The mountains are calling and we must go. That’s true for so many of us, isn’t it? We feel the pull of Mountain State deep in our souls. Apparently, so do retirees across the nation. Retirement Living, an online presence that specializes in where to retire and why, recently discovered that West Virginia is the third-best state for retirement, only edged out, in 2021 at least, by Florida and Texas.

What makes West Virginia such an attractive place to spend the retirement years? We can think of many reasons, some of which Retirement Living also identified.

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Their list included affordable homes, senior care communities, the WVU Health System that provides excellent health and dental care throughout the state, and the number of people 65 and older who already call West Virginia home (20% of the state’s population).

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They forgot to mention mountain views. Sunsets. Shopping. Outdoor recreation. Scenic drives. Delicious restaurants. A fascinating history and a rich culture. Small towns where everyone knows your name.

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Need we go on? Of course West Virginia is one of the best places in the country to retire!

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That doesn’t mean there aren’t some things to consider before you move here, though.

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Retirement Living notes concerns regarding lack of winter activities for retirees. We can’t agree with that (see above list, plenty of which can still be done in winter), but we do have to admit that winter driving might be a little easier in a state like Florida or Texas.

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Another negative according to Retirement Living is that some residents face high retirement income taxes here in West Virginia as compared to other states.

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Still, you won’t talk us out of the idea! Do you plan to retire to West Virginia? Why or why not? Just in case you’re on the fence, here are some more reasons to love living here in Almost Heaven!

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