Firstly why Morgantown, West-Virginia?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Morgantown
• State: West-Virginia
• Population: 30,292 people
• Morgantown’s quick summary would be Morgantown folks climb countless hills to get to WVU classes and celebrate Mountaineer football every fall.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 8,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 2,500 annually
• Net Migration: 5500 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 100
• Number of Homeless people: 150

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to West Virginia University attracts students and young professionals

Perk #1: Morgantown Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 65%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $46,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Morgantown is $48,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Morgantown’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,133
• Property Tax %: 1.37%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Morgantown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Morgantown, Westover, Granville, Kingwood, and probably could include Masontown
• Avg. Age of Homes in Morgantown: 33 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.9%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Morgantown’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Morgantown are  Education, Healthcare, and Retail
• Morgantown Job Scene: healthy job market focused on education and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: home to West Virginia University, emerging tech community driven by education ,
• Morgantown Resident’s pay $600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Morgantown: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 40 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Morgantown

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-68 runs through Morgantown linking it to western Maryland
• Commute Time: 23 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on the 68
• Transportation Score: 32 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Morgantown: 20,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.7
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Morgantown: transportation.wv.gov/DMV
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 68 of 100
• Local Airport: Morgantown Municipal

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Morgantown’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flooding
• General Weather in Morgantown is best described as cold winters warm summers with significant rain
• Winter Weather in Morgantown i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Morgantown can be described as mild with rain expected
• Summer’s in Morgantown are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Morgantown is usually cool with clear skies
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 10 days in summer
• Days in a row in Morgantown below Freezing: 20
• Average Annual Rainfall: 43 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely supported by local greenery
• Morgantown Winter Air generally good air quality with minimal impacts

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Morgantown Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Morgantown 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Morgantowns’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Morgantown Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Morgantown Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Morgantown only Doctors is about 20
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Morgantown only Police Officers is about 110
• Crime Rate Index: 35/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Morgantown’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Morgantown’s Monthly Gym Membership: $38
• Morgantown’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Morgantown

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: college town with a rich cultural atmosphere
• You might enjoy local performances at the Metropolitan Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Morgantown  offers a lively college-town nightlife scene with diverse bars and eateries attracting students and locals

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Morgantown

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers local dining with a focus on college-town eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 15 scattered around Morgantown
• The Popular Sports Team is Morgantown High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Morgantown can be described as liberal college town focused on education and social issues
• Morgantown’s Longer standing religious establishment is Morgantown United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Morgantown Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Morgantown has 15 Parks?
• Morgantown Parks is Morgantown’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Morgantown Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Morgantown Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Morgantown can be described as steady college town atmosphere with a focus on education and culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Morgantown community activities exploring parks visiting local attractions
• The Cities people commute to from Morgantown are Clarksburg 13 miles away Fairmont 13 miles away Salem 14 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Morgantown or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on the 68. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Morgantown’s Flooding risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Morgantown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Morgantown are Clarksburg 13 miles away Fairmont 13 miles away Salem 14 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 35 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Morgantown has 20 days in a row below freezing and 10 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Morgantown people have an average (positive or negative) $2000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   150 homeless people living in Morgantown. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal college town focused on education and social issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Morgantown.

Retiree & Senior Life in Morgantown

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access local tax relief based on age and income levels
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Morgantown Health & Rehabilitation
• Morgantown Senior Center provides meal programs social resources and wellness workshops for older residents

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Morgantown, West-Virginia?

If Morgantown, West-Virginia ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Morgantown, West-Virginia, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!