The Best College Town In Pennsylvania
Among Pennsylvania’s college towns, State College stands apart for scale, cohesion, and identity. Home to the main campus of Penn State University, the borough is not just adjacent to the university, it is structured around it. Downtown streets blend directly into campus edges, local businesses depend on the academic calendar, and major events such as football Saturdays reshape the town’s rhythm. Few other Pennsylvania communities are as fully integrated with a flagship public university.
Beyond campus life, State College benefits from immediate access to state forests, ridge trails, and year-round outdoor recreation, giving it an environmental setting that urban-based college towns cannot replicate. The combination of Division I athletics, research infrastructure, walkable downtown blocks, and surrounding Appalachian landscape positions State College as Pennsylvania’s most complete college-town experience.
Why State College?
State College, often cited as the top college town in the state, excels due to its robust integration of academic and lifestyle amenities tailored to students. According to rankings by Forbes, it is notable for its low crime rates and high employment rates post-graduation, factors that contribute significantly to its appeal. Penn State University, the town’s cornerstone, boosts the local economy and cultural landscape, hosting over 46,000 students who partake in diverse research opportunities and community engagement initiatives. For instance, the university's annual arts festival, one of the largest of its kind in the nation, and numerous Big Ten sporting events, provide students with enriching experiences beyond the classroom. Moreover, the town's strategic initiatives for sustainability and transportation, like the State College Area Connector Project, aim to enhance connectivity and quality of life.
Penn State University
Central to the appeal of State College is Penn State University, distinguished by its rigorous academic environment and vibrant campus life. As one of the largest universities in the United States, it enrolls over 46,000 students at its main campus from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, according to the Penn State Office of Strategic Communications. This diversity enriches the learning experience, fostering a global perspective among students.
Penn State offers more than 160 majors and boasts state-of-the-art research facilities like the Millennium Science Complex, which focuses on innovative materials and life sciences research. The university is also a pioneer in online education through its World Campus, making higher learning accessible to over 20,000 students around the world. Its dedication to academic excellence is evident in its membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), a select group known for outstanding research and scholarship. Plus, the vast alumni network, one of the largest worldwide, opens up incredible professional opportunities for students, further solidifying Penn State's reputation as a comprehensive and influential institution.
Town Location and Natural Surroundings
State College surpasses its academic fame by providing a picturesque escape in central Pennsylvania. Located near the heart of the state, it lies within the vast Nittany Valley, bordered by the majestic Appalachian Mountains. The area features Mount Nittany, a symbol of the region’s natural heritage and a favorite hiking spot. The Appalachian landscape includes trails such as the Mid State Trail, known for tough terrain and stunning views. These paths offer recreation and learning opportunities where students can explore environmental science and ecology firsthand.
Additionally, Rothrock State Forest and Bald Eagle State Park nearby deepen the community’s bond with nature, offering activities such as mountain biking, bird watching, kayaking, and fishing across more than 1,730 acres of pristine waterways and forests. These natural features provide a peaceful counterbalance to academic routines, aiding mental well-being and encouraging a healthy lifestyle for both residents and students. Incorporating these outdoor areas into the town’s landscape not only enhances living quality but also attracts eco-conscious people and groups.
Rent Prices and General Affordability
State College is known for its affordability, especially when compared to other major Northeast university towns like Ithaca or Princeton. According to Numbeo's cost of living index, the average rent in State College is notably lower, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing about $1,000 a month. In contrast, rents in Ithaca average around $1,500, and in Princeton, they exceed $2,000. This economic benefit goes beyond housing, impacting other everyday expenses as well.
The town's diverse housing options warmly welcome everyone, from on-campus dorms that make student life easy and convenient to off-campus apartments and houses that give students a sense of independence. This variety helps students find choices that match their budgets while still being close to university resources and good quality. Plus, everyday living costs like groceries, entertainment, and transportation are quite affordable. The university's well-connected public transportation system is also subsidized for students, making it a friendly and cost-effective way to get around both campus and the town.
Local businesses like restaurants and entertainment venues often provide student discounts, which can really help ease the financial load for students. Plus, the university's efforts to promote sustainability through activities like community gardening and sourcing locally not only help reduce food costs but also encourage a more sustainable way of living for students and residents alike.
Historical Landmarks
State College is full of historical stories, with landmarks that tell the captivating history shared by the town and Penn State University. One of the most notable is Old Main, known for its charming Colonial Revival style. Built in 1930, it’s the heart of the university’s administration and features a beautiful bell tower, making it a beloved symbol and a picturesque highlight on campus, reflecting the university's rich academic heritage.
Another beloved landmark is Beaver Stadium, which highlights how passionately Americans love college sports. As one of the biggest college football stadiums in the country, it can hold over 106,000 fans. The stadium truly shows the community’s strong connection to college athletics, hosting many memorable games since it was expanded in 1960.
The Palmer Museum of Art truly enriches the cultural scene in State College. As part of Penn State, it offers wonderful educational experiences with its diverse collections, including American and European paintings, Asian ceramics, and contemporary artworks. It plays a crucial role in the academic community, providing valuable resources for learning and inspiring collaboration across disciplines.
Moreover, the Boal Mansion and Columbus Chapel help tell the rich stories of American and European history. The mansion, built in the early 1800s, displays artifacts from many centuries, while the nearby Columbus Chapel features relics that are believed to belong to Christopher Columbus.
Commercial Spots
State College isn't just a place for academics; it's also a lively community with a wonderful mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options that everyone can enjoy. Downtown State College is the heart of this vibrant scene, filled with charming retail stores, cozy cafes, and inviting bookstores. It’s a lively spot where students meet up for study sessions, socializing, and relaxing, creating that warm, welcoming university-town vibe you love. A real highlight is the Berkey Creamery, famous for its delicious homemade ice cream. Founded back in 1865, it’s one of the oldest university creameries in the U.S. and ties in nicely with Penn State’s dairy science program. Not only does it serve a tempting array of flavors, but it also showcases exciting research in dairy production.
Just steps from campus, the Allen Street Grill offers stunning views of the lively downtown area. Its menu features a variety of regional and international dishes, giving you a taste of the diverse cultures that make this town special. For a night of entertainment, check out The State Theatre—an important cultural landmark that was beautifully restored and reopened in 2006. It hosts a variety of indie films, live music, and performances, enriching the arts scene for both locals and students. And when it’s time to shop, the Nittany Mall, just a short drive from downtown, has everything you need—from stores and boutiques to delicious eateries. As the biggest shopping destination around, it’s perfect for students, faculty, and residents looking for a convenient, friendly place to find what they need.
The Takeaway
State College offers an enriching balance of academic rigor, affordable living, historical richness, and commercial vibrancy, making it an ideal location for college students. Its blend of educational opportunities and community life creates a nurturing environment that supports students' personal and academic growth. For anyone considering where to pursue higher education, State College represents not just a place to study, but a place to grow, explore, and build lasting memories.
