Best Cities for Retirees in West Virginia
West Virginia ranks #38 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 54.5. Bridgeport is its best city for retirees at 65.8.
- West Virginia, all states
- #38 of 50
- Population
- 9,252
What Retirees Should Know About West Virginia
At #38 out of 50, West Virginia isn't a traditional retirement hotspot — but that doesn't tell the whole story. The state has genuine strengths in affordability, and retirees with specific priorities (safety, low cost of living) may find it suits them better than the aggregate ranking suggests.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. West Virginia's health score of 21/100 is a concern — at 72.2 years, life expectancy trails the national average, and access to quality care can be uneven. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 8.85% of income. The 4.82% income tax rate is relatively modest. Property taxes run 0.55% (effective rate), which is among the lowest in the nation.
Housing affordability is a clear draw — a typical home value of $179,496 makes it feasible to downsize and free up equity. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 81/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Bridgeport | B+ | 65.8 | 62.8 | 51 | 77 | 80 | 9,252 |
| 2Cheat Lake | B+ | 63.0 | 62.2 | 62 | 79 | 73 | 10,902 |
| 3Teays Valley | B | 57.6 | 57.8 | 50 | 78 | 79 | 14,151 |
| 4Weirton | C | 54.6 | 50.4 | 25 | 43 | 90 | 18,647 |
| 5Vienna | D | 52.4 | 47.8 | 35 | 48 | 89 | 10,518 |
| 6Cross Lanes | D | 52.2 | 45.1 | 39 | 59 | 86 | 9,671 |
| 7St. Albans | D | 51.2 | 47.0 | 30 | 38 | 87 | 10,522 |
| 8Bluefield | D | 50.6 | 44.7 | 19 | 28 | 91 | 9,387 |
| 9Martinsburg | D | 48.1 | 47.6 | 19 | 30 | 77 | 18,904 |
| 10Fairmont | D | 47.7 | 48.4 | 25 | 36 | 87 | 18,221 |
| 11Morgantown | C+ | 47.5 | 52.8 | 49 | 4 | 79 | 30,236 |
| 12Charleston | D | 47.5 | 48.6 | 32 | 40 | 85 | 47,421 |
| 13Oak Hill | D | 47.1 | 44.7 | 22 | 23 | 89 | 7,937 |
| 14Moundsville | D | 46.9 | 46.3 | 30 | 20 | 90 | 7,869 |
| 15Clarksburg | D | 46.8 | 46.1 | 21 | 17 | 90 | 15,549 |
| 16Parkersburg | D | 45.4 | 47.8 | 11 | 20 | 91 | 29,240 |
| 17South Charleston | F | 45.0 | 42.1 | 28 | 37 | 88 | 13,457 |
| 18Wheeling | D | 44.8 | 47.0 | 27 | 24 | 89 | 26,350 |
| 19Beckley | F | 40.1 | 34.1 | 13 | 7 | 87 | 16,818 |
| 20Huntington | D | 39.0 | 44.2 | 15 | 12 | 88 | 45,787 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: West Virginia for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Virginia a good state for retirees?
West Virginia ranks #38 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 54.5/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (86/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (17/100).
What is the best city for retirees in West Virginia?
Bridgeport ranks #1 in West Virginia for retirees with a score of 65.8/100, followed by Cheat Lake and Teays Valley.
What factors are most important for retirees in West Virginia?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.