Is South Hills (Morgantown) safe?
Morgantown, West Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates South Hills (Morgantown) as “Go”.
Gogo's take on South Hills (Morgantown)
“Go. South Hills is one of Morgantown's most stable, scenic, and peaceful residential communities, boasting exceptionally low crime and strong neighborhood cohesion. While there are almost no commercial attractions within the interior streets, it offers a secure, quiet base for visitors exploring the wider Monongalia County area.”
About the area
South Hills is an established hillside enclave situated south of downtown Morgantown, known for its winding, heavily wooded streets and well-maintained single-family homes. The area is largely populated by university faculty, medical professionals, and long-time residents seeking tranquility above the bustling valley below.
- Quiet Residential
- Wooded & Scenic
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in South Hills (Morgantown)
Walk score: 14/100 · Bike score: 11/100
Biking within the neighborhood is physically demanding due to extreme hill grades, but riders can easily descend to connect with the paved Caperton Trail and Deckers Creek Trail along the river.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to Morgantown's downtown student core
- High rates of homeownership and well-maintained housing stock creating neighborhood stability
- Tranquil, family-friendly environment with minimal through-traffic
Cons
- Steep topography and narrow roads create hazardous driving conditions during winter weather
- Nearly complete absence of retail, dining, or services within immediate walking distance
- Limited street lighting along residential curves can make night walking disorienting
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in South Hills, as unhoused populations and social services are concentrated in downtown Morgantown.
What South Hills (Morgantown) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and very safe, with residents commuting down the hill and occasional dog walkers on the residential lanes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Extremely calm with minimal car traffic, quiet yards, and virtually no pedestrian safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and secure, though the lack of sidewalks and dim street lighting requires caution if walking near the road.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very tranquil with virtually no street activity or crime, though narrow winding roads necessitate careful driving.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by the Mountain Line Transit Authority, but fixed routes primarily run along peripheral corridors like Green Bag Road and Don Knotts Boulevard, leaving interior residential streets reliant on cars or on-demand rides.
Parking is simple, free, and widely available via private residential driveways and roadside curb parking on wider neighborhood streets.
Things to do in South Hills (Morgantown)
- Explore Dorsey's Knob Park nearby to climb the iconic Sky Rock for panoramic views of the Appalachian mountains
- Take a scenic walk along the wooded ridge lines for expansive views overlooking the Monongahela River valley
- Enjoy the quiet neighborhood streets for an intense, hilly running or walking workout
Local favorites
- Table 9 · Gastropub · 4.6★ (680)A farm-to-table gastropub located just downhill on Don Knotts Boulevard offering craft cocktails and seasonal plates.
- Mountain State Brewing Co. · Brewpub · 4.5★ (1250)Rustic riverside taproom just outside the neighborhood serving flatbread pizzas and regional craft ales.
- Gene's Beer Garden · Bar · 4.6★ (420)West Virginia's oldest continuously operating bar located nearby in South Park, famous for hot dogs and a classic tavern feel.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.