
Moving to "the big city" has been largely endorsed as the key to living your best life. Even Superman, who could have lived anywhere, left his family's farm in Kansas to fulfill his destiny in Metropolis.
Welcome to the 21st century, where country-to-city migration has been reversing course. Our real estate agents share some thoughtful and intriguing reasons why Morgantown homes for sale are more appealing than ever.
Benefits of Small-Town Living
"Bigger is better" is a mantra frequently applied to everything from a slice of chocolate cake to a 401(k) account. Over the last few years, many people have been rethinking this slogan when evaluating places to live.
So why should you consider downsizing your hometown?
- Thanks to increased demand, cost of living has always been higher in cities than small towns. Today, with property becoming even more scarce, urban housing prices have soared, along with the costs of goods and services.
- With a limited amount of space to accommodate a high number of residents, urban areas rely on apartments, condos, co-ops, and other multi-family residential options. Single-family homes with spacious yards are more readily available in suburbs and small towns.
- A convenient commute has long been a traditional reason to live in the city, but technology has made telecommuting closer to a rule than an exception. Currently, 42 percent of employees work from home full-time, and that number is expected to grow.
- Rush hour isn't the only time it's difficult to negotiate big-city traffic. Streets are often congested during evenings and weekends when people want to meet friends and enjoy social activities. Hefty fees for precious few parking spots are another deterrent.
- Higher crime rates are a sad but realistic fact of urban living. The city's noise, anonymity, and closed-in spaces make it easier for people to break into cars and homes, even if you're careful about security.
- Despite the dense population of large cities, it can be tough to develop personal relationships. Ironically, the sheer number of people and activities can be a disadvantage, resulting in too many opportunities for distractions. In a small town, you're much more likely to encounter people regularly. Suburban areas also lend themselves more readily to social events like backyard BBQs.
Morgantown: Almost Heaven
"Almost Heaven," West Virginia's iconic slogan, is perhaps best embodied by Morgantown. Named for its founder, Colonel Zackquill Morgan, the city was settled in 1772 and played a significant role in the history of West Virginia.
- According to the 2010 census, the population of Morgantown is just under 30,000, large enough to offer diversity but small enough to be warm and friendly.
- Morgantown is home to West Virginia University, which gives the city welcome energy. WVU offers numerous opportunities for intellectual growth, while college sports fans love to root for the Mountaineers.
- Looking for job advancement? Forbes recognizes Morgantown as one of the country's "Best Small Places for Business and Careers."
- Livability, a noted website that rates cities based on several lifestyle amenities, ranks Morgantown in the "Top 100 Places to Live" as well as the "Top 10 Places to Raise a Family."
- When you're ready for a little R&R, it won't cost you a lot of time and money. Spectacular scenery and outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and boating are just minutes away.
- Morgantown is suitable for any stage of life. AARP Magazine includes the city in its "Top 10 Places to Retire Under $100 a Day."
At Heritage Real Estate, our Morgantown roots run deep. Contact us for answers to all your local real estate questions.