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Considered one of the best affordable places to live in West Virginia, Weirton is located along the Ohio River, nestled between the borders of Ohio and Pennsylvania. There is no shortage of things to do in Weirton, with many museums, shops, and restaurants in town. Its location on the river also means it’s a great place to explore the outdoors. Families will appreciate that the public schools in Weirton are above average.

With a home price-to-income ratio of 2.35, Weirton is an affordable place to buy for the first-time homebuyer.

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Clarksburg is located in the north-central part of the state along the West Fork River. Residents of the city can experience restaurants, historic buildings and homes, and outdoor activities like golf, hiking, and waterparks. The city is a good place to live overall, with high-quality housing and vibrant nightlife. Clarksburg is also a good place to raise a family.

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Charleston is the capital of and most populous city in West Virginia. The city is also located along the Kanawha River and the Elk River. Charleston residents can enjoy plenty of enjoyable activities, including museums, festivals, restaurants, and a minor league baseball team. Also, there are regular events held at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.

If you are raising a family, Weirton pops up again on this list. As noted earlier, this is among the lowest cost-of-living towns in the state, so you won’t have to worry about exorbitant prices, either. And parents will appreciate its above-average schools and recreation options for their kids.

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Moundsville is located on the Ohio River near the Pennsylvania border. It has plenty of places for families to explore: It’s home to the largest conical burial ground in North America and Grand View Park, where residents can enjoy outdoor activities. The city is a good place to raise a family thanks to a low cost of living and quality housing. Parents also appreciate the local school system, and the town of 7,000-plus rates well for job prospects.

If you are thinking of buying a home in Moundsville, it can be wise to learn the difference between mortgage prequalification vs. preapproval, so you can get the ball rolling.

Nitro is a city on the Kanawha River, about 20 minutes from Charleston. While Charleston is affordable, prices are even lower in Nitro. It’s also an all-around good place to live, with an array of housing options and a low cost of living. Families may especially appreciate its strong school system. With its name coming from the World War I era, Nitro is considered a living World War I memorial. You can learn about the city’s connection to World War I at the Nitro War Museum.

Looking for one of the best places to live in West Virginia if you’re a young adult? Consider Barboursville, a village conveniently located next to I-64 in Cabell County. The village is part of the Huntington metropolitan area. Like Huntington, Barboursville is near the borders of Ohio and Kentucky. Barboursville is one of the best places to live in West Virginia overall, but young adults might feel especially at home here thanks to its great nightlife, low cost of living, and access to health and fitness facilities. It also has short commute times.

If you’re ready to jump into the housing market, getting preapproved for a loan may help. You may want to learn about the mortgage preapproval process, which could give you an edge.

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Charleston makes the list again, this time as one of the best places for young adults in the state. The city has a good job market, a great nightlife scene, and a low cost of living. It’s also a good city for outdoor activities, and many residents enjoy the healthy lifestyle that results.

If you’re thinking of putting down roots in this city, first-time homebuyer programs in West Virginia can help you afford the purchase of a property.

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Bridgeport is located in the north-central part of the state, just east of Clarksburg. One of the fastest-growing cities in the state, it stands out for its excellent job market. It also has a solid selection of nightlife and outdoor activities, as well as excellent health and fitness facilities.

If you need a mortgage in Bridgeport, consider these tips to qualify for a mortgage. You may also note that rents are higher in Bridgeport than in some other towns on this list.

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Bluefield makes another appearance on this list, here as a great place for retirees for several reasons. For one, property tax in the city is low. In addition, West Virginia phased out state Social Security taxes. Also, people 65 and older make up a significant portion of the city’s population at about 20%.

With such a low cost of living, if you decide to buy in Bluefield, it’s highly unlikely that you would need a jumbo mortgage loan.

Yes, it’s Weirton on our list again. Almost a quarter of the population is 65 and over in Weirton, so those in or nearing retirement should have plenty of peers to hang out with. The city has lots to do with museums and restaurants, plus walking paths and bike trails. Overall, the cost of living is quite low, making it an attractive place to retire.

Dunbar is a good place to retire, whether you want things to do or just relax. With easy access to Charleston and South Charleston, there are many things to see and do within reach. There are parks, museums, burial mounds, and other attractions. Plus, Dunbar’s overall cost of living is low, although rents have been rising.

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Fairmont is located in north-central West Virginia, and its history dates back to the 18th century. Downtown Fairmont is on the Monongahela River, and the West Fork River meets the Monongahela not far from downtown. However, you’ll want to go a little farther out to Valley Falls State Fork if you want to get the best look at the water. The park has 18 miles of hiking trails, and you can fish and kayak in the river.

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Parkersburg is the fourth-largest city in West Virginia and sits at the confluence of the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers. As one of the larger cities in West Virginia, there is a lot to do in Parkersburg. For instance, you can take a ferry from Point Park to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and visit the Blennerhassett Mansion. You can also visit the WineTree Vineyards or see a performance at the Smoot Theater.

If you decide to buy in Parkersburg and take out a mortgage with a high rate, a mortgage refinance could help later if interest rates dip.

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You can’t miss Fayetteville if you want to be near the water, as it’s not too far from New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The park features the New River Gorge Bridge, which is right next to Fayetteville. It crosses the New River into Lansing. Activities in or near the river and state park include white-water rafting, ziplining, and ATV tours. Beyond outdoor adventures, the town has plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to keep residents entertained.

You’ll find Edmond at or near the top of just about every “best of” list for the state of Oklahoma. This suburb of Oklahoma City has its own charming downtown and is known for its plentiful parks and top-notch performing arts venues. Families living there appreciate the well-ranked schools. It’s also home to the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian University. The sheer size of the market here helps ensure even those with around $200,000 in the budget will have options.

Jenks is a fast-growing suburb of Tulsa, and home to the Oklahoma Aquarium, the Jenks Planetarium, and the popular RiverWalk Crossing Entertainment District, which offers shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. Jenks is also known for its short commute to Tulsa, and families will appreciate its well-regarded schools.

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If you like the vibe of a college town, Stillwater — the home of Oklahoma State University — may be the right place for you. Stillwater is known for its hospitality, diversity, and affordability. It has a dynamic downtown area, with live music venues, shopping and dining, and year-round festivals. For those who love art and history, the city also offers the Downtown Stillwater Cultural District. And sports lovers can cheer on the OSU Cowboys. Home prices have increased steadily over the past few years, but the average home value here, at around $241,000, is still around $100,000 under the national average.

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Broken Arrow is a growing, family-friendly city in Oklahoma’s picturesque Green Country region. It’s about a 14-mile commute to Tulsa, and it has its own downtown business district as well. Families will be drawn to the well-rated schools, and they can find lots of activities to choose from year-round — including several seasonal festivals and a “Tuesdays in the Park” concert series held in June. There can be a wide range of home prices depending on the neighborhood you choose. But overall, homes are very affordable.

Nicknamed “The Garden Spot of Oklahoma” for its agricultural roots, Bixby is a small but growing city near Tulsa. Families are attracted to this community by its good schools, many parks, historic (but updated) downtown district, and small-town feel. If you haven’t bought a home before (or if it’s been a while), familiarize yourself with the different types of mortgage loans before you start your search.

Owasso is another Tulsa suburb that’s popular with families. There are parks, playgrounds, and other recreational activities for the kids. And it’s big enough that it has the usual lineup of big box and grocery stores. Another draw for families: The schools are well regarded. Though it’s close to the city, Owasso has its own history and sense of community. Looking in Owasso? Make sure you understand the basics of how to qualify for a mortgage before the search gets serious.

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Young adults who like the idea of living in a city — but not an expensive and overwhelming metropolis — may find the state capital of Oklahoma City suits their needs. In 2023, Forbes ranked OKC the No. 2 city in the U.S. for young professionals, citing low living expenses, a thriving job market, and a vibrant atmosphere as major factors in its appeal. If you’re thinking about buying a home, understand the difference between mortgage prequalification and preapproval before you get serious about a spot.

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Tulsa is Oklahoma’s second-largest city by population, but it’s still quite affordable for both renters and homebuyers — and it’s known for its hospitality. There are several walkable and welcoming neighborhoods for those who like the idea of stopping in at a local restaurant, coffee shop, or bar. (There’s also a public bus system and a bike share program.) Residents can enjoy a vibrant arts and entertainment scene with a range of music venues. And for outdoorsy types, there are more than 130 parks around the metro area.

Looking for a suburban setting with a quick commute to Oklahoma City? Moore has a mix of amenities that both young professionals and young families might find appealing. The Station Recreation & Aquatic Center, which is run by the city, offers pickleball and basketball courts as well as an indoor walking track and an outdoor pool. And you may find that home and rent prices are less expensive in Moore than some nearby suburbs.

This small city is located just north of the upscale Nichols Hills suburb of Oklahoma City, but home prices in The Village are generally much lower. And it’s close to all that the big city has to offer (including the airport, for those who have grandkids to visit). It’s also a quick drive to lovely Lake Hefner, where retirees can walk, run, kayak, golf, and fish.

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Bartlesville has plenty to offer retirees with a wide range of interests, including interesting architecture, a museum packed with Western artifacts, and several scenic parks. And when the grandchildren come to visit, there’s Bartlesville Kiddie Park, with fun rides designed specifically with younger children in mind.

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Ready to try your luck in Lawton? This diverse city in southwest Oklahoma is known for its rich Native American history, and it’s the home of the bustling Comanche Nation Casino, where retirees (and their visitors) can enjoy good food and good times. If you prefer the outdoors, you’ll find there are plenty of parks for picnicking and other activities.

If fishing and boating — or a beautiful water view — is a priority in your home search, you may want to put Grove on your house-hunting list. The small town is surrounded by Grand Lake, which is a professional bass fishing tournament lake and a recreational hotspot. There’s also a botanical garden, and lots to explore in Grand Lake State Park. And because Grove is popular with tourists in the summer months, there are plenty of bars and restaurants.

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There’s a little bit of everything in Ardmore: arts and culture, world-class golf courses, and diverse dining and shopping opportunities. And, of course, there’s beautiful Lake Murray, where you can swim, boat, and fish. Ardmore also is known for its health-care facilities and friendly neighborhoods. The cost of living in Ardmore is lower than the overall cost of living in Oklahoma, and much lower than the U.S. average.

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The city of Broken Bow, in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, has its own 40-acre park with a stocked fishing pond, walking track, and more. It’s also near popular Broken Bow Lake, a thriving tourist destination that benefits businesses in Broken Bow (but can add to the traffic).