The Pros and Cons of Retiring to West Virginia

A survey by Retirement Living recently found that West Virginia was ranked third-best state in the U.S. for retirement—behind only Florida and Texas—so if you’re looking for a place to retire in the United States, this beautiful Mountain State is worth considering!

West Virginia gives retirees plenty of reasons to call it home. Not only is the scenery spectacular, it also has an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy. The access comes with the promise of affordable housing and senior care communities. Everyone can find something to love about living in West Virginia.

All states have ups and downs, and retirees should weigh them when picking where to spend their golden years. Here’s what you should know about retiring in West Virginia.

Cost of living

West Virginia has a relatively low cost of living compared to most of the other states in the US, making it an attractive destination for retirees who are looking to stretch their retirement dollars further.

As of 2022, West Virginia’s cost of living came in 20% lower than the national average. None of the spending categories in the Sperling Best Places Index exceeded the national average benchmark of 100. This means that residents can save money on essential expenses like housing costs, groceries, and utilities. Only transportation and health care are higher than average, but that can be managed depending on where you opt to live in the state.

So how much income is required to live comfortably here? According to the MIT Living Wage index, a single adult needs to earn $33,502 after taxes to cover expenses such as food ($3,827), housing ($8,792), and transportation ($10,312) based on 2023 data. The low cost of living can set you up for a comfortable retirement.

Affordable real estate

The real estate market in West Virginia has affordable options and growth potential, depending on where you go. Although median home prices are low, they have been steadily increasing. As of October 2024, statewide prices increased 14.5% year-over-year.

That same month the median home sale price in West Virginia was $253,500, while the national median for existing homes was $ $435,051. Buying a West Virginia home will run far less than most markets.

Yes, much of the state’s housing is rural, but that means you have options to have a scenic homestead, a getaway cabin, or a peaceful retirement home. You can also enjoy small-town living or live in one of the larger cities, like Charleston, without ever feeling crowded.

And, as an added bonus, West Virginia has some of the nation’s lowest property taxes, ranked as the 40th lowest in the country. Owner-occupied residential real estate falls into Class II, where homes are taxed 60% of their assessed value.

These factors combine to help retirees manage their monthly housing costs. West Virginia also has some property tax relief for qualifying senior retirees.

Scenic beauty

People are drawn to West Virginia for its stunning natural beauty. The rolling mountain ranges and beautiful forests are spread across the state. In between lies rushing creeks and waterfalls, meandering rivers, and deep, clear reservoirs. The outdoor recreation choices are incredible, making West Virginia a popular destination for those seeking adventure in their vacation plans.

Thanks to an extensive public state park system, West Virginia residents have easy access to outdoor spaces like Kanawha National Forest and Monongahela National Forest. Retirees who enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities will find plentiful access to enjoy the mountains in this state.

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great place to start exploring. Dolly Sods is among the state’s most iconic hiking places, with iconic views overlooking deep valleys. Blackwater Falls is also among the state’s most visited natural attractions. Truly, the recreational opportunities are near-endless for the active retiree.

Cultural attractions

Enjoy a rich cultural heritage, with several museums, historic sites, and other attractions to entertain those retiring to West Virginia.

In terms of history, West Virginia is a significant area for military history buffs, as it was the center of the Civil War’s Western campaign. Visit Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park where John Brown raided the US arsenals. Coal country is another vital part of the state’s heritage. Experience mining history at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine.

Cultural activities include touring the West Virginia State Museum, State Capitol Building and Theater, and The Greenbrier, a grand hotel and National Historic Landmark. And don’t forget the famous Cass Scenic Railroad, which takes you on a scenic journey through West Virginia’s mountains and forests.

Its music and folk arts culture is another part of the culture. One of the most popular musical events is Music in the Mountains in Summersville, but there are many other festivals held in other towns across the mountains.

Tax-friendly state

West Virginia has a relatively low tax burden compared to many other states. Prospective retirees may benefit from the state’s tax-friendly policies, including exemptions for Social Security benefits and pension income. The state phased out its Social Security taxation as of 2024. Military retirement income is exempt from state taxes. Federal and state first responders also have some income tax exemptions. Other sources of retirement income may still be subject to income taxes.

For your living situation, there is a property tax credit exemption for state residents over 65. That helps better the affordable housing available in West Virginia.

Health care access

One potential downside for those looking to retire in West Virginia is healthcare access. The state ranks near last (47th out of 50) for overall health care, which combines outcomes, cost, and ease of access to healthcare facilities.

West Virginia University Health System does have a strong presence, with a number of top-rated hospitals and medical centers scattered throughout the state. This can reassure retirees who want to know they have access to good-quality healthcare as they age. The problem is access to quality healthcare isn’t equal across the rural communities and small towns. Larger cities will have more healthcare facilities than rural communities. The state also ranked last for its public health programs. Those who opt to live in small towns or back in the mountains may find themselves with limited healthcare options are they age in place. The longer time to reach services also increases the cost of medical expenses.

Limited job opportunities

West Virginia is a relatively rural state with limited job opportunities, especially in certain areas. The leading industries tend to be hands-on, such as mining, construction, and forestry. Hospitality, health care, and education are among the state’s other major employing industries.

Retirees who are looking for part-time work or other employment opportunities to supplement their income may find it challenging to find suitable options. This is further hampered by transportation challenges, as will be discussed below.

Limited access to major cities

West Virginia’s nickname is the “Mountain State.” Those majestic peaks are beautiful, but they also make it challenging to access parts of the state. West Virginia’s major cities are a considerable distance from each other because they have to take winding routes to get there. This can make it challenging for retirees who want to access the cultural and entertainment options in the larger metropolitan areas.

This distance also makes it harder to access specialty healthcare, if it is needed. Or, if you need to travel to see family and friends, accessing airports or mass travel more difficult. Charleston has a major airport, but the state’s total flight options are limited.

The mountainous terrain further adds to your daily travel. The winding roads make reaching destinations longer, which is why transportation is one of the more expensive categories in the state. You’ll pay more in fuel and milage to get anywhere. Most residents must own a car to get anywhere.

Weather extremes

Although West Virginia has a mild climate overall, some areas experience more extreme weather conditions. It is a four-season state, so you’ll experience nearly every kind of weather condition. This includes heavy snowfall in the winter and occasional flooding and severe storms during the rainy season.

Be prepared for any weather conditions, especially if you choose a rural homestead. In the winter, you may be snowed in with days passing before roads are plowed or services restored. During spring or summer rains, creeks can flood and overwhelm backcountry bridges.

Limited public transportation

West Virginia has limited public transportation options, which can make it challenging for retirees who are no longer driving or who prefer not to drive to access services and amenities in their community. Even in major population centers like Charleston and Morgantown, public transportation has a reputation for being unreliable.

It’s easiest to get around the state by car, which poses a problem if you lose the ability to drive safely.

Higher-than-average poverty rates

West Virginia has higher-than-average poverty rates compared to many other states. In 2023, the poverty rate was 16%, ranking West Virginia the sixth highest in the nation.

High poverty rates indicate a struggling economy with few job prospects, which trickles into limited opportunities in other areas, like access to health care, shopping and retail resources, and recreation.

Retiring to West Virginia

Overall, while West Virginia has many attractive features as a retirement destination, potential drawbacks include weather extremes, limited public transportation and healthcare options in rural areas. However, you’ll benefit from a lower cost of living, which can be an advantage when you’re on a fixed income. Make those retirement savings last longer as you enjoy the natural beauty of the Mountain State. Outdoor-loving retirees may find the Mountain State to be their perfect retirement home.