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Morgantown,WV Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhoods in Morgantown, WV – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights

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Discovering the Charm: A Guide to Morgantown, WV Neighborhoods

Morgantown, West Virginia, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, welcoming community, and dynamic neighborhoods. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or family, Morgantown offers diverse living areas that combine small-town charm with the energy of a college town. From cozy historic districts to bustling downtown streets, the best neighborhoods in Morgantown provide something for everyone. If you’re curious about where to settle or just want to explore, the Morgantown neighborhoods map is a handy tool to get acquainted with the layout of this lively city.

Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions

When it comes to housing, Morgantown offers a mix of options that suit different budgets and lifestyles. Neighborhoods like South Park and Suncrest are popular for their affordability and family-friendly atmosphere, featuring a blend of charming older homes and newer developments. Downtown Morgantown tends to have more apartments and condos, perfect for students and young professionals wanting to be close to shops and nightlife. The real estate market here is relatively stable, with prices remaining reasonable compared to larger metropolitan areas, making Morgantown an attractive place to buy or rent.

Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability

Safety is an important consideration, and Morgantown generally boasts a reputation for being a safe city. Neighborhoods such as Cheat Lake and Sabraton are known for their low crime rates and strong community engagement, which contributes to their stability and appeal. While like any city, some areas experience occasional incidents, local law enforcement and neighborhood watch programs actively work to maintain a secure environment, giving residents peace of mind whether they live near the campus or further out.

The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods

Morgantown’s neighborhoods each bring their own unique vibe and character. For instance, the Suncrest area blends suburban comfort with access to outdoor recreation, perfect for those who love hiking or boating. Meanwhile, the downtown district buzzes with cultural events, live music, and a vibrant food scene featuring spots like Iron Horse Tavern and Blue Moose Café. The presence of West Virginia University adds a youthful energy and diversity, enriching the city’s cultural fabric and making Morgantown a welcoming place for all ages.

Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility

Transportation in Morgantown is convenient, especially for those without a car. The Morgantown Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system is a unique feature connecting the university campuses, downtown, and surrounding neighborhoods efficiently. Additionally, Mountain Line Transit buses provide extensive coverage across the city and neighboring areas, making commuting and errands easy. Many neighborhoods are walkable or bike-friendly, adding to the city’s accessibility and reducing reliance on driving.

Things to Do: Popular Attractions and Activities

Whether you’re exploring the best neighborhoods in Morgantown or just visiting, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. The Monongahela River offers scenic spots for kayaking and fishing, while Coopers Rock State Forest is a favorite for hiking and stunning overlooks. Downtown Morgantown hosts farmers markets, art galleries, and festivals year-round. For food lovers, the city boasts diverse dining options from cozy cafes to upscale bistros, ensuring everyone finds something to satisfy their palate.

Colleges & Universities: Neighborhoods Near Higher Education

West Virginia University is the heart of Morgantown, influencing many neighborhoods around the campus. The University District encompasses areas like Woodburn and Walnut, which are filled with student housing, coffee shops, and bookstores. These neighborhoods thrive with academic energy and are ideal for those wanting to live close to classes and university events. Just a short distance away, the Suncrest neighborhood offers a quieter residential feel while still being accessible to campus life.

Morgantown Demographics

Population 30,220
Density (People/sqml.) 2,969
Median Age 23.8
Married Couples
27%
27% of the population of Morgantown aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
12%
12% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Have Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
First Ward 41.8 17.6% $246,960 $69,845 3.0
Sunnyside 23.7 5.3% $251,467 $48,862 3.8
Jerome Park 34.4 12.2% $198,600 $33,994 7.1

Morgantown neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Morgantown—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Morgantown, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Morgantown

Violent Crime 42% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 11% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 2% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Morgantown
/100k
WV
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 4 13.1 5.3 5.0
Rape 18 59.0 48.0 37.5
Robbery 6 19.7 9.7 60.6
Assault 36 118.0 185.8 256.1
Total Violent Crime 64 210 249 359
Burglary 35 114.7 178.3 229.2
Theft 552 1,809.2 905.1 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 11 36.1 78.5 258.8
Total Property Crime 598 1,960 1,162 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 662 2,170 1,411 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.