A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in West Virginia

 

Almost Heaven Retiring in West Virginia

The “ Mountain State” of West Virginia is the affordable option for active older adults who want a rural residence with the convenience of being located near the metropolis’ of Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, and Ohio.

The rugged and wild Appalachian Mountain range covers most of the state. Mountain bike trails follow rivers to waterfalls and caverns. Fishing, hunting, birdwatching, and nature photography change with the seasons. 

For the avid golfer looking to perfect their game, there are over 125 golf courses within the state’s 24,230 square miles. The rolling fairways and the awe-inspiring landscape will challenge golfers. The oldest golf course in the USA is found in White Sulphur Springs and has the added amenity of an indoor simulator. 

Four ski resorts scattered across West Virginia appeal to skiers, snowboarders, and sledders alike. Of course, the whole state is littered with mountains and hills to sled down. Other sports that residents fill their winter days with include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on snow-covered mountain bike trails. 

Housing and the cost of living in West Virginia are very affordable. Empty-nesters looking to downsize into a low maintenance community will find plenty of options in the state. 

 

West Virginia’s Areas and Regions of Interest

Much of West Virginia has a rural feel, even around its more metropolitan areas. Towns that are perfect for 55+ active adults are tucked in the rolling mountains and hills of the state’s rugged geography.

Potomac Highlands

The Potomac Highlands region is the most popular region for active older adults who want to retire in West Virginia. Golf course communities in the village of Shepherdstown are located just over the border with Maryland.  

The city of Martinsburg is the most populated in the area. Thirty-four percent of the city’s almost 19,000 residents are active older adults. Their options for active lifestyle communities include waterfront communities and all ages communities. 

Berkeley Springs is another popular waterfront and golf course community town. Retirees will live among the natural beauty of a historic hot springs spa town. Halfway between Martinsburg and Berkeley Springs is the town of Hedgesville. Since its inception in the 18th century, the population of Hedgesville has remained near its current population of around 300 residents. The golf course community that’s central to the town also offers active older adults hiking and mountain bike trails and multiple stocked fishing ponds. 

The “ Mainstreet” city of Charles Town has both 55+ and all ages communities choices for active older adults who want to live in a safe, affordable city near more metropolitan locales. If you’re looking for a place to spend your next stage of life, the housing options include luxury rental communities that give residents more time to pursue their passions due to being low maintenance communities. 

Metro Valley

Metro Valley is home to the capital of West Virginia, Charleston. The metro Valley has casinos in both Milton and Huntington. Halfway between Charleston and the active adult community of Huntington, lies the town of Milton. Milton is a great place for active older adults who want to live in a community-minded manufactured home community conveniently located between the two larger towns. Huntington has luxury rental communities that offer residents a low maintenance community, close to the shopping and dining districts of the town.

Mountain and Lakes Country

Active older adults looking for an untamed natural environment will feel right at home in the  Mountain and Lakes Country region of West Virginia. In addition to fishing and unlimited mountain bike trails, the region offers 5 golf courses, along with ample shopping and dining options. Bridgeport offers active older adults housing in master-planned, all ages communities. 

New River and Greenbrier Valley

Just over the border from Virginia is the town of White Sulphur Springs, home to the oldest golf course in the USA! The town is ethnically diverse and about fifty percent of the population is over 55 years of age. The golf course community homes are perfect for the active older adult who wants to live in an active neighborhood.

When your retirement dream is building a custom, mountain top home, then the town of Lewisburg is the place to be! It’s ranked #3 for retirees in West Virginia and is growing rapidly with over 40% of the population comprised of active older adults. 

Just under 50% of the residents of the village of Daniels are of retirement age. Many of the residents are happy living their active lifestyles in their golf course community. 

The town of Beckley is the commercial and cultural hub of the New River and Greenbrier Valley region. For those looking for an affordable option, a manufactured home community may fit your needs as well as your budget. 

Ohio Valley

The Ohio Valley region is perfect for retirees that love to live amongst the state’s history! The area is known as a historic hotspot with multiple points of interest celebrating West Virginia’s storied heritage. The city of Williamstown lies on the banks of the Ohio River, just across the border with the state of Ohio. The condominium lifestyle is attractive to active older adults considering the Ohio Valley region for their retirement years. 

 

Activities that Appeal to Seniors in West Virginia

West Virginia is a popular retirement location for seniors looking to spend time outdoors doing the things they love in their retirement years. The mountainous, rugged terrain throughout the state is perfect for hunting, fishing, and four-season mountain sports. Check out popular ways to stay active in your 55+ community while exploring all the state has to offer!

On-Property Community Activities

Stay active without having to leave your community. Features in 55+  communities such as an onsite gym and dog park are ideal for retirees and their pets who want to keep moving every day. Join a scheduled fitness class club to stay connected to your fellow community members, or simply exercise with daily walks on the property’s trails.

Walk the Trails

Taking a walk around your active adult lifestyle community lets you stretch your muscles and stay healthy both physically and mentally. This light exercise can also be enjoyed in a group or with a pet. 

Many of these trails double as bike trails when there’s no snow and cross-country ski trails in the winter months. 

(H4) Take Part in Clubhouse Activities

Clubhouses offer a range of activities from games and crafts rooms, to lending libraries and community kitchens. Many of West Virginia's senior communities also include lounge rooms for socializing and neighborhood get-togethers. 

Hit the Gym

Fitness centers in West Virginia’s master-planned active adult communities are fully modernized with machines and weights. Some offer group classes while others give residents the opportunity to exercise alone.

Get Outdoors in West Virginia

West Virginia is known for its outdoor mountain activities. Ride mountain bike trails in the warmer months and ski in the winter.

Fish and hunt around lakes and forests throughout the year. Visit casinos and historic sites. Learn about local cultures and connect with your community. All this and more await when you retire in the state!

Discover Scenic Hiking

Hike West Virginia's parks and trails for wildlife sightings and scenic views. Many of these trails lead to unexpected historical sites and hidden caverns. Some hiking trails follow rivers and streams to spectacular waterfalls. 

Go Rock Climbing

Adventurous active older adults have tried and true at rock climbing and spelunking out their backdoor. Rock climbing clubs are scattered throughout the state and welcome both new and seasoned climbers on their expeditions. 

River Sports

West Virginia’s rivers are an outdoor paradise for residents seeking an active adult lifestyle on the water! The Mountain State is well known for its streams and rivers tumbling down ravines and coming to rest in some of the best freshwater fishing spots in the country. 

 

How to Know if West Virginia is Right for Your Retirement

The Appalachians Mountains of West Virginia are the state’s most defining feature. It’s at the peaks and in the valleys that some of the most affordable active adult communities in the country are found.

West Virginia experiences all four seasons. If you’re looking to spend most of your time in the wilderness, the mountains and forests of West Virginia are sure to offer you an adventure that changes with the seasons. 

In addition to its rural cities and towns, much of West Virginia is conveniently located near metropolitans located in the neighboring states. It’s only a short drive to Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

 

Housing Options for Seniors

55+ active adults looking for welcoming communities in West Virginia have many options. Choose from senior housing communities offering a range of amenities and onsite activities.

Condominium Communities

Skip downsizing and ‘right size’ when you retire in a cozy condominium community. Condos may be part of master planned communities with access to nearby dining and shopping districts. Others are located within a short drive of metropolitan areas.

Golf Course Communities

West Virginia has many golf course communities where golfers can play their favorite sport as often as they like at their doorstep. These communities are typically associated with country clubs and their high-end amenities like restaurants, spas, a pro shop, and a driving range. 

Manufactured Home Communities

Downsize to an affordable home when you retire to a manufactured home community. Manufactured homes are perfect for households of one or two empty nesters looking for the small-town feel that 55+ communities provide.

All Age Communities

Retire to a diverse neighborhood with amenities for all age groups. All age communities often feature single-story homes and amenities such as gated access, a clubhouse, and an onsite fitness center.