When I first moved to Morgantown, the first thing I checked was what was around me.

I thought that being a small college town meant there wouldn't be much, but there are actually several decent cities within a 50-mile radius. I visited these places to see where to go when I need shopping, have to use the airport, or just want a change of scenery. So, I'll explain practically how to do it, focusing on what you can do. If you only know Morgantown, your living radius becomes too narrow.

The most important city is Pittsburgh, PA. It's about 74 miles north via I-79, roughly a 1 hour and 37-minute drive. While it's just outside the 50-mile radius, it doesn't make sense to talk about life in Morgantown without mentioning Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh is home to the international airport PIT, large shopping malls, specialized hospitals, Korean markets, and Korean restaurants. Most specialized medical care that can't be handled at WVU Hospital is done in Pittsburgh. The Korean community is also much larger in Pittsburgh, so interactions naturally connect here. There are also professional sports teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates, making it possible to enjoy games. It's the practical backend city for life in Morgantown.

Fairmont, WV is about 15 miles south of Morgantown. It takes less than 20 minutes via I-79. It's a small town, but it has a Walmart Supercenter, allowing for competitively priced shopping, so Morgantown residents often go there for groceries. It's also the county seat of Marion County, so if you need to handle local administrative tasks, you might pass through Fairmont.

Because housing prices are lower than in Morgantown, some students live in Fairmont while attending WVU. This can be a practical alternative for those looking to lower living costs. Since the distance is short, it's worth comparing the two.

Clarksburg, WV is about 39 miles south of Morgantown. It takes about 40 minutes by car. It's the county seat of Harrison County and is home to the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services headquarters, so many federal employees live here. There are local businesses, and there are outlets near Clarksburg, attracting shoppers. It's common to combine trips to Fairmont and Clarksburg in one day.

Uniontown, PA is about 29 miles northeast of Morgantown. It's the county seat of Fayette County in Pennsylvania. It's good to know that Pennsylvania has a different tax structure and alcohol purchase regulations compared to WV. Uniontown itself is a small city, but it's close to natural attractions like Ohiopyle State Park, making it a popular spot for hiking and rafting.

It's not a bad choice for a day trip outdoors from Morgantown. Keeping the locations and distances of these four cities in mind will greatly expand your living radius in Morgantown. If you're feeling cramped after moving here, I recommend taking a trip to Pittsburgh first. Even if the city is small, utilizing the surrounding resources can completely change your quality of life.