Been meaning to ask this. With a population of 30,273, Morgantown is a smaller city. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
15 upvotes
3 Replies
Connor C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Phoenix about 1 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Natalie
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Oliver Thompson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 53, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in Riverside and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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