Housing

State College offers a variety of options, but the market is tight for affordable housing. As postdocs, the challenge is to promptly identify and secure the best match for your interests and needs. Start early, as soon as you get the offer!

Know Your Rights

There is a Penn State course recommended to learn about rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Log in here with your Penn State credentials to gain knowledge on this topic at your convenience.

Explore Your Options

Postdocs can benefit from the plethora of information that exists on off-campus housing for students. For example, check out Penn State’s Off-Campus Student Support or consider attending a housing fair.

Get to Know State College Neighborhoods

State College is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and appeal:
  • Downtown State College (right next to campus, southside): Living downtown offers convenience, with immediate access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife, though there is a heavy undergraduate presence. Housing here is primarily apartment-based.
  • College Heights (right next to campus, northside): College Heights is a desirable residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets and historic homes, but there are few affordable options.
  • Holmes-Foster (1 mile from campus): This neighborhood offers a mix of single-family homes and townhouses, making it popular with both students and families.
  • Houserville (3 miles from campus): Quiet, family-friendly neighborhood.
  • Pine Grove Mills (5 miles from campus): A bit further from campus, Pine Grove Mills provides a more rural setting while still being close to State College.
  • Boalsburg (4 miles from campus): Located a short drive southeast of State College, Boalsburg is known for its historical significance (“birthplace of Memorial Day”) and small-town feel.
  • Bellefonte (10 miles from campus): A charming town known for its historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and scenic surroundings, but the commuting distance is not ideal for postdocs and, if it matters, it’s outside the State College Area School District.

Considerations for Choosing Housing

When selecting a place to live in State College, consider the following:
  • Proximity to Campus: For easy access to your research environment, you might prioritize living close to the University Park campus, particularly if you don’t have a car. The CATA bus system offers some convenient transportation, depending on where you live, but walking or biking from nearby neighborhoods is often faster.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of housing in State College varies significantly depending on the type of housing and location. Check out resources such as Economic Research Institute’s Cost of Living Information on State College, Cost of Living on CNN Money, International Cost of Living Comparisons, or State College on Best Places.
  • Lifestyle Preferences: Consider what amenities and neighborhood features are important to you. Do you prefer a downtown atmosphere or a quieter suburban feel? Are you looking for family-friendly areas or something geared toward students and young professionals?
  • Budget: Your budget will play a significant role in your decision. State College offers options at various price points, so determine your priorities to find the best fit for your financial situation.
  • Lease Terms and Availability: If you’re renting, be aware that leases often start in August to align with the academic year and many properties are leased well in advance. Plan accordingly and start your housing search early.

State College Apartment Management Companies:

Places to Find Housing:

A few cautions:

  • Look at reviews of multiple property management companies before making a commitment.
  • Understand that scams are more likely to be found on Facebook and Craigslist.
  • It may be helpful to describe yourself as seeking “Professional Housing” – “postdoc” could be an unfamiliar term to those in the local housing industry, but they will understand “professional.”

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