West Virginia is 80% mountains, hence it is known as the mountain state. It's one of the most underrated and overlooked states to retire in, which is a shame because there are many attractive places to retire in West Virginia. In fact, West Virginia should be at the top of every retiree's bucket list, especially those who want to spend their retirement exploring and enjoying the great outdoors.
West Virginia's many mountains, streams, lakes and forests make it an outdoor enthusiast's dream state. It is home to some of the most impressive mountain ranges including the Appalachian Mountains, Allegheny and Blue Ridge.
Even though the state has all four seasons, it doesn't experience the extreme temperatures that other regions can experience unless you're in the mountains. Summer gets hot and almost subtropical at times, but much of the weather depends on where in the state you are.
And it's not just the great outdoors that makes West Virginia an attractive state to retire to. It's a very affordable place to live, with some of the lowest property taxes in the United States. The average cost of living is also below the national average.
Although the global tax burden is higher than average, it is still onetax friendlygovernment for retirees, as wellDelawarejDakota do Norteare. West Virginia allows an income tax deduction of $8,000 per person over the age of 65. This deduction applies to all forms of retirement income, such as pensions, whether from the government or a private employer, 401(k)s and IRAs. And those drawing state pensions get an additional $2,000 deduction.
social insuranceit is currently taxed, but this tax will be phased out over the next three years. In addition, not all social insurances are taxable. A lot depends on your total retirement income.
Unfortunately, West Virginia also has its downsides, the two most notable being the lack of high-speed Internet and the lack of medical centers in some of the smaller towns.
The good news, however, is that West Virginia has several certified Designated Retirement Communities. Designated Retiree Communities are cities and towns that have been enhanced with services that meet or exceed the needs and preferences of retirees.
Last but not least, West Virginia is one of the friendliest and most polite states in the country.
Where to retire in West Virginia
- Charleston
- morgantown
- Beckley
- Falle See
- pastorestown
Charleston
- Percentage of elderly population: 46,536
- Total population: 18%
Charleston is the capital of West Virginia and also the largest city in the state. Located in the Allegheny Mountains at the confluence of the Kanawha and Elk Rivers, it adds to the city's beauty and charm. Charleston is on the west side of the state near the Ohio and Kentucky state borders.
Charleston has a rich history, pioneers settled here after the 1787 Revolution and the city was home to Daniel Boone. First the cityBusinessdependent on abundant natural resources such as oil, coal, natural gas and salt. While these resources are still valuable, the local economy is now increasingly focused on manufacturing, government services, and healthcare.
Pensioners are drawn to the capital for various reasons. But probably the most important reason is to have the amenities of a city combined with access to the great outdoors.
With rivers nearby, it's perfect for fishing, kayaking, rafting and pretty much any water activity. Because Charleston is in Allegheny Mountain Country, campers, hikers, and mountain bikers will love exploring the trails. But you don't have to put on your walking shoes every time you want to go out; There are many golf courses, beaches and local parks close to the city center.
And when you're not on the trails, you can enjoy one of the many festivals or a lazy afternoon in the park with live music. Charleston is also home to several art galleries, including Gallery Eleven, Art Emporium, and Erma Byrd Art Gallery. And if you love shopping, Town Center is for you.
Retirees will have a hard time getting bored in Charleston.
morgantown
- Percentage of elderly population: 30,549
- Total population: 10%
Located in the northern part of West Virginia, Morgantown is nestled in the rolling hills that provide a scenic backdrop to this town. Although not considered a major city in some states, it is the third largest city in West Virginia.
Additionally, Morgantown is home to West Virginia University, giving this college town a vibrant vibe. Morgantowners love to cheer for the Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. And when football season isn't keeping local residents entertained, they're likely enjoying one of the area's many parks.
Like the rest of the state, Morgantown offers retirees a range of outdoor activities, including:
- central grove
- Parque Dorseys Knauf
- Arroyo Deckers
- white park
Plus, the city is walkable, making it easy to get around and visit everything the city has to offer.
In addition to the beautiful nature, residents like to visit:
- West Virginia University Museum of Art
- Metropolitan Theater
- Morgantown Historical Museum
- Museu Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts.
And on lazy afternoons, many like to go shopping in the old town.
Morgantown is home to two major hospitals and is within 60 miles of several others. Additionally, Morgantown is a designated retirement community, making it very retiree friendly.
Beckley
- Percentage of elderly population: 15,940
- Total population: 21.5%
Nestled in the rolling hills of southern West Virginia, Beckley is a quieter town favored by seniors who love the outdoors and the arts. Although Beckley is not large, it attracts over 1 million tourists each year who come to enjoy the galleries and many restaurants.
The Tamarack, a large arts complex, draws art lovers from far and wide. When you visit Tamarack you can shop for unique artwork, browse local galleries, take an art class, or grab a bite to eat.
Other fun ways to stay active at Beckley include:
- Beckley Coal Mine Exhibition
- new river park
- Wildwood House Museum
- Little Beaver State Park
And although it does snow in Beckley, it typically falls less than two feet a year and rarely dips below 20 degrees in the winter. Summers are warm but not hot, making the city all the more desirable.
In addition, this small town has below average housing costs and three hospitals within walking distance of Beckley. When vacationing or entertaining, Beckley offers an Amtrak train station and airport less than 10 miles from downtown.
The downside of living in Beckley is that the crime rate is higher than the national average.
Falle See
- Percentage of elderly population: 9,337
- Total population: 14%
Cheat Lake, located near Morgantown, was originally an iron mining town, which made it very popular in the US1800🇧🇷 Unfortunately, the iron mining business peaked in 1848 and started to go downhill from there.
And between 1910 and 1920, a hydroelectric dam was built on the Cheat River, creating Cheat Lake, originally named Lynn Lake in honor of the president of the energy company.
Today, Cheat Lake attracts locals and tourists alike. It's a great place to go sailing, swimming or kayaking. And fishermen will be happy to know that the lake and river have recovered from the pollution that previously plagued the lake. And for seniors who want to try something new, there are paddle yoga classes on the lake.
In addition to time on the water, residents of the area enjoy:
- West Virginia Botanical Garden
- Cooper's Rock State Forest
- Trap-Lake-Trail
- Coopers Rock
And since it's less than 20 minutes away, many residents flock to Morgantown to enjoy the city's entertainment options, including a live college game.
Cheat Lake has a few minor downsides to retiring there. Firstly, if you are a foodie you might get a little bored as there are only three restaurants. And second, although they have a few medical centers, you have to take a short drive into Morgantown to get to a hospital.
pastorestown
- Percentage of elderly population: 1,862
- Total population: 7%
Shepherdstown is an unassuming but charming little town on the banks of the Potomac River. It was founded in 1762, making it the oldest city in the state.
Although Shepherdstown is a small town, it is less than two hours from Washington, D.C. away, allowing residents to enjoy the quieter side of life while still having access to the entertainment and amenities of a big city.
History buffs and art lovers alike will also find Shepherdstown appealing. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Antietam National Battlefield, the Rumsey Monument and the Shepherdstown Historical Museum.
And art lovers will be happy to know that Shepherdstown is home to many artists; Fill the city with arts, crafts, workshops and galleries like:
- Bridge Fine Arts and frames
- The gallery at 105
- Badgerhound Gallery and Studio
- Dickinson & Wait Craft Gallery
Although Shepherdstown is the smallest town on our list, it is home to Shepherds University which adds business and culture to the town. And like many university areas, it is within walking distance, making it easy to get around without a car.
Due to its collegiate and arts communities, Shepherdstown features live music at several venues in the evenings. But the best thing about living near Shepherd University is the lifelong learning program for seniors.
Not surprisingly, they don't have their own hospital in Shepherdstown. However, within a 10 minute drive of Martinsburg there are several different hospitals including a VA Medical Center.
FAQs
Is West Virginia retiree friendly? ›
West Virginia is tax-friendly toward retirees. Social Security income is partially taxed. Withdrawals from retirement accounts are partially taxed. Wages are taxed at normal rates, and your marginal state tax rate is 5.90%.
What are the top 5 retirement places? ›- Lancaster, PA.
- Harrisburg, PA.
- Pensacola, FL.
- Tampa, FL.
- York, PA.
- Naples, FL.
- Daytona Beach, FL.
- Ann Arbor, MI.
- #6 Morgantown. Home of West Virginia University, Morgantown in Monongalia County is known for being full of young people and full of life. ...
- #5 Winfield. ...
- #4 Star City. ...
- #3 Cheat Lake. ...
- #2 Athens. ...
- #1 Bridgeport.
Relative to most states, West Virginia has few advantages for older Americans as a place to live. For one, life expectancy at age 65 in the state is just 17.6 years, the fifth lowest of any state and about two years less than the national average.
Where is the best place in West Virginia to retire? ›1. Clarksburg. The best city to retire in in West Virginia is Clarksburg. Folks who choose to retire here can explore the Quality Hill Historic District, relax at parks and lakes, and watch a live concert at Clarksburg Amphitheater.
At what age do you stop paying property taxes in WV? ›Below is a representative, nonexclusive list of property that may be exempt from property tax: The first $20,000 of assessed value of owner-occupied residential property owned by a person age 65 or older or by a person who is permanently and totally disabled is exempt.
What is the number 1 state for retirees? ›| State | Overall ranking | Quality of life |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | 1 | 77.8 |
| Vermont | 2 | 70.6 |
| New Hampshire | 3 | 59.4 |
| Kentucky | 4 | 59.3 |
- Well-being score: 65.0.
- City population: 46,487.
- Share of population 65+: 10.4%
- Cost of living for retirees: 0.2% below the national average.
- Average income for population 65+: n/a.
- State's tax rating for retirees: Tax Friendly.
1. Delaware. Congratulations, Delaware – you're the most tax-friendly state for retirees! With no sales tax, low property taxes, and no death taxes, it's easy to see why Delaware is a tax haven for retirees.
What is the safest city in West Virginia to live? ›...
Safest Cities in West Virginia, 2019.
| Rank | City | Safety Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Albans | 0.77 |
| 2 | Weirton | 0.5 |
| 3 | Morgantown | 0.4 |
| 4 | Fairmont | 0.05 |
Does WV tax Social Security income? ›
There's help for retirees, though. Starting in 2022, Social Security benefits taxed by the federal government are completely excluded from West Virginia's income tax for single taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less and joint filers with a federal AGI of $100,000 or less.
What are the winters like in West Virginia? ›Winter average minimum temperatures range from the low 20s (°F) in the mountainous central and northeastern portions of the state to around 30°F in the far south. The central portion of West Virginia receives 50 or more inches of precipitation per year, while the west, along the Ohio River, receives around 40 inches.
What is the nicest part of West Virginia? ›- Best Places to Visit in West Virginia – Harpers Ferry.
- West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston.
- New River Gorge National park.
- Blackwater Falls State Park.
- Snowshoe Ski Resort in WV.
- Wheeling WV.
- WVU // Editorial credit: Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com.
- Lindy Point, Blackwater Falls State Park. ...
- Spruce Knob, Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. ...
- Ravens Rock Overlook, Coopers Rock State Forest. ...
- Rohrbaugh Plains Overlook, Dolly Sods Wilderness. ...
- Long Point Trail, New River Gorge.
- Harpers Ferry. © Svetlana Larina / Dreamstime.
- Blackwater Falls State Park. © Steveheap / Dreamstime. ...
- Charleston. ...
- Charles Town. ...
- Berkeley Springs State Park. ...
- Snowshoe Mountain Resort. ...
- Hawks Nest State Park. ...
- Fayetteville. ...
You are considered a resident of West Virginia if you spend more than 30 days in West Virginia with the intent of West Virginia becoming your permanent residence, or if you are a domiciliary resident of Pennsylvania or Virginia and you maintain a physical presence in West Virginia for more than 183 days of the taxable ...
What is Class 4 property in WV? ›Class IV: All property situated inside a municipality that is not taxed in Class I or Class II.
Which state is better for retirement Virginia or North Carolina? ›Virginia is more tax-friendly for retirees. Income is taxed at the state rate of 5%, which is lower than North Carolina. In addition, pension incomes and retirement account withdrawals are only partially taxed. Like North Carolina, there are no taxes on Social Security income.
What is the cheapest and safest state to retire in? ›...
Here are the seven most affordable states to retire, according to Bankrate:
- Michigan.
- Tennessee.
- Missouri.
- Mississippi.
- Kentucky.
- Oklahoma.
- Georgia.
Those eight – Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming – don't tax wages, salaries, dividends, interest or any sort of income. No state income tax means these states also don't tax Social Security retirement benefits, pension payments and distributions from retirement accounts.
What is the best state to live on Social Security? ›
Iowa tops the list for best states to live on just a Social Security check thanks to a number of factors. Overall, the cost of living is about 11% below the national average, while one-bedroom rents are about one-third less than national norms.
What is the cheapest warm state to retire in? ›More often than not, retirees will find the most affordable and sunniest retirement destinations in the southernmost state of the continental U.S. — Florida. In fact, one third of the 15 U.S. cities on this list are in Florida.
What is the best state to retire in 2022? ›According to Bankrate's study, Florida is the best state for retirement in 2022, followed by Georgia, Michigan, Ohio and Missouri. Alaska, on the other hand, held last place in our ranking. The state was dragged down by back-of-the-pack scores in affordability and weather.
What is the number one concern for retirees? ›Paying for health care
Health care costs are the top retirement concern for Americans. According to the survey, 28 percent of people are worried their medical expenses will be in too high.
The personal finance website has come up with a ranked list of the top 20 best states to live in for 2022. Here are the results! The top state is Massachusetts, which ranked first in the nation for education and health, fourth for safety, sixth for quality of life, and 10th for its economy.
Where is the cheapest place for retirees to live? ›- Malaysia. ...
- Spain. ...
- Costa Rica. ...
- Panama. Cost of Living Index: 48.25. ...
- Peru. Cost of Living Index: 30.74. ...
- Slovenia. Cost of Living Index: 47.30. ...
- Austria. Cost of Living Index: 64.11. ...
- Australia. Cost of Living Index: 72.27.
#1. Portugal. Portugal is one of the world's healthiest places to live, with low rates of disease and an average life expectancy of 81.6 years. People in Portugal die 12% less often from cancer than people living in other European countries.
What is the cleanest town in West Virginia? ›Welcome to Eleanor, the “Cleanest Town in West Virginia.”
What is the leading cause of death in West Virginia? ›If you enjoy hiking, biking, mountain climbing and great tasty pepperoni rolls, moving to West Virginia isn't a bad idea. Homes are affordable in West Virginia, more affordable than the United States average. The cost of living in West Virginia is low, and crime rates are lower than national average.
What is the friendliest town in West Virginia? ›
For the best chance of being welcomed with open arms, though, try a visit to the Mountain State's friendliest city: Logan, West Virginia.
What is the coolest small town in West Virginia? ›- Hinton.
- White Sulphur Springs.
- Elkins.
- New Martinsville.
- Wheeling.
- Harpers Ferry.
- Shepherdstown.
- Lewisburg.
People moved to West Virginia for a variety of reasons including family, lifestyle and cost of living. The main reason people are leaving West Virginia is for work. The states that were most moved to in 2021 are: Vermont South.
How much do you need to live comfortably in West Virginia? ›How much you need to live comfortably in West Virginia: $32,144 to $94,345 per year. Taking all of the above costs into account, a single adult in West Virginia will need to make $32,144 per year, or $15.45 per hour, while working a 40-hour week.
Why are houses in WV so cheap? ›Because the population centers are relatively small, the tax base for services is lower in West Virginia than in other parts of the country. The lower real estate costs can save you some money here too, but that also means there are fewer funds available for public services.
Where is the cheapest place to live in West Virginia? ›Parkersburg
The title of most affordable city in West Virginia goes to Parkersburg. Located along the Ohio-West Virginia border, Parkersburg also ranks as the fourth largest city in the state. Enjoy exploring historic sites downtown or romping in the parks along the Ohio River.
Some states are trying to gain that edge by essentially buying talent. West Virginia is offering $20,000 in cash and incentives to people willing to move to the state and live there for two years.
What is the most common job in West Virginia? ›- Most Common. The most common jobs held by residents of West Virginia, by number of employees, are Driver/sales workers & truck drivers (22,906 people), Cashiers (22,010 people), and Elementary & middle school teachers (18,918 people).
- Most Specialized. ...
- Highest Paid. ...
- Most Common. ...
- Most Specialized. ...
- Highest Paying.
There is no specific age when seniors are no longer required to file a tax return. If a senior's only source of income is social security, they can stop filing tax returns. For seniors with income in addition to social security, their taxable income determines whether they need to file a return.
Is there property tax in West Virginia? ›West Virginia has one of the lowest property taxes in the country. The state ranks 45th in per capita property taxes. Residents also pay a smaller percentage of their personal income toward property taxes.
What taxes do you pay in West Virginia? ›
West Virginia has a 6.50 percent corporate income tax rate and permits local gross receipts taxes. West Virginia has a 6.00 percent state sales tax rate, a max local sales tax rate of 1.00 percent, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 6.52 percent.
Is West Virginia a good place to retire? ›This beautiful state is also known for its extensive military history. Those wanting a good mix of the outdoors, history, and affordability will love West Virginia. NewHomeSource has named the top 10 cities for retirees in West Virginia. This article will help you find the perfect city to start your new life.
Does West Virginia get tornadoes? ›Though rare in West Virginia, tornadoes can hit in the area with little warning.
What is the warmest part of West Virginia? ›- Hottest city: Huntington.
- Number of days per year w/ temperature above 90℉: 28.
- Number of days per year w/ temperature above 100℉: 0.
- Average summer maximum temperature: 86.0℉
- Average summer minimum temperature: 64.4℉
There's help for retirees, though. Starting in 2022, Social Security benefits taxed by the federal government are completely excluded from West Virginia's income tax for single taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less and joint filers with a federal AGI of $100,000 or less.
What is the number 1 retirement state? ›| State | Overall ranking | Quality of life |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | 1 | 77.8 |
| Vermont | 2 | 70.6 |
| New Hampshire | 3 | 59.4 |
| Kentucky | 4 | 59.3 |
| Country | Happiness Index 2020 | Number of sunshine hours |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 6.502 | 2,769 |
| Malta | 6.157 | 3,054 |
| Colombia | 5.709 | 2561 |
| Thailand | 5.885 | 2,623.80 |
Winter average minimum temperatures range from the low 20s (°F) in the mountainous central and northeastern portions of the state to around 30°F in the far south. The central portion of West Virginia receives 50 or more inches of precipitation per year, while the west, along the Ohio River, receives around 40 inches.
What is the safest place in West Virginia? ›| Rank | City | Safety Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Albans | 0.77 |
| 2 | Weirton | 0.5 |
| 3 | Morgantown | 0.4 |
| 4 | Fairmont | 0.05 |
If you enjoy hiking, biking, mountain climbing and great tasty pepperoni rolls, moving to West Virginia isn't a bad idea. Homes are affordable in West Virginia, more affordable than the United States average. The cost of living in West Virginia is low, and crime rates are lower than national average.
What is the coldest month in West Virginia? ›
January is the coldest month, with a statewide average of 33 °F (1 °C), and July is warmest, with a 73 °F (23 °C) average. The growing season averages 160 days but ranges from 120 to 180 days.
Is West Virginia a red state? ›The state is now a Republican stronghold. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump won 68.5% of the vote in 2016 and 68.6% in 2020, Trump's second-best statewide performance both times, only less than Wyoming.