A few reasons why people have recently made the move …
Kids bike to school here.
Learn more about schools and how State College puts “family friendly” center stage.
The woods (and streams) are only minutes away.
Whether you’re into forest bathing or mountain biking you’ll want to read more.
You can walk from coffee
to coworking to date night.
Picture yourself living near an energetic downtown that’s charming foodies and entrepreneurs, families and neighbors.
Since you’ve been gone
State College may be small, but it’s definitely not sleepy. Here’s some of the cool stuff that’s been happening in recent years.
It's officially the weekend! Locals will be out exploring and experiencing tried-and-true favorites (like the recently remodeled Tavern Restaurant); and trying out new stops as well!
What's first on your list to try when you get here? #RediscoverStateCollege
Stop and take in the fresh air. You won't be the only one doing so here in State College 🦋 #RediscoverStateCollege
We recently passed this butterfly work zone on a commute 🚴 downtown.
Pickleball has been all the rage the last few years in State College neighborhoods. Some love it for a low impact workout; others just because it's a fun and low-key way to hang out with friends or family.
In State College, you'll find a few community parks that have upgraded tennis courts to include pickleball 🏓 #rediscoverstatecollege
You could eat somewhere different every week in State College and never run out of unique and delicious options 😍 #RediscoverStateCollege
📍 Gigi's Southern Table
You know all that time you waste in the car getting from place to place in the city?
Yeah, that's not a thing here.
#RediscoverStateCollege
We're still feeling that community love after a Pride 2022 event in downtown State College! 🏳️🌈 #RediscoverStateCollege
The event was held on June 11 and featured a parade and after-festival, rainbow card for deals and discounts at local vendors, and a slew of pride-themed events throughout the weekend.
📸: State College resident @stillnotahippie
Summer nights in State College ☀️ We’re at the kickoff to the Penn’s Woods Music Festival this evening at the Penn State Arboretum 🎶 #RediscoverStateCollege
#HappyValleyPA #StateCollegePA #musicfestival #pennstate
A little Saturday morning coffee on the patio downtown? Don't mind if we do! ☀️
#RediscoverStateCollege
Don't be surprised to see a local out tending the garden on a typical sunny weekend in State College. Whether it's growing the perfect backyard vegetables or nurturing a perfect pot of petunias, we take our gardens *pretty* seriously 🌷 #RediscoverStateCollege
What’s it like to live here, beyond football and Penn State? Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll help you envision what it could look like to call State College home (link in bio). #RediscoverStateCollege
“My hubby Corey and I moved to State College to quarantine with family and realized we loved the relaxed atmosphere. The amount of space we can get here is a big trade up from tight quarters outside NYC and having our family nearby is awesome. We also were thrilled to find a creative community. My work in kids’ media was already remote, so it was easy for me to move. My hubby is starting a video production company here and found it surprisingly simple to get off the ground because everyone here was so encouraging and generous with their connections.” — Livia B.
Find more locals talking about life in State College at RediscoverStateCollege.com.
#RediscoverStateCollege
Waiting patiently for summer ... and for sunny days at the Park Forest Community Pool 🌊
Once school's out for the year, locals head to local community pools for a little fun in the sun on hot summer days. The pool is currently open, but opens with summer schedule hours starting June 6.
#RediscoverStateCollege
Pride Month in Downtown State College 🏳️🌈 #RediscoverStateCollege
State College's community art studio, The Makery, is a blast for all ages. Whether you're stopping by for Open Studio or taking one of many classes offered, you'll leave feeling inspired 🎨 #RediscoverStateCollege
📸: @themakerypa on Instagram
#openstudio #kidsartstudio #artforall #kidsartstudio #communityartstudio #craftykids #processart #craftdate #artdate #familytime #downtownstatecollege #pennstate #statecollegepa #makeit
A walk to the park? A coffee on the deck? Here, lunch break in the spring looks a little different for everyone ☀️ #RediscoverStateCollege
Don’t just take
our word for it.
State College is popping up on people’s radar — and for good reason.
State College Ranks No. 8 on Forbes’ 2021 List of the 50 Best College Towns In America
Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com List State College as One of the Hottest Emerging Housing Markets
We know what you’re thinking —
we thought it, too.
But behind those initial assumptions is a more nuanced reality about life in State College.
Tap a “perception” card to reveal how things really are here!
PERCEPTION:
State College is only for students.REALITY:
State College is a town full of creative individuals who care deeply about building community from the ground up.
PERCEPTION:
State College is too small.REALITY:
State College is small enough to make your own mark — and big enough for it to have real impact.
PERCEPTION:
State College is just about Penn State.REALITY:
Not everyone in town has a connection to the university, but everyone who lives here benefits by being so close to a world-class institution that attracts international visitors and first-rate entertainment.
PERCEPTION:
State College has too many high rises.REALITY:
State College is building up so students don’t have to rent houses that should be owned by families who want to walk to shops and restaurants downtown.
PERCEPTION:
State College doesn’t have any high-paying jobs.REALITY:
State College is home to a number of big companies and is growing all the time, but lots of people create their own lucrative and meaningful careers while living here.
PERCEPTION:
There’s nothing to do in State College.REALITY:
Just one block of downtown State College has enough to keep anyone busy for a day, with independent shops, eclectic bars and restaurants, yoga studios, art galleries, local theaters, and one of the best small town libraries ever (just our opinion).
PERCEPTION:
Housing in State College isn’t affordable.REALITY:
State College is expanding, and living options with it. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, the range in the market works for lots of budgets.
PERCEPTION:
There’s no diversity in State College.REALITY:
Our little valley is big enough for all kinds of people to find a home here, and we’re proud to lift up all kinds of voices to represent our town.
Life in State College is an invitation to…
Become a member of a small-town community, where roots have a chance to sink deep.
Downshift into a routine that feels meaningful and settled.
Redefine the life you really want—in an environment that offers the time, space, and support to go out and build it.
