Morgantown, WV: Growing Strong While the State Shrinks—Thanks to Convenience

West Virginia, rich in natural beauty and Appalachian culture, has faced a persistent challenge over the past decade: population decline. Between 2010 and 2020, the state lost more than 59,000 residents, making it one of only a few states in the U.S. to see a net decrease in population during that period. The reasons are varied—economic shifts, aging demographics, and out-migration of younger residents seeking opportunity elsewhere.

Yet in the heart of this broader trend lies a bright exception: Morgantown, WV. While much of the state struggles to retain residents, Morgantown has been steadily growing—both in population and GDP. It’s no accident. Even though the city faces its challenges At the core of Morgantown’s success is one simple but powerful driver: convenience.

West Virginia’s Population Decline: A State in Transition

To understand Morgantown’s growth, it’s important to look at the wider state context. Over the past decade, industries like coal and manufacturing—once dominant in West Virginia—have faced significant disruption. As job opportunities dried up in rural areas, many residents left for larger urban centers in surrounding states.

Between 2010 and 2020, the U.S. Census reported that West Virginia’s total population fell by 3.2%, the sharpest decline of any state during that timeframe. The state’s rural counties were hit hardest, with younger populations leaving in search of education, career prospects, and modern amenities.

But not all parts of West Virginia followed this trajectory.

Morgantown: A City That’s Growing Against the Grain

Morgantown is not just bucking the state’s population trend—it’s outperforming it. Home to West Virginia University (WVU) and a thriving health and tech sector, Morgantown’s population has grown steadily, even as surrounding regions have shrunk. According to recent Census data and economic indicators, Morgantown’s GDP per capita and total economic output have increased, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and professional services.

So, what sets Morgantown apart?

The Power of Convenience

The number one reason people are choosing Morgantown is convenience.

Whether you're raising a family, building a career, or enjoying retirement, Morgantown checks the boxes that modern households are prioritizing today:

1. Proximity to Quality Education

With West Virginia University located in the heart of the city, Morgantown is a hub for higher education. This not only draws students from across the country, but also supports a vibrant job market in education, research, and support services.

2. Access to Top-Tier Healthcare

Morgantown is home to WVU Medicine, one of the largest and most advanced healthcare providers in the state. Residents benefit from having major hospitals, specialists, and research facilities within minutes of home.

This kind of access is a game-changer—especially for retirees, young families, and individuals with ongoing medical needs. In contrast, many rural areas in West Virginia require residents to travel an hour or more for comparable care.

3. Walkable Neighborhoods and Public Transit

Unlike the car-dependent layouts of much of the state, Morgantown offers walkable neighborhoods, public bus systems, and even the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system that connects key areas of the city. This makes it easier to commute, run errands, and enjoy city life without relying heavily on a vehicle—an increasing priority for many younger professionals and retirees alike.

4. Vibrant Retail, Dining, and Entertainment

Morgantown offers a thriving downtown with local restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops, as well as larger retail centers like Suncrest Towne Centre and University Town Centre. Events, concerts, and sports draw thousands of visitors annually, creating a lively environment that enhances quality of life.

5. Outdoor Recreation at Your Doorstep

With Coopers Rock State Forest, the Mon River Rail-Trail, and Cheat Lake nearby, Morgantown combines urban convenience with access to nature. Families and outdoor enthusiasts don’t have to choose between city amenities and weekend adventures—they get both.

Who’s Moving to Morgantown?

The city’s growth isn’t limited to one demographic. Morgantown is attracting a diverse mix of:

• Young professionals working in tech, education, and healthcare

• Graduate students and faculty drawn by WVU

• Retirees looking for a manageable, connected community with medical access

• Families who want their kids near good schools, playgrounds, and services

  
  

Economic Growth Tied to Urban Livability

It’s no surprise that Morgantown’s economic indicators are trending upward. A city that offers easy access to schools, jobs, hospitals, and recreation naturally becomes a magnet for economic activity. Between 2010 and 2020, Morgantown’s GDP grew by nearly 20%, while new developments in tech, retail, and medical sectors added thousands of jobs.

This growth has created a ripple effect:

• New housing developments and rising property values

• More local businesses opening to serve growing demand

• Increased public investment in infrastructure, parks, and community services

And at the core of all this growth? Convenience.

The Role of Property Management in Sustaining Growth

As demand for housing increases in Morgantown, the need for effective property management becomes more important than ever. That’s where companies like Red Brick Property Management come in.

Red Brick helps ensure that both tenants and property owners enjoy a seamless, stress-free experience. Their presence in the local market:

• Supports well-maintained housing inventory

• Connects newcomers to available rental homes

• Streamlines leasing, maintenance, and tenant communication

• Promotes long-term property value appreciation

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Their efforts help preserve the very convenience that draws people to Morgantown—clean, safe neighborhoods, responsive service, and modern digital tools that make renting and owning simpler.

A Model for the Future

While the rest of the state continues to explore how to reverse population decline, Morgantown offers a potential model: focus on livability. Prioritize convenience. Invest in services and infrastructure that improve quality of life. When a city makes it easy to live, work, learn, and play, people notice.

In an era when many are rethinking where and how they want to live, Morgantown stands out—not just as a growing city in a shrinking state, but as a community built for the future.