West Virginia ranked second best place to retire to in the country

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — The Mountain State has beaten out 48 other states to claim the second place ranking in Bankrate’s Best Places to Retire list.

Beating out Georgia, South Carolina, and Missouri in the top five, the only state to beat out West Virginia was Delaware.

Bankrate reports the Mountain State had the top score in their affordability category based on the state’s low cost of living, low property taxes, and affordable homeowners insurance.

There are four other categories used in their ranking system including overall well-being, cost and quality of healthcare, weather, and crime.

Lisa Strader, Director of Visit Southern West Virginia, said the state has some other factors that play into retirees’ decisions as well.

“I think they just feel this sense of place, this sense of home when they come here. I think that all factors into the normal things people are looking for, like you said, cost of living, the accessibility, things of that nature when people are looking for their forever home,” said Strader.

Strader said one category that most people do not consider West Virginia to rank very high in is weather.

She said people appreciate good seasonal changes.

“We’re very fortunate when it comes to our seasons. We have, you know, four very obviously distinct seasons. Our winters are cold, but they’re not terrible, you can still get around,” said Strader. “I think a lot of people just don’t wanna be hot all the time. They want that beauty and the refreshing changes.”

Strader said this ranking means a lot to her especially as someone who plays such a large role in encouraging people to come to the Mountain State.

“So, I think, you know, we’re proud. I think we’re very happy to share it and to show people what we have and who we are,” said Strader.

Strader hopes that if more people choose to retire to West Virginia, it will inspire their families to join them here in the Mountain State.

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