Meet our new neighbor, Stephanie Katz! After living in both Philadelphia and Madrid, she and her husband, Marc, decided to make the move to State College when he was awarded a contract to work throughout the PA Wilds region and support rural economic development.
With a fresh perspective on her new town, we asked her to fill us in on her first impressions and first favorites.
P.S. Don’t miss the “Community Crowd Source” section below! We asked Stephanie to let us know who she’d like to connect with and how we as a community can help her find her place here in town more easily. Send us your most helpful tips and we’ll pass them along!
Making the Move
What was your impression of State College before you moved here? What did you think it would be like to live here? In January 2024 we visited Bellefonte and State College to house hunt. Admittedly, it was absolutely freezing, which hindered us from exploring much, plus we were in “productivity mode” and had appointments stacked one on top of the next. In a short weekend, we needed to make the decision on where we would be calling “home” for the months to come – which was a tall order at the time. We had no idea until the spring that we’d hit the “community jackpot”!
What was the biggest challenge you faced during the moving process? What would have made it easier along the way? As a remote worker without littles in the house, I spend A LOT of time at home. Although it has its perks, I was hungry for social interaction and didn’t know how to organically make friends without feeling too forward. The colder months are more challenging too, since folks naturally tend to stay cozy at home. Luckily, we have the most friendly neighbors who welcomed us and our furbaby Lola with the most open of arms; however we would have loved to know other remote workers in the area, professional adults or local guides to help us navigate some of the initial growing pains.
Stephanie and Lola at Millbrook Marsh
What excited you the most about the idea of becoming a State College local? Little did we know that we’d be moving to such a thriving and charming community! From live entertainment at unique venues, such as Whipple Dam, Moonstock, Tussey Mountain, craft breweries and intimate wineries, to the festivals that highlight the talent of local and international artists and the eclectic music scene. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw to an outdoor adventure with a pretty view.
On a hike through Shingletown
Getting Settled
Are there any people or resources that have been especially helpful as you’ve been getting settled? For Marc’s birthday, I gifted him a Central PA Tasting Trail Passport. If you’re unfamiliar with it, the passport features craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cideries in the area and you receive a little perk like a free beer or tasting at each spot. This little passport has gamified our weekend plans and removed thinking from the equation. After a long week of work, sometimes you just need something turn-key and easy-breezy. Pro tip: Our favorite, easy-to-plan Saturday includes an easy loop trail locally and/or quick stop at Tait Farms for some Goot Essa cheese and then a visit to one of the destinations from the passport.
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau also has a Fresh from the Field Trail app, where you can check in at different points of interest and earn points. Once you accumulate points, you can cash them in for swag. Admittedly, I’m not the best at redeeming my rewards but I still appreciate having the tool as a motivator that encourages me to visit new places.
What has surprised you most about living here so far? What communities would you love to find/get more involved in? Although it shouldn’t be a surprise, it still feels like a bit of one: Hobbies. When I lived in Philadelphia or other cities, I found myself going out to restaurants and chasing fabulous food. Being a self-proclaimed foodie was my hobby. However, since our arrival to State College, I’ve been surprised at how I have other hobbies and interests. Over the last year I’ve recorded countless bird calls on my Merlin ID app, visited lush forests and parks in every corner of the region, and tapped into my creative side. With that in mind, I would love to get more involved with The Rivet and other creative communities and maker spaces. Although I will always love a delicious meal with a crisp glass of white wine and a sinfully sweet dessert, I’m branching out and exploring other things that can bring me joy such as birding, crafting, and even gardening. Stay tuned for 2026, I may be exploring my entrepreneurial side with a new State College friend.
A visit to the Palmer Museum of Art
What nearby towns have you enjoyed exploring? No matter the distance, you’ll stumble upon something special. Whether it be a charming historic town, farm-to-table bites, stargazing at a dark sky park, or an impressive outlook with a jaw dropping view, we’ve loved it all. We’ve appreciated the Victorian architecture and charm of Bellefonte, Boal City Brewing for live music, Lemont for local bites and Friday night music, Wellsboro (plus, Pine Creek Trail, PA Grand Canyon, Cherry Springs State Park), and Kinzua Bridge (as well as the Rimrock Overlook).
In 3 words, how would you describe your experience of living in State College? Vibrant. Warm. Local. Since our arrival, we’ve been struck by the warmth and generosity of spirit of those we’ve met so far. Plus, we always try to buy local and support local businesses whenever we can – so, it’s refreshing to see all the options from small businesses to farmers markets. We’re grateful for it all.
Plugging In
What kinds of people would you like to connect with around town?Makers, creative community, and how to get more involved in local markets and festivals. Young active professionals who go on walks/hikes. Gardening community and volunteer opportunities.
What are your superpowers? What are you most excited to share with the community? I try to stay dialed in. And charisma.
What questions do you have for the community? Who has a gem (and the time/bandwidth) they’d like to share with us?
What amenity/resource would you like to see pop up in town that would make the experience of living here even better? More childcare options, Remote Worker Meet n’ Greets or a Newcomers Clubs for newer residents.
ACTION ITEM!
Community Crowd Source
Okay, State College! Let’s help Stephanie!
Ask #1: If you’re an active young professional who likes to go on walks or hikes, a member of the gardening community, a maker, part of the creative community, or know how to get more involved in local markets/festivals or with volunteer opportunities, Stephanie would love to connect!
Ask #2: If you have a local gem to share, and then time to share it, please reach out!
If you have a tip that would make Stephanie’s State College experience even better, reply to this email and we’ll pass it along!
