WVU Law Morgantown panorama

The outdoors, cultural events, shopping, diverse restaurants, and lots of housing options all make Morgantown a great place to live. The Morgantown metro-area has a population of around 120,000. 

The city offers countless stores and restaurants, from national chains to one-of-a-kind dining and shopping experiences. Retail districts range from the historic downtown to malls and shopping centers on the outskirts of the city. The Wharf District on the banks of the Monongahela River features restaurants, an outdoor amphitheater, and access to the Caperton and Decker Creek trails.

Its proximity to West Virginia’s growing High Technology Corridor and major cities makes Morgantown a natural crossroad for ideas, cultures, and investment. Morgantown is approximately 75 miles south of Pittsburgh and 200 miles from Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Cleveland; and 300 miles from Cincinnati and Philadelphia. All within a 3-5 hour drive.

Nationally Recognized Quality of Life

Vibrant and dynamic, Morgantown has retained its small-town atmosphere and is widely regarded as a great place to live.

  • Forbes named Morgantown the 7th best place for business and careers among U.S. metro areas under 150,000 population
  • Inc. named Morgantown the 12th Hottest Small City: Boomtown among U.S. metro areas under 150,000 population
  • Kiplinger’s Personal Finance named Morgantown the 29th Smartest Place to Live in the U.S.
  • Named “Best Walking City” in West Virginia, 34th Best in the Country by Prevention magazine
  • The “Guide to Life in America’s Small Cities” named Morgantown the 3rd Best Small City in America, citing the availability of outdoor recreation opportunities and the presence of WVU as key community assets.
  • The American Institute for Economic Research has named Morgantown a Top 10 College Town.
  • Travel & Leisure has named Morgantown one of America’s Best College Towns (#11)