Monongalia county is the most urban of these counties and is the proud home of the West Virginia University Mountaineers. Located in the Morgantown, the county seat, WVU boasts a student population of 30,000. This R1 institution offers many amenities to residents including WVU Medicine, the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute and a vibrant sports culture. Morgantown is a hub for not only commerce and education but also fantastic outdoor recreation. Between the Monongahela River and Cheat Lake, the opportunities are endless. Residents can enjoy everything from boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, rock climbing and access to scenic state parks.
If you’re an arts and culture lover, you’re in luck. The Morgantown community offers a fantastic local art and music scene along with an array of dining and entertainment options. Likewise, the county provides a variety of education opportunities including top-rated public and private schools.
About Morgantown
Deep in the heart of Mountaineer Country, Morgantown is home to West Virginia University. Brimming with gold and blue school spirit and a youthful vigor, this college town is growing rapidly and expanding its diverse multicultural heritage. Whether it’s a football or basketball game, or an art or beer festival, this city is constantly on the go and offers something for everyone. Vibrant nightlife, highly rated restaurants, unique arts, plentiful shopping and outdoor adventure make up this city situated on the Monongahela River.
Morgantown’s food scene has a way of blending the familiar with the surprising, and in 2025 it feels more vibrant than ever. Iron Horse Tavern continues to be a go-to spot downtown, with its lineup of inventive burgers, hearty pub fare, and a rotating list of craft beers brewed right in West Virginia. Down by the river, Table 9 has built a reputation as one of the city’s best dining rooms, where the focus on seasonal New American dishes makes every visit feel fresh.
For Italian classics, longtime favorites like Stefano’s and Oliverio’s Ristorante still deliver with their mix of elegance and warmth, while Black Bear Burritos keeps things casual and creative, offering hearty burrito bowls and vegetarian-friendly choices that appeal to students and locals alike.
The Metropolitan Theatre continues its long tradition of staging plays, dance performances, and concerts in one of the most beautiful historic venues in the state. Over at the WVU Coliseum, the energy is unmatched on basketball nights, but the arena also serves as a hub for large-scale events that bring the community together throughout the year.
The WVU Coliseum is a 14,000-seat arena that is the home of the WVU’s basketball team and features a statue of iconic basketball player Jerry West. Catch a ballgame at the Monongalia County Ballpark.
The West Virginia Black Bears are an affiliate of the Major League Baseball Draft League. For some original live music, head to 123 Pleasant St. Morgantown’s premier rock venue hosts a diverse selection of bands, from local to national acts.
Beyond the stadiums and stages, the city’s downtown historic district rewards exploration with its mix of architecture, independent shops, art galleries, and coffeehouses tucked into century-old buildings. And with the Warner Theatre in the process of being restored, locals are optimistic that another historic venue will soon return to the spotlight, adding even more depth to Morgantown’s cultural life.
