Lakeside living and mountain excursions outside Morgantown
Cheat Lake is a growing community that lives life outside, spending weekends kayaking and fishing, or heading into Coopers Rock State Forest for mountaintop views. Less than 8 miles from downtown Morgantown, Cheat Lake’s namesake cuts through the sprawling neighborhood and curves around its northern edge at the Pennsylvania state line. The area’s natural beauty is hardly a secret; In February 2024, state delegates passed a resolution to study the possibility of establishing a state park around the lake. The move would raise the profile of what is already a popular area for both tourists and homebuyers.
Boats are docked in Cheat Lake waiting for their chance to spend a day in the sun on Cheat Lake.
People come from miles around to experience the lookout in Coopers Rock Forest near Cheat Lake.
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Coopers Rock State Forest welcomes all skill levels
Cheat Lake is an outdoorsy community, a natural result of proximity to water recreation and the mountains. “There’s a lot of outdoor activity; anything that is paired with the lake, like kayaking, boating, hiking,” says Jennifer Romeo, principal salesperson with White Diamond Realty. Boat rentals are available at Sunset Beach Marina, including motorboats, pontoon boats and paddleboards. Fishing permit holders can cast a line beside the Ice Ferry Bridge or at Cheat Lake Park, which also has a waterfront playground and a beach open in the summer.
Just a few miles outside the neighborhood, the mountains call to local nature lovers. Coopers Rock State Forest has hiking and biking trails with canyon overlooks, cross-country ski terrain and sandstone cliffs for rock climbing. Trails range in accessibility, from flat, creekside paths to steep inclines leading to dramatic vistas.
Lakeview Golf Resort operates two courses within the neighborhood, one directly on the lake and another with mountain views.
Visitors of Coopers Rock Forest walk the trail to the old Henry Clay Furnace near Cheat Lake.
Coopers Rock State Forest is a go to destination for residents of Cheat Lake for walking trails.
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Homes have views of Cheat Lake
Cheat Lake has homes “either on the lake or with lake views,” Romeo says. The hilly nature of the neighborhood means that even homes a couple of miles from the water can still catch a glimpse. Location is a primary draw for buyers, and ultimately drives prices above the Morgantown median and higher than nearby Brookhaven. Homes here typically start at $200,000, though costs can quickly escalate for newer construction with greater square footage. Most properties range between $300,000 and $700,000, and some custom builds have sold up to $1 million. Prices are generally higher on the north side of the lake.
This is a growing area, Romeo says, reflected in the droves of new construction that are continuing to pop up in Cheat Lake. Buyers can still find split-levels and ranch-style homes from the 1950s through the 1970s, though New Traditionals built between the 1990s and today ultimately dominate the market. People live in suburban enclaves that can feel like mini neighborhoods within the greater Cheat Lake area. Communities of townhouses are sprinkled throughout, with units typically ranging between $150,000 and $450,000.
Areas of Cheat Lake are home to new construction like this home with an inground pool.
A row of newly constructed homes stand out on the hills of Cheat Lake.
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Waterfront dining at The Lakehouse Restaurant
Residents here can meet most, but not all of their needs within the neighborhood, though big-box stores are usually a short drive away. “Most of your grocery shopping and things like that are going to be done in Morgantown, but they’ve got some restaurants popping up here and there,” Romeo says. Cheat Lake’s Pierpont Centre has a handful of stores, including Lowe’s, Michaels and a Price Cutter grocery store. Many residents choose to shop at Kroger about 6 miles away.
Cheat Lake’s dining scene is more developed, with lakefront restaurants and bars drawing locals and tourists. The Lakehouse Restaurant at Sunset Beach Marina is a popular spot for seafood and waterfront views, and Tropics Hawaiian restaurant hosts live music on its frequently packed outdoor patio. Residents here can even enjoy a sweet treat while on the lake: Mooey Buoy ice cream boat delivers ice cream truck standards to kayakers, boaters and floaters on hot summer days.
Things to do in Cheat Lake include eating, drinking and looking out onto the lake.
People can enjoy a meal and drinks on the deck at the Lake House Restaurant in Cheat Lake.
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Traffic can slow commuters to Morgantown
According to Romeo, buyers should keep traffic in mind when considering their potential commutes. “I think a lot of people get surprised because they look at the actual physical distance from town where it’s just a few miles, but parts of Cheat Lake can be a 30-minute commute into downtown depending on where you’re at during high traffic times,” she says. The heart of Cheat Lake is about 7.5 miles from downtown Morgantown. Interstate 68 runs through the neighborhood, granting access to downtown and Morgantown Municipal Airport. The airport operates flights to Pittsburgh and Washington D.C., though many people choose to drive the 70 miles to Pittsburgh, then fly to their final destination.
Split level homes have found a resurgence in the majestic neighborhood of Cheat Lake.
A row of split level style homes line this street in the neighborhood of Cheat Lake.
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Highly rated Monongalia County Schools
Monongalia County Schools are highly rated, including Cheat Lake Elementary, which gets an A from Niche. Mountaineer Middle also receives an A. Teens graduate from A-minus-rated University High. The school offers eight state-approved career and technical education programs, which include a simulated workplace experience. Subjects range from accounting and marketing to agribusiness and baking.
Mountaineer Middle School has an overall rating of an A on Niche.
The student to teacher ratio at University High School is 16 to 1.
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Family-friendly events in Cheat Lake
West Virginia Botanic Garden is a popular destination in the neighborhood, offering free admission to wooded walking paths, a children’s play area and hammocks and benches to relax in nature. The garden hosts a concert series between June and September.
Families can also participate in storytimes, scavenger hunts and crafting events at the Cheat Area Public Library. The library was recently renovated with a new children’s play area, which now includes a sensory space developed with occupational therapists.
Enjoying a day on Cheat Lake is a popular activity for residents and visitors in Cheat Lake.
A group of friends spend a day together having fun playing a game of golf in Cheat Lake.
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Storms can cause road closures in Cheat Lake
Many parts of the neighborhood are at an elevated risk of flooding, according to Risk Factor. In past years, storms have caused closures along I-68 near the Cheat Lake Bridge.
A gaggle of geese stop by for a drink of water and a snack in Cheat Lake.
Residents of Cheat Lake enjoy walks with their dogs and young children on the hilly terrain.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Josh Miller,
an experienced agent in this area.
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