West Virginia Retirement Communities

If you would like to retire to a rural setting, one of West Virginia retirement communities may be just what you are looking for.



If you enjoy an active lifestyle, West Virginia’s relatively mild four-season climate offers retirees a variety of outdoor activities like skiing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, caving, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and hunting. The climate varies throughout the state but the natural beauty and low cost of living are a constant.

Located in the Appalachian Highlands region of the eastern United States, the forested mountains and narrow valleys divide the state into two natural regions known as the Allegheny Plateau and the Valley and Ridge. The mountain state has an average state temperature of 72 degrees F in July and 32 degrees F in January.

Charleston and Huntington have grown into booming metropolitan areas with cultural centers that highlight the arts, a sophisticated nightlife, shopping and fine dining all while maintaining their historic charm.

Morgantown, West Virginia is home to West Virginia University and is one of eight West Virginia designated retirement communities. With a population of 81,866, the Greater Morgantown Area offers a variety of recreational, educational, cultural, historical, and health care opportunities for retirees. If you are interested in continuing your education, there are classes for older adults offered through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, an Elderhostel Institute for Learning in Retirement. Morgantown is located about an hour and a half south of Pittsburgh and three and a half hours west of Baltimore and Washington, DC. It has been recognized as the Third Best Small City in America and the Best Small City in the East.



The Beckley-Raleigh County area in southern West Virginia has an extremely low crime rate, mild 4-season climate, and quality healthcare. This mountain paradise in the middle of the Eastern U. S. has very affordable housing with prices in the area ranging from $30,000 to $500,000.

If you enjoy Fishing, Mountain Biking, and a wide range of other outdoor activities, Richwood, one of the West Virginia Retirement Communities may be the perfect spot for you. Located in the central part of the state, the town is surrounded by the woodlands of the Monongahela National Forest and offers some of the best hunting and trout fishing in the state.

The cost of living in West Virginia is well below the national average and 23.0% less than that of the Northeastern United States making it a very affordable place to live.

Some things to consider though are ranks last in median household income making the poverty level high and the growth rate for the state is the 2nd lowest in the nation, behind only Michigan.

If you don’t enjoy the outdoors, one of the West Virginia Retirement Communities may not be for you. Most of the state is very rural. Another thing to consider is the relatively high humidity in the summertime. In the winter, snowfall totals can reach as high as 180 inches in some parts of the state.

But, all-in-all West Virginia is becoming one of the many new areas many retirees are considering.

Median Home Price: $81,826

Personal Income Tax: Yes

For single, head of household and married filing jointly taxpayers:

-- 3 percent on the first $10,000 of taxable income.
-- 4 percent on taxable income between $10,001 and $25,000.
-- 4.5 percent on taxable income between $25,001 and $40,000.
-- 6 percent on taxable income between $40,001 and $60,000.
-- 6.5 percent on taxable income of $60,001 and above.

Sales Tax: Yes

General Tax Rate is 6% (4% on food), and there is currently no municipal sales taxes in West Virginia.

Property Tax: Yes

--West Virginia counties administer and collect property taxes. The West Virginia legislature sets the rate of tax of county boards of education. This rate is used by all county boards of education statewide. However, the total tax rate for county boards of education may differ from county to county due to excess levies.

--West Virginia offers a homestead exemption to its citizens that are 65 years old or are permanently disabled.

Inheritance and Estate Tax: No

For More Information: Contact the West Virginia State Tax Department website