Nestled in the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of West Virginia, Morgantown is a hidden gem. It’s perfect for anyone who wants an affordable lifestyle with lots going on– there are historic buildings here as well as new ones, plus lots more!
If you’re thinking about buying a house in Morgantown but don’t know where to start, let us help guide you! Take a look at living in this lovely town and what it’s like to buy property here.
The Appeal of Morgantown
Morgantown has both the pros of a big city and the charm of a small town. With its population of only 30,000, this pretty place offers lots to do: see the lovely views, enjoy food from all over the world, or take part in college life. Little wonder then that people keep coming here on holiday—or to settle down!
Morgantown is a well-kept secret when it comes to the standard of living. The town has plentiful charm and manages to offer the best of both worlds– city-style facilities without the usual urban unfriendliness.
The amenities here are second to none! Suncrest Middle School and Morgantown High School are top-rated schools that offer children a quality education. In addition, Mon Health Medical Center provides excellent healthcare services to ensure residents stay healthy.
However, what makes Morgantown special is the number of beautiful parks it has. If you go for a drive in Cooper’s Rock State Forest or take a walk in Cheat Lake Park, you’ll see exactly what we mean. It’s no wonder that residents are proud of their homes and work hard to keep fit and well while enjoying the great outdoors.
Economic Opportunities
Although a small city, Morgantown provides great economic prospects for residents and investors. It boasts major employers like Monongalia General Hospital, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, and West Virginia University– so education and healthcare sectors thrive.
The economic growth is steady, too, due to Fortune 500 corporate giants such as Dow Chemical. Additionally, the unemployment rate is just 3.7%– lower than the national average. When compared to jobless figures for other American cities, Morgantown’s data looks pretty healthy: great if you’re looking for work.
Due to the diverse job opportunities and a strong economy, people can feel secure about living and working in this town.
The Real Estate Market in Morgantown is Rapidly Expanding
Affordability and Value
Affordability and value are key considerations when searching for a place to live. Both of these factors are present in Morgantown, West Virginia’s real estate market. Morgantown is known for its diverse neighborhoods and vibrant community, which means there are plenty of options for buyers here.
Morgantown has a lot of popular neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Some of these are:
- Greenmont: This neighborhood features cozy, affordable homes with a strong community feel. It’s close to downtown Morgantown, so residents can easily enjoy city living, too.
- Sabraton: If you want a more suburban feeling, Sabraton may be for you. Here, both older houses cost little, and brand new ones built recently have all the latest features. The area is great for raising children because it has good schools and an overall family-friendly vibe.
- First Ward: Families looking for tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and a close-knit community should consider First Ward.
- Wiles Hill: Wiles Hill may be a good choice for those who like historic homes but also want new construction. Additionally, because Wiles Hill is on a hill, residents can enjoy beautiful views of the city below!
Real Estate Market Insights
Morgantown’s real estate market is doing well and offers great prospects for investors and buyers alike. According to Zillow, the average value of a home here is $274,483– up 3.7% over the past year– and there is plenty of demand.
Most properties go under offer within a week of being listed! It’s not just about buying, though: the rental market in Morgantown is also booming. With West Virginia University nearby, there has always been a steady demand from students as well as young professionals.
Additionally, future development initiatives such as The Wharf District and Riverfront Village are anticipated to drive up property values even more. Don’t let this profitable market slip away— invest in Morgantown today!
Buying Process
Buying real estate in Morgantown, West Virginia, may feel a bit overwhelming at first. But if you know what to do and have someone to help you, it can be pretty easy. That’s where local real estate agents come in: They know the area inside out and can find a property that ticks all your boxes without blowing your budget.
Remember, there’s more to the cost of the house than just the house! You’ll also need to pay for things like closing fees, inspections, appraisals, and homeowners insurance. So make sure you factor those into your budget when you’re house hunting.
The Morgantown housing market is competitive– but there are ways to get ahead. One is to stay up-to-date with new listings and put in an offer as soon as you can. Another is to learn some tricks of the local trade. For example, sometimes you can get a discount if you’re happy to be flexible about when you move in or if you can afford to pay more money upfront (called a down payment).
There are plenty of reasons why people are interested in this part of West Virginia: stunning views, good job opportunities– plus lots more green space than you’d expect so close to a sizeable city.
Living in Morgantown
Cultural and Recreational Activities
Morgantown offers a slew of cultural and recreational activities. Residents will never be bored! If you love art, check out the Monongalia Arts Center or Morgantown Art Association for local artwork, as well as workshops on how to make your craft.
History buffs can visit the Museum of Geology or the Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts should head to Coopers Rock State Forest, where they can hike through woods overlooking Cheat Lake. This park also has an area set aside specifically for biking fans and another one for bird watchers!
Cheat Lake itself is great, too—not only does it offer fishing opportunities, but there’s also a path going all around, so those who prefer gentle strolls won’t be disappointed either. Adventure seekers can go zip lining at Experience Outdoors or rock climbing at Seneca Rocks. No matter what you like to do, there is something for you here!
Education and Healthcare
Few things are as essential to any city’s development as top-notch healthcare and education—and Morgantown, West Virginia, has both in spades.
When it comes to schools, this place is hard to beat: not only does it have some of the state’s best elementary and high schools, but there are also lots of opportunities for university students. With a mix of public and private options available at all levels, families here have plenty of choices.
Morgantown excels in terms of healthcare provision, too. It has some outstanding medical facilities. Mon Health Medical Center and Ruby Memorial Hospital are among the best hospitals anywhere, offering cutting-edge care.
Furthermore, there is no lack of healthcare facilities in Morgantown; rather, one can find them all over the city. These clinics and hospitals have very modern equipment and well-trained professionals– so people can always get great care if and when they need it!
Community and Lifestyle
Morgantown isn’t just a college town; it’s a lively community with small-town charm and individuality. Its close-knit neighborhoods make everyone feel welcome– so it’s easy to settle into this pretty place!
There’s always something going on here. FallFest and Arts Walk are just two events that bring people together to have fun while celebrating what makes Morgantown special. Local artists, musicians, and businesses get involved with both– and there are plenty more festivals and fairs throughout the year, too!
Morgantown also offers a wide variety of dining and shopping options that will appeal to everyone. Whether you enjoy restaurants that serve food straight from the farm, such as Table 9, or prefer drinking coffee in cozy cafes like The Grind WV, or if tasting beers at places like Chestnut Brew Works is more your style– you’ll find lots of choices to make your taste buds happy!
For shopping maniacs, the city has lots of local boutiques like Charmed Boutique and retro-themed shopping centers such as Suncrest Towne Centre, making it a great place for people who enjoy shopping. Whether you’re looking for something special or just want to spend the day browsing stores, this city has lots of options!
Transportation and Accessibility
Although Morgantown is a small city, it boasts impressive transportation options. Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or train, you’ll find getting into and around this city easy.
For example, Morgantown Municipal Airport offers flights to major cities like Pittsburgh and Washington D.C., while the Amtrak station offers many trains. In the town itself, Mountain Line Transit provides excellent public transport for commuting. With Interstates 79 and 68—plus easy access to them—driving in and out is a breeze. Unlike other urban areas, Morgantown doesn’t have lots of traffic all the time. This means moving about can be much less frustrating!
Overall Conclusion on Living and Buying Real Estate in Morgantown
In conclusion, Morgantown has a lot to offer people who want to settle down somewhere with good prospects for lifestyle and property investment. The city boasts high living standards, reasonable costs, and strong community ties, all making it a comfy, connected place to call home.
Its vibrant job market is another plus point, especially for young professionals: there are lots of positions available in and around this lively university town. Add low crime rates, and it is easy to see why Morgantown ticks boxes for buyers seeking real estate and those looking to put down roots somewhere rewarding!