You’ve chosen your general location: Morgantown, WV.
But now you need to do the harder part: choose an apartment.
In actuality, it’s not so hard after all, as long as you know how to choose.
And that’s exactly what this article will teach you, in 7 easy steps:
- Figure out your budget.
- Look for specials.
- Learn from those before you.
- Assess the noise factor.
- Get out your magnifying class.
- Judge the grounds.
- Peek into your crystal ball.
Choosing the priciest apartment you can find in Morgantown may impress your guests, but not if you can’t afford furniture for their seating pleasure.
Try to budget your rent to be 1/3 of your income, or as close as you can, so you have more disposable income. Because this is such a responsible budgeting practice, some landlords even require a 3:1 ratio of income to rent.
Further, be sure to factor in possible furniture purchases and cost of utilities when deciding on your budget.
Better yet? Look for fully furnished apartments in Morgantown with all utilities included in the rent (they exist!), making your life much simpler with less to move and only one check to write (and remember to write!).
While we’re on the subject of money…

Why pay full price if you don’t have to? Always be on the lookout for move-in or leasing specials.
Some apartment complexes offer special deals on their website or social media sites. Others may have walk-in specials if you go to their leasing office.
It never hurts to do some legwork. Your wallet (or your parents) will thank you.
But don’t waste your gas…
Ask current or former tenants about their experience living at the apartment complex you’re considering.
Check out online reviews as well. People love to rave or rant about their living quarters.
Seeking informed perspective will help you narrow down choices before stepping outside of your door.
And once you’ve crossed some off your list, you’re set to view apartments. Next step?

No one wants to listen to the roommates in the apartment next door argue about whose turn it is to pay the rent. (Although, individual leases can solve that problem.)
Try to schedule apartment showings during the weekends or after the business day so you can listen for all of the action.
During the daytime on weekdays, tenants are typically out and about. Going when the tenants are more likely there will give you a better feel for the noise or quiet.
Also open windows, especially in bedrooms, to check out the outdoor sounds, like traffic.
And if you’re not into a loud party scene at night, you may even want to swing by on a Friday or Saturday night. Even though you probably can’t get a viewing inside, you can definitely tell from outside of the building how “festive” it gets on weekend nights.
(But let’s be real here. If you’re wondering how to choose an apartment in Morgantown, you may be a student looking for that exact night life scene.)
And the detective work continues…
Okay, so you don’t have to inspect that closely. But be sure to check for signs of neglect or poor construction.
For example, ask yourself are the appliances in working order? Does the toilet run? Is the bathtub moldy? Are there rips in the window screens?
You get the idea.
At first glance, some apartments seem perfect. Then…you move in. And that lovely “new” faucet? Well…it drips, keeping you up…all…night.
So the coast is hopefully clear on the inside. But what about the outside?
That’s right your detective work isn’t over yet, Nancy Drew. It’s also important to ensure that the apartment building you choose isn’t neglected.
Some signs of slop include:
- Dumpster or trash cans overflowing.
- Dirty windows from the outside.
- Unmaintained landscaping.
Okay, you can take off your deerstalker cap, now.
Up next is the fun part: considering the perks…or lack thereof.
Envision yourself living in the apartment.
What would you prefer? A washer and dryer in your apartment or lugging a laundry basket and quarters to a laundromat 3 blocks down the street?
If you aren’t paying for the water bill, you likely want the former, or at least a laundry room on-site, if you can find it.
Your glance into the future shouldn’t stop there.
What will you be doing at your apartment?
Will you be sitting in front of the TV all day, or could you be swimming in a community pool? Will you be working out with your Wii Fit, or could you be working out in an apartment building’s 24-hour gym?
Community amenities aren’t always an option. But if you can find a Morgantown gem with a pool table you’ve always dreamed of but can’t fit into your apartment living room anyway, why not? You deserve a billiards room.
One last step…
You thought this was 7 easy steps? Don’t worry. It is.
You’ve already done your research. The last part is making the final decision.
And now that you know how to choose an apartment in Morgantown, making a wise decision won’t be so tough.