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 state is worth considering!

West Virginia gives retirees plenty of reasons to call it home. Not only is the scenery spectacular, but it also promises affordable housing and senior care communities. Plus, with the abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy, everyone can find something to love about living in West Virginia.

But every state has ups and downs every retiree should weigh when picking where to spend their golden years. Here’s what you should know about retiring in West Virginia.

Pros

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 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, 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 $27,759 after taxes to cover expenses such as food ($3,926), housing ($7,522), and transportation ($5,477) based on 2021 data.

Affordable real estate

The real estate market in West Virginia  offers affordable property options and potential for growth. Although prices are low, they have been steadily increasing, and recently were up by 6.4% year-over-year.

In January 2023, the median home list price in West Virginia was $284,800, while the national average for existing homes was $359,000. Buying a 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.

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.

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.

Cultural attractions

West Virginia has a rich cultural heritage, with a number of museums, historic sites, and other attractions that can be enjoyed by retirees.

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 aspect to the state’s heritage, and you can see it at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine.

Cultural attractions include 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.

The state is also known for its music and folk arts 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

West Virginia has a relatively low tax burden compared to many other states. Retirees can benefit from the state’s tax-friendly policies, including exemptions for Social Security benefits and pension income.  The state is phasing out its Social Security taxation as of 2023 and 2024.

Military retirement income is exempt from state taxes, and there is a property tax credit exemption for state residents over 65. Federal and state first responders also have some income tax exemptions.

Cons

Health care access

One potential downside for those looking to retire in West Virginia is health care access. The state ranks near last (47th out of 50) for overall health care.

West Virginia University Health System does have a strong presence, with a number of top-rated hospitals and medical centers located throughout the state. This can be reassuring for retirees who want to ensure they have access to quality healthcare as they age. The problem is access isn’t equal across the rural communities and small towns. The state also ranked last for its public health programs.

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 may find it challenging to find suitable options in some regions. This is further hampered by transportation challenges, as will be discussed below.

Limited access to major cities

As a fully mountainous state, West Virginia is in a somewhat isolated part of the country, and many major cities are a considerable distance away. This can make it challenging for retirees who want to access the cultural and entertainment options available in 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, it makes accessing airports or mass travel more difficult. Charleston does have a major airport, but the state’s overall flight options are limited.

The mountainous terrain further complicates access, as the winding roads make reaching destinations longer, which is why transportation is one of the more expensive categories in the state.

Weather extremes

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

If you live in a smaller town or rural homestead, you have to be prepared for any weather conditions. This means in the winter, you may be snowed-in with days passing before roads are plowed or services restored. 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. And, even in the 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 can pose 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.

This can impact retirees who are living on a fixed income and may be struggling to make ends meet. High poverty rates are a sign of 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, limited healthcare options in rural areas, and higher-than-average poverty rates. However, you’ll benefit from a lower cost of living which can be an advantage when you’re on a fixed income.