Life in West Virginia

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, West Virginia’s population hovers around 1.8 million, with 21 percent of residents aged 65 or older. That’s a fairly sizeable group of seniors in the state! 

Low crime rate, natural beauty, and a strong Appalachian culture all contribute to the quality of life in West Virginia. West Virginia has a low crime rate (compared to other states), making it an appealing option when it comes to where to retire. Appalachian culture is deeply woven into the lives of many West Virginians, and that’s apparent in everything from the food to the festivals. 

Affordability and Cost of Living in West Virginia

According to FinanceBuzz, West Virginia is one of the cheapest states to live in. For folks on a fixed income, this is a critical factor to weigh in. 

Like any state, some towns are more attractive to retire in than others. For easy access to resources and healthcare, we’d recommend retiring in a larger city or town. Here are some of the best places in West Virginia to retire:

• Morgantown
• Wheeling
• Lewisburg
• Shepherdstown
• Parkersburg

Although we love the larger cities, West Virginia's small towns are not to be overlooked. These charming towns in West Virginia offer a sense of community that escapes the large cities and often enjoy a lower crime rate, a slower pace of life, and a closer proximity to West Virginia's outdoor attractions.

Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty in West Virginia

West Virginia’s natural beauty makes it an attractive destination for people of all ages, but especially for seniors. Staying active is crucial, and there are plenty of state parks, lakes, and hiking trails to keep you engaged and immersed in nature. Of course, living in West Virginia does have some challenges, especially during harsh winters. Choosing to retire in a major city rather than a more rural part of West Virginia can be advantageous not only for getting through the winters, but also for access to healthcare facilities. 

There are many pros and cons to retiring in West Virginia. It’ll come down to where you feel the most comfortable, and what makes the most sense to you. It's different for everyone!

Visiting West Virginia prior to retirement is a great way to explore the towns and see if you could see yourself living here. Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. It's a simple tool for building an itinerary anywhere in the country.