Cheat Lake
Nestled in the scenic hills of Monongalia County, Cheat Lake, West Virginia is a hidden gem that offers an idyllic blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. This picturesque community, home to approximately 10,000 residents, is situated just a few miles east of Morgantown and the bustling West Virginia University. Covering an area of about 16 square miles, Cheat Lake is renowned for its stunning landscapes, serene waters, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
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Cheat Lake Then And Now
Cheat Lake, often considered one of the best-kept secrets of West Virginia, boasts a rich history and a thriving community. The area is named after the Cheat River, which forms the lake, originally created as a reservoir for hydroelectric power in the 1920s. Today, the lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water sports, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding region is dotted with parks, trails, and recreational areas, including the well-loved Cheat Lake Park and Trail, which offers residents and visitors alike a perfect escape into nature.
In addition to its natural allure, Cheat Lake is known for its high quality of life, characterized by excellent schools, a tranquil atmosphere, and a close-knit community vibe. The area’s real estate market reflects this appeal, offering a diverse range of homes that cater to various tastes and budgets—from luxurious lakeside estates to charming single-family homes in quiet neighborhoods.
For those looking to buy, Cheat Lake offers a vibrant real estate market with homes that combine natural beauty, historical significance, and modern amenities. Whether you’re relocating or investing, the homes for sale in Cheat Lake, WV present a compelling choice. For sellers, this area’s unique charm and desirable location provide a promising opportunity to attract interested buyers. Join us as we explore the vibrant real estate market of Cheat Lake, WV, showcasing the best properties currently available and the reasons this community is a fantastic place to call home.
Homes For Sale In Cheat Lake, WV
Housing Market Overview
Cheat Lake has emerged as a thriving housing market, showcasing impressive growth and value appreciation. Over the past five years, Cheat Lake has seen a 25.72% increase in home values, outpacing several other regions in the country.
Several factors contribute to Cheat Lake’s robust housing market. The area’s natural beauty, with the lake and surrounding mountains, creates a highly desirable setting for homeowners seeking a tranquil, scenic lifestyle. Additionally, the region’s strong economy, fueled by local businesses and tourism, provides stability and opportunities for residents.
Property Types
Homes for sale in Cheat Lake, WV predominantly feature single-family homes, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. However, the area is particularly renowned for its luxury homes, new construction properties, and gated communities. Prospective homeowners can expect to find high-end homes boasting the latest amenities and designs. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious estate with sprawling grounds or a newly built home with modern conveniences, Cheat Lake offers a diverse array of options to suit your lifestyle.
Architectural styles are widely varied, reflecting the individual preferences of homeowners. The most popular home styles include ranch, Modern Farmhouse, and contemporary.
Home Features and Amenities
Homes for sale in Cheat Lake, WV are distinguished by their impressive features and amenities, designed to provide comfort, convenience, and a touch of elegance. Many of the luxury homes in the area come equipped with state-of-the-art kitchens that boast high-end appliances, spacious pantries, and convenient wet bars. These kitchens are perfect for both daily living and entertaining guests.
One-level living is another desirable feature, with many homes offering en-suite bedrooms on the main floor for easy accessibility. Finished basements transform into entertainment havens, complete with theaters, bars, gyms, and saunas, providing ideal spaces for unwinding or hosting gatherings.
Outdoor living is a significant aspect of Cheat Lake homes, with properties often featuring private oases that include in-ground pools and fully equipped outdoor kitchens. These spaces typically include grills, fryers, burners, and more, making them perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor parties.
Furthermore, properties often come with additional lots, providing ample space for outdoor enjoyment and activities. Imagine spending your evenings on spacious decks, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding nature – you can expect all that and more when you choose to be a homeowner in Cheat Lake.
Life In Cheat Lake, WV
Cost of living
Cheat Lake, West Virginia, offers an appealing cost of living that is lower than the national average while still providing a high quality of life. According to BestPlaces, Cheat Lake has a Cost of Living score of 89.8. This score indicates that the total cost of essentials such as housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and taxes is 10.2% lower than the U.S. average. However, it is 13.1% higher than the average cost of living in West Virginia, reflecting the area’s desirable location and amenities.
Housing is a significant factor in the cost of living in Cheat Lake. The real estate market offers a variety of homes for sale in Cheat Lake, WV, from luxurious lakeside estates to more modest single-family homes. While the housing costs can vary, the overall affordability makes Cheat Lake an attractive place to settle down, particularly for those who value a blend of natural beauty and modern convenience.
Schools
Cheat Lake, WV is home to a selection of highly rated schools, making it an excellent location for families who prioritize education. The area is served by several top-performing public schools that cater to students from elementary through high school, including:
- Cheat Lake Elementary School
- Eastwood Elementary School
- Brookhaven Elementary School
- South Middle School
- Mountaineer Middle School
- University High School
- Morgantown High School
Cheat Lake Elementary School holds the #3 spot in Niche.com’s Best Public Elementary Schools in West Virginia, while University High School ranked #1 in Best High Schools for STEM in West Virginia and Mountaineer Middle School is ranked second among the Best Public Middle Schools in West Virginia.
Healthcare
Cheat Lake, WV offers residents access to a range of high-quality healthcare facilities and services, ensuring comprehensive medical care for all. Here are some notable healthcare providers in the area:
- Mon Health Wedgewood Primary Care This urgent care center provides prompt and reliable medical services, addressing various healthcare needs from routine check-ups to urgent medical issues.
- HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness Located in Cheat Lake, HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness is a premier physical therapy clinic that offers personalized rehabilitation and fitness programs.
- WVU Medicine Cheat Lake Physicians This medical clinic offers a wide array of healthcare services, from primary care to specialized treatments, ensuring that residents have access to top-notch medical care close to home.
- J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital Situated in nearby Morgantown, this general hospital is a leading healthcare facility providing comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and surgical procedures.
- Select Specialty Hospital This hospital specializes in long-term acute care, offering specialized treatment plans for patients with complex medical conditions that require extended hospital stays.
- Mon Health Medical Center Another top healthcare facility in the region, Mon Health Medical Center, offers a full spectrum of medical services, including emergency care, maternity services, and specialized treatments.
Transportation
While Cheat Lake is a smaller area, there are still several convenient transportation options to get you where you want to go.
By CarCheat Lake is easily accessible by car via Interstate 68. Simply exit at the Cheat Lake exit and follow signs for State Route 857. Once you arrive, there are parking options available at Cheat Lake Park, located along Morgans Run Road. Be aware that the parking area sits at the top of a steep hill, with a loading/unloading zone at the bottom, so you can loop around and drop off passengers or gear as needed
Public TransportationIf you prefer not to drive or want a hassle-free option, Mountain Line Transit offers bus service in Morgantown and Monongalia County, including routes that serve Cheat Lake. It’s free to ride with a valid WVU ID card. You can plan your route and track buses on the Mountain Line website. For example, Route 46 Eastern Circulator travels out to Canyon and Cheat Lake from the Sabraton Sheetz transfer point.
By BikeThe Cheat Lake Trail is a 4.5-mile trail built on a former rail corridor. It’s a great option for biking and offers opportunities to view local flora and fauna. The trail spans from Lake Lynn Power Station on Bunker Hill Road to Cheat Lake. You can access the trail via the Cheat Lake exit on Interstate 68 and follow signs for State Route 857.
Economic and Job Opportunities
Cheat Lake boasts a strong economy with numerous opportunities for employment and a high quality of life.
Thriving EconomyCheat Lake has a thriving economy with a median household income of $99,656, significantly higher than the national average. The area benefits greatly from the presence of West Virginia University, just minutes away in nearby Morgantown, which is a cornerstone of the local economy offering a wide range of employment opportunities. The university draws a vibrant student population to the area, supporting a diverse range of businesses and contributing to the region’s economic vitality.
In addition to the economic benefits provided by the university, Cheat Lake is still used for producing hydroelectric power, providing another source of revenue for the local economy. The lake also partially covers land where an iron industry thrived during the 19th century, highlighting the area’s rich history of industrial activity.
In and around the Cheat Lake area, job opportunities can be found in various fields, including healthcare, food service, retail, and more.
Dining and Shopping
Cheat Lake and its surrounding areas offer a delightful array of dining and shopping options that cater to both residents and visitors. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a shopping spree, Cheat Lake has something for everyone.
Dining- Whippoorwill Bar & Grill – Commonly known as The Whipp, this spot is perfect for a quick meal and drinks. With all outdoor seating and live music on weekend evenings, it provides a lively atmosphere. Boaters will appreciate the convenient boat slips right by the restaurant.
- Dockside Grill – Dockside Grill is located at Cheat Lake Marina and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor area is particularly inviting, featuring live music on weekends. Boat slips near the gas pumps make it easily accessible for boaters.
- Lake House Restaurant – Situated next to Sunset Beach Marina, the Lake House Restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with live music at the outdoor bar area. Although it is not as boater-friendly when it comes to docking, it remains a popular spot for its ambiance and good food, including pizza, pasta, seafood, and cocktails.
- Mooey Buoy – A unique dining experience on Cheat Lake, Mooey Buoy is essentially a floating ice cream truck. It moves around the lake, delivering delicious ice cream treats directly to boaters.
- Tropics – This chill Hawaiian restaurant and bar offers an island-inspired menu, outdoor seating, TVs, and frequent live music.
- El Pollon – El Pollon offers a taste of Peru near Cheat Lake with its delicious Peruvian cuisine.
- Fox’s Pizza Den – A laid-back chain restaurant serving specialty pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and sides, perfect for a casual meal.
- Morgantown Mall – This comprehensive shopping center features a variety of stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities.
- LOFT Outlet – Find stylish women’s clothing and accessories at this popular outlet store.
- Hoot and Howl – This unique shop offers accessories, jewelry, and home decor, perfect for finding special gifts or treats for yourself.
- Mountaineer Mall – This shopping center provides a wide range of retail stores and services.
- Appalachian Gallery – Explore this art gallery and gift shop showcasing local art and crafts, a great place to find unique items.
Outdoor and Recreational activities
Cheat Lake, West Virginia, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities to enjoy its stunning natural beauty and serene waters. From boating and fishing to jet skiing and tubing, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque locale.
BoatingBoating is one of the most popular activities at Cheat Lake, with both public and paid launch sites available for visitors. The launch sites at Edgewater Marina offer additional services such as gasoline refueling, supplies, and boat-slip rentals, while free launch sites at Sunset Beach Marina and Cheat Lake Park provide more budget-friendly options. Boaters can enjoy a leisurely cruise or more adventurous water sports on the lake’s expansive waters.
Kayaking and CanoeingFor those who enjoy a more tranquil experience, kayaking and canoeing on Cheat Lake offer a perfect opportunity to take in the surrounding forested hillsides and picturesque banks. Paddlers can cast off from Ice’s Ferry Bridge and float northward to Cheat Lake Park for a relaxing day out on the water. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at Sunset Beach Marina and from select retailers in Mountaineer Country, making it easy to access this serene activity.
SwimmingSwimming is another favorite pastime, with multiple locations available for families and boaters alike. You can swim right from the shore at Cheat Lake Park or Sunset Beach, or drop anchor and dive in while boating on the lake. However, it’s important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so personal safety precautions are encouraged.
TubingTubing offers both lazy and high-speed adventures on Cheat Lake. Visitors can opt for a relaxed float down the backwaters or an exciting high-speed ride in the headwaters. For a more organized experience, group-led tubing tours down the Cheat River are available through Cheat River Outfitters.
FishingFishing enthusiasts will find Cheat Lake to be a prime spot, home to several species of bass, walleye, catfish, pike, and trout, thanks to local fisheries and conservation efforts. Anglers can steer their boats into the calm backwaters for early morning fishing or cast from the pier along the Cheat Lake Trail, providing ample opportunities to catch a variety of fish.
Jet SkiingJet skiing is permitted in the headwaters of Cheat Lake, with convenient drop-off points and refueling stations at Sunset Beach Marina and Edgewater Marina. Rentals are also available at Sunset Beach Marina, along with other equipment for water activities such as water skis and wakeboards.
Ready To Buy Or Sell A Home In Cheat Lake, WV?
Are you ready to find your dream home or sell your property in beautiful Cheat Lake, West Virginia? With its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant community, excellent schools, and diverse recreational activities, Cheat Lake offers the perfect blend of tranquility and excitement for residents. Whether you’re looking to buy a new home or sell your current property, the Cheat Lake real estate market has something to offer for every buyer and seller.
As you embark on your real estate journey, let me introduce myself. I’m Michelle Oates Duda, and with my six years of experience in real estate, I’ve been honored to earn the platinum level sales award for 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. I hold several prestigious designations including SRS, ABR, GRI, Green, GRI, and C2EX. My partner, Zack Pell, brings three years of experience as an associate broker and has earned the silver level sales award in 2023 and the gold level in 2024. Zack was also a nominee for Agent of the Year by Real Producer magazine in 2024.
Together, as The Extra Mile Realtors, we are committed to going above and beyond for our clients. Our deep knowledge of the Cheat Lake area and dedication to exceptional service make us the perfect partners in your home-buying or selling journey. We have extensive experience helping clients find homes for sale in Cheat Lake, WV, and we’re here to make your dream a reality.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today at 304.376.9778 or email us. Let us help you find your dream home or sell your current property for top dollar. Your real estate success is just a call away!
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Listing Courtesy of HOWARD HANNA PREMIER PROPERTIES BY BARBARA ALEXANDER, LLC, 304-594-0115
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Listing Courtesy of REAL BROKER, LLC, 304-282-1184
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Listing Courtesy of HOWARD HANNA PREMIER PROPERTIES BY BARBARA ALEXANDER, LLC, 304-594-0115
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Listing Courtesy of ALLIANCE REALTY, 304-599-3045
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Listing Courtesy of HOWARD HANNA, 304-594-0115
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Listing Courtesy of HOWARD HANNA PREMIER PROPERTIES BY BARBARA ALEXANDER, LLC, 304-594-0115
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Listing Courtesy of HOWARD HANNA PREMIER PROPERTIES BY BARBARA ALEXANDER, LLC, 304-594-0115
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Listing Courtesy of MOUNTAIN RIDGE REALTY, LLC, 304-943-7929
Open House:
Apr 19, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Virtual Tour
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Listing Courtesy of ALLIANCE REALTY, 304-599-3045
Virtual Tour
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Listing Courtesy of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES TOUCHDOWN HOME PROS REALTY, 304-322-4101
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Listing Courtesy of REAL BROKER, LLC, 304-282-1184
Virtual Tour
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Listing Courtesy of J.S. WALKER ASSOCIATES, 304-296-0074
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$2,595,000
6 6 Beds
4 | 2 4 | 2 Baths
6,968 SqFt 6,968 SqFt
10160174 Listing No. 10160174
House Property Type: House
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Listing Courtesy of HOWARD HANNA PREMIER PROPERTIES BY BARBARA ALEXANDER, LLC, 304-594-0115
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$2,200,000
4 4 Beds
3 | 1 3 | 1 Baths
3,539 SqFt 3,539 SqFt
10162449 Listing No. 10162449
House Property Type: House
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Listing Courtesy of REAL BROKER, LLC, 304-282-1184
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$2,195,000
6 6 Beds
7 | 2 7 | 2 Baths
12,088 SqFt 12,088 SqFt
10164175 Listing No. 10164175
House Property Type: House
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Listing Courtesy of HOWARD HANNA PREMIER PROPERTIES BY BARBARA ALEXANDER, LLC, 304-594-0115
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$2,000,000
4 4 Beds
4 | 1 4 | 1 Baths
6,275 SqFt 6,275 SqFt
10163520 Listing No. 10163520
House Property Type: House
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Listing Courtesy of ALLIANCE REALTY, 304-599-3045
(47)
$1,995,000
5 5 Beds
6 | 1 6 | 1 Baths
9,100 SqFt 9,100 SqFt
10161913 Listing No. 10161913
House Property Type: House
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Listing Courtesy of HOWARD HANNA, 304-594-0115
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$1,700,000
4 4 Beds
4 | 1 4 | 1 Baths
5,933 SqFt 5,933 SqFt
10150541 Listing No. 10150541
House Property Type: House
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Listing Courtesy of HOWARD HANNA PREMIER PROPERTIES BY BARBARA ALEXANDER, LLC, 304-594-0115
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$1,475,000
5 5 Beds
5 5 Baths
5,488 SqFt 5,488 SqFt
10164061 Listing No. 10164061
House Property Type: House
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Listing Courtesy of HOWARD HANNA PREMIER PROPERTIES BY BARBARA ALEXANDER, LLC, 304-594-0115
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$1,200,000
5 5 Beds
5 | 1 5 | 1 Baths
4,528 SqFt 4,528 SqFt
10164076 Listing No. 10164076
House Property Type: House
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Listing Courtesy of MOUNTAIN RIDGE REALTY, LLC, 304-943-7929
Open House: Apr 19, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
VIRTUAL TOUR
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$1,059,000
4 4 Beds
3 | 1 3 | 1 Baths
3,223 SqFt 3,223 SqFt
10163593 Listing No. 10163593
House Property Type: House
VIRTUAL TOUR
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Listing Courtesy of ALLIANCE REALTY, 304-599-3045
VIRTUAL TOUR
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$999,000
4 4 Beds
3 | 1 3 | 1 Baths
3,349 SqFt 3,349 SqFt
10161746 Listing No. 10161746
House Property Type: House
VIRTUAL TOUR
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Listing Courtesy of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES TOUCHDOWN HOME PROS REALTY, 304-322-4101
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$989,000
6 6 Beds
3 3 Baths
4,697 SqFt 4,697 SqFt
10164270 Listing No. 10164270
House Property Type: House
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Listing Courtesy of REAL BROKER, LLC, 304-282-1184
VIRTUAL TOUR
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$919,900
5 5 Beds
2 | 1 2 | 1 Baths
3,720 SqFt 3,720 SqFt
10163580 Listing No. 10163580
House Property Type: House
VIRTUAL TOUR
(38)
Listing Courtesy of J.S. WALKER ASSOCIATES, 304-296-0074
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