Why Live in Morgantown
West Virginia University's presence shapes daily life in Morgantown, from the bustling Mountainlair student center to the electric game day atmosphere at Milan Puskar Stadium. The city combines outdoor recreation at Coopers Rock State Forest's hiking trails and scenic overlooks with cultural attractions like the Art Museum of WVU and historic Metropolitan Theatre. The Caperton Trail and Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park provide waterfront paths along the Monongahela River, while Cheat Lake beckons residents for boating and swimming. The dining scene features local favorites like Oliverio's Ristorante in the Wharf District and Iron Horse Tavern downtown, known for West Virginia craft beers and specialty cocktails.
Single family homes constitute the primary housing stock across neighborhoods like Suncrest, where the median price is $349,300, and South Park at $285,000. Downtown Morgantown single family homes have a median price of $225,000. The citywide median sale price sits at $310,000, with townhomes at $268,000. One bedroom condos start at a median of $165,000, while two bedroom units reach $220,000.
The cost of living falls 7.1% below the national average. A family with school age children needs approximately $98,000 annually to live comfortably, while renters require about $52,000. Property taxes remain competitive at 0.48%, lower than Pittsburgh's 1.57%. The public school system includes highly rated institutions like Morgantown High School and Mountaineer Middle School. Commuters utilize the unique Personal Rapid Transit system connecting WVU campuses, Mountain Line Transit buses, and major highways placing Pittsburgh 75 miles away. The stable job market centers on WVU, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Home Trends in Morgantown, WV
On average, homes in Morgantown, WV sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Morgantown, WV over the last 12 months is $325,000, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$325,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$442,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$297,450
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$207,500
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$160,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$172
Number of Homes for Sale
24
Last 12 months Home Sales
598
Median List Price
$325,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-14%