WEIRTON, W.Va. — U.S. News & World Report has named Weirton, West Virginia the No. 2 Best Place to Retire in the United States for 2026, recognizing the city for its strong quality of life, affordability, and access to health care.
The 2026 rankings evaluated more than 850 U.S. cities, publishing the top 250 retirement destinations based on how well they meet retirees’ priorities.
Weirton Mayor Dean M. Harris said the national recognition highlights the city’s commitment to providing a high quality of life for residents of all ages.
“As the Mayor of Weirton, I am proud that our city is dedicated to ensuring our community is a safe, clean, affordable, and enjoyable place for residents of all ages,” Harris said. “We’re committed to offering a wide array of activities and amenities, and one of our greatest advantages is our prime location — just 20 minutes from the Pittsburgh International Airport.”
The U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Retire rankings consider six key factors:
- Quality of Life (most heavily weighted)
- Affordability
- Health care quality
- Retiree taxes
- Population and migration trends for those 55 and older
- Job market ratings
