2022 Best Places to Retire in West Virginia

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: It's a beautiful town with a great tourism industry and cool places to visit near the Summersville Lake and the New River Gorge. Unfortunately, the quality of life for those here who are not one of the old wealthy families in town is very low.... Read 10 reviews

• grade B

• grade C

• grade A+

• Population 3,467

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  38 reviews

Current Resident: Bridgeport is a very safe, clean, friendly town. It prides itself on the status of it's school system and it's tight community. The schools in this town are some of the best, and offer lots of resources to higher education. It has a strong police force and an extremely low crime rate. There a variety of locally owned restaurants, shops, and businesses. Bridgeport is a wonderful place to live!... Read 38 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 9,165

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  16 reviews

Nearby Resident: Lewisburg is an amazing historic town with shopping, food and all around good people. Lewisburg has many fun things to offer for families such as Carnage Hall or the bowling alley. Everyone should at least try to visit this small cool town. Another interesting thing about Lewisburg is the haunted properties in the area and the fascinating historic facts that come with them. I feel like the schools are safe and see great improvements each year. Lewisburg offers the most beautiful mountainous views you have ever seen. The Greenbrier River which is located near Lewisburg is also another wonderful attraction for anyone. There are several golf courses in the area and Lewisburg has its very own airport. The college that I attend is located in downtown Lewisburg which makes it very accessible to everything. Lewisburg is also a low crime area which is a nice relief. I must say I don’t have anything negative to say about the town I live in.... Read 16 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Population 3,923

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 3.16 out of 5  61 reviews

Current Resident: Princeton is a city on the rise due to the growing traveler business and new interest in downtown revitalization. If you drive in downtown (specifically Mercer Street Grassroots District) today, it is a completely different place than it was even five years ago! Princeton is surrounded by state parks and many outdoor interest areas. However, there is hardly anything to do other than outdoor activities. Nevertheless, Princeton is growing into a much better place than it has ever been.... Read 61 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Population 5,885

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 2.5 out of 5  4 reviews

• grade B

• grade C

• grade A

• Population 5,208

Niche User: I believe Scott Depot, West Virginia is a great place to live. It is a small town, but it's growing at a steady pace, everyone knows everyone. It has a very low crime rate, there are a lot of job opportunities to come in the future too, because this city is growing at a steady pace. Each class that graduates from my school gets bigger and bigger each year. Being in Scott Depot, West Virginia, you get to experience all four seasons as if you were up north, but you also get to experience some southern hospitality as if you were in the south. It's right in the middle, it's awesome! You are surrounded by beautiful mountains and trees, but you are also only six to eight hours away from the beach.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 13,805

Current Resident: The community is a awesome place! Everyone in the community comes out and helps as much as they can.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 906

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Petersburg……. In January, Grant Memorial Hospital (GMH) in Petersburg broke ground on a new nine-patient oncology infusion center to offer a more expanded and sophisticated program of cancer services through a collaborative agreement with the WVU Cancer Institute to improve healthcare in the area.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C

• grade A

• Population 2,518

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 3.37 out of 5  30 reviews

Current Resident: I was born in Bluefield. I left at 18 for college. I worked in Charlottesville and Philadelphia for a total of 42 years. I came home to retire. I am very sad to see how the town has deteriorated in the years I was gone. The schools were outstanding when I was a secondary student. Now they are severely lacking. The area needs more innovative means for creating jobs. The loss of the hospital was horrible. Medical care is definitely below par and very difficult to obtain . Citizens travel incredible distances to receive standard of care therapy. The weather is wonderful. The four seasons beautiful. Some areas are well maintained and respected by people others not. I remain hopeful that Bluefield can survive and improve. Education is key. Better jobs are a necessity and cleaning the town of dilapidated buildings would be an improvement. I like the peaceful lifestyle and now that I am a retired person, "things to do" are not priority. I love the Christmas festival if lights!... Read 30 reviews

• grade B

• grade C+

• grade A

• Population 9,699

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: Williamstown is a very close community. Our town is very supportive of our athletics. Every Friday night, majority of the town would be at the football a game. This town is a very safe environment and is a great place to raise kids. One thing I dislike about this town is that everyone knows your person business. Unlike bigger towns/cities, people might not even notice you, but in this town everyone knows everyone. There is no keeping things private.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 2,994

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: Ripley is such a small but vibrant town. We are home of the largest small town July 4th celebration. There are many unique shops to peruse and festivals to browse. Ripley is about 35 minutes to Charleston, WV and 45 minutes to Parkersburg, WV. It is far enough away from bigger city life and close enough to commute for work. The schools are great and neighbors are friendly. It is a great place to live.... Read 27 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Population 3,100

Current Resident: Star City is the easiest place to live in comparison to the numerous locations I've called home. Friendly people, close proximity to amenities, business development and revitalization of the area. Love this place.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 2,012

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: My family friendly town in the Midwest is clean, safe and fun to live in. We are centrally located to be within a 3 hour drive of 5 major cities in 3 states. People walk their dogs and say hi when passing on the street. There are parks, skate parks, theatres, a mall, great hunting and fishing spots, the Ohio River provides space for boating or kayaking on the water and the people are good people. Many large businesses are located near my hometown providing jobs and wealth. If you want a safe space for your family with plenty to do nearby, come to Vienna, West Virginia!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 10,676

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 3.26 out of 5  46 reviews

Current Resident: The motto of Weirton is strength in unity. The brick houses are super charming and well built. The town is on the move! Lots of family friendly activities, a gorgeous country club, the best golfing in the greater Pittsburgh area. Super fantastic accessibility to Pittsburgh's top rated restaurants, delicious Italian restaurants, cigar bar, university culture, community events, bus trips, low taxes, fantastic amenities including two town pools and parks with running clubs. All of this and friendly, down-to-earth neighbors. West Virginia is a secret cool state. Bakeries, fantastic independent stores where the owners know your name and tons of school options. Travel to lakes, resorts, gaming, sporting events, spas, the people are what make Weirton the best town. Not a lot of places like Weirton in America any more. That's why investors are buying commercial land here so quickly. Get in while you can! 35 min away is most well run international airport. A fun town with fun people!... Read 46 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Population 19,150

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: The only change that this particular town/county needs improvement on is job opportunities. This area is low-income and desperately needs manufacturing/industry and better employment opportunities for its residents. The average age of this county's citizen is middle-aged, and to retain our youth to reside in the community, there will be a need for jobs that offer competitive wages and health benefits.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Population 2,079

Current Resident: Dunbar is a beautiful community. I’m surrounded by elderly that were born and raised here and raised their own families here. It’s filled with love and caring for your neighbor. They just put in a new Sports complex and it gives an lot for the younger people to do... Read 21 reviews

• grade B

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Population 7,500

• Town in West Virginia

• grade C+

• grade C minus

• grade A minus

• Population 1,025

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 3.29 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: Grafton is a small town that lies in North Central WV. Within 20 miles, you will find Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg and Philippi WV. There are top rated elementary schools and a top rated High School with colleges in the above mention towns. There is an abundance of employment opportunities, and local attractions for all ages. Grafton is rich in history from the Civil war to the Mothers Day Shrine. Tygart Lake and Valley Falls State Park. There is kayaking and tubing on the Tygart River and other types of recreation for all age groups. So come to Grafton and see everything we have to offer. We will be waiting to see you all in downtown Grafton... Read 21 reviews

• grade B

• grade C

• grade A minus

• Population 4,773

• Town in West Virginia

• grade C+

• grade C

• grade A minus

• Population 2,440

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Population 1,674

• Suburb in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: I have just moved here, but it seems to be a nice neighborhood. I wouldn't change anything right now.... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 6,783

• Town in West Virginia

• •
  Rating 3.08 out of 5  36 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Elkins, Wv from fayetteville, NC. I enjoy that it is a small town with plenty of things to do and gorgeous mountain tops. You can go skiing and snowboarding, kayaking or float down the water. One of my favorite places to go is blackwater falls. There ate amazing water falls, mountain top overlooks, canaan valley resort, and many trails to go exploring. One other place i love is Kumbrabow State Park located in randolph county. There is an amazing waterfall and swimming hole along the trails. You will have to see for yourself!... Read 36 reviews

• grade B

• grade C minus

• grade A minus

• Population 6,980

Current Resident: Relative to surrounding areas in West Virginia, Oak Hill is a pretty good place to live. Plenty of charming/local restaurants.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C minus

• grade A minus

• Population 8,228

Current Resident: I believe Winfield is a great community. Winfield isn't very big, but the town consists of many things. We have the basics: gas stations, fast-food, sit-down food, a police station, neighborhood, and more. Overall, Winfield is a clean and safe place to be.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 3,140

• grade B+

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 3,820