West Virginia’s natural beauty is a major draw for people looking for a place to settle down after their careers. From rolling mountains to dense forests and beautiful rivers, the landscape is ideal for pensioners during the sunset period, especially if you choose a small town in the interior of the state. The rich natural environment and diverse landscapes create a variety of outdoor opportunities to keep those tired legs active. These small towns also maintain a strong sense of community and cherish a variety of local traditions that advocate togetherness and harmonious living. Add to this the presence of friendly residents who are always willing to help, and seniors couldn’t have a better situation. So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to retire in West Virginia, these are some of the best options.
fayetteville
![Glade Creek Flour Mill in Babcock State Park near Fayetteville, West Virginia.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/fd/fe/5f/shutterstock-514449160.jpg)
The county seat of Fayette County, this small village borders the popular New River Gorge National Park, ensuring a great outdoor experience whenever retirees want to leave the comfort of their homes. Fayetteville is made up of a small, close-knit community where everyone knows everyone. This is made possible by social centers like the Historic Fayette Theater, where town residents gather to enjoy a variety of live performances in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Families can spend quality time at a variety of children’s attractions throughout the city, including Escape A Torium, a popular amusement center with group-based escape games. It’s perfect for having fun with family, friends, and colleagues, as participants must work together to solve puzzles. The median home price in Fayetteville is approximately $270,000, making it very affordable when compared to large cities and other states.
buckhannon
![Historic Landmark in Buckhannon, West Virginia. Editorial credit: Roberto Galan / Shutterstock.com](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/e5/c6/d7/shutterstock-1408900484.jpg)
Buckhannon is a charming riverside community located on the banks of the Buckhannon River. It has a peaceful natural atmosphere and allows seniors to connect with nature in a variety of outdoor spaces. Thanks to the expansive Audra State Park, residents have no shortage of recreational activities, from hiking and camping to whitewater kayaking. Retirees looking to further their academic knowledge can find lifelong learning opportunities locally at West Virginia Wesleyan University.
Meanwhile, those seeking a sense of belonging can join Buckhannon Country Club and meet peers while relaxing with a game of golf. The median home price is his $157,000, so pensioners can safely invest in a home without worrying about depleting their retirement savings.
Barbosville
![Vineyard in Barboursville, Virginia, USA. Editorial credit: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/3f/74/95/barboursville-vineyards-oct-20-2017.jpg)
This small village in Cabell County has a quiet rural setting and some urban amenities, providing a balance for all types of tastes. Retirees looking to shop can find great opportunities at Huntington Mall and Merritt Creek Farm to meet all of their household’s grocery needs. To stay active and healthy, residents can take advantage of Barboursville Park’s several hiking trails and various sports facilities. Alternatively, seniors can sign up for a membership at Planet Fitness and have access to a variety of gym facilities.
Downtown Barboursville is home to lively restaurants and bars, and multiple meeting points to unwind after a long day. 1861 Public House is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family and connect with the community. The average home price in town is $262,500, which is below the U.S. average.
charles town
![Historic courthouse in downtown Charles Town, West Virginia. Editorial credit: George Sheldon / Shutterstock.com.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/f8/e2/b0/shutterstock-1275356548.jpg)
Interestingly, Charles Town was named after President George Washington’s youngest brother and is remembered as the place where John Brown was tried and executed after the Harper’s Ferry Rebellion. We now have a close-knit community that welcomes new retirees with open arms. The city’s warmth is always on display at the Old Opera House Theater Company & Arts Center, where residents flock to enjoy a variety of theatrical productions in a friendly venue. Those interested in the area’s colorful past can always stop by the Jefferson County Museum and browse its various historical archives.
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can also have fun exploring the 63-acre Cool Spring Nature Preserve. This beautiful green oasis features a tranquil setting of wetlands, meadows, and forests, where you can spot some of the local wildlife. Finally, pensioners who can afford the median housing cost of $400,500 will see an immediate return on their investment.
Grafton
![Tygart Dam is also known as Tygart River Dam in Grafton.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/c8/46/30/adobestock-530939867.jpeg)
Beautiful outdoor views, a safe environment, and low-cost living with a median home price of $185,000 make it an ideal combination of factors when looking for a retirement location in West Virginia. This adorable waterfront community is home to Tygart Lake State Park, where adventurers flock to enjoy aquatic recreation such as boating, swimming, and paddleboarding. Additionally, Castle Creek Playground offers more family-friendly options, with amenities such as an Olympic-grade pool, secret castle, and picnic area, perfect for a family outing.
Other notable attractions in Grafton include Mother’s Day Shrine, a famous site on the National Register of Historic Places. That’s when Anna Jarvis came up with her Mother’s Day idea. Finally, the restaurant scene is also thriving, with several restaurants such as Biggies Restaurant serving as the perfect hangout spot.
lewisburg
![Greenbrier County Courthouse in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Editorial credit: ThomasPerkins.org / Shutterstock.com](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/ed/35/54/mceclip1.jpg)
Lewisburg’s exciting atmosphere is evident in our theater venues, which encourage community interaction and foster strong bonds among our members. The arts are a quintessential part of local culture, and the town is home to the state’s professional theater, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, among others. When you don’t want to enjoy a fun stage performance, retirees can step underground and explore the Lost His World Cave. This National Natural Landmark offers a magical experience with dramatic formations such as stalactites, dome holes, curtains, and more just waiting to be discovered.
At the Greenbrier Historical Society, first-time visitors can get a feel for the town’s rich history by browsing a variety of local exhibits accumulated over the years. Meanwhile, you can spend quality time with family and friends watching the latest movies at Lewisburg Cinema 8. Finally, the median home price here is $345,000.
Kenova
![Welcome to Kenova's West Virginia Sign](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/b4/28/66/shutterstock-1738050992.jpg)
The name “Kenova” comes from Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia, representing the place where the three states met before West Virginia was formed. This beautiful community is located at the confluence of the Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers, and promises to provide pensioners with plenty of waterfront adventure whenever they seek outdoor entertainment. Virginia Point Park offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, camping, picnicking, and a surreal atmosphere at Virginia Point Park.
Kenova’s Pumpkin House is a must-see in town and the centerpiece of the Ceredo Kenova Autumnfest. During Halloween season, townspeople flock here to admire his 3,000 intricately carved pumpkins. Real estate prices in Kenova are also very affordable, with a median price of $147,500.
Point Pleasant
![The Sternwheeler Queen of Mississippi was anchored on the Ohio River in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/44/88/bc/shutterstock-1122804926.jpg)
This adorable community is the subject of West Virginia’s famous folklore, “The Mothman,” and is located at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers. We are blessed with charming natural spaces where retirees can seek solitude outdoors, including the historic Two Endy Way State Park. The McCrittic Wildlife Management Area is also a pleasant outdoor area. There are secluded trails for leisurely walks through a mix of wetlands, scrub, deciduous woodlands and lowlands.
Point Pleasant celebrates its famous human-like legend with the Mothman Museum. It’s a great place to learn about the Mothman mythology and browse the extensive collection of memorabilia dedicated to him. Finally, retirees planning to make a permanent home in Point Pleasant will need approximately $225,000 to purchase a decent property in town.
Deciding to retire in West Virginia allows pensioners to settle in a safe and beautiful environment without worrying about how long their retirement savings will last. The state has some of the lowest real estate prices in the country, and the charming towns mentioned above are representative of what retirees can expect without draining their pensions. Thanks to its tranquil rural setting, friendly community, and generous outdoor adventures, most seniors don’t have to think twice before choosing it as their retirement destination.