Downtown State College

"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.”

You only go to college once (generally speaking). So why not make the most of it? 

Where you choose to live around Penn State can play a huge part in your whole college experience, so becoming familiar with the different neighborhoods in State College will help to determine where you want to spend your next few years living off-campus as a Penn State student. Looking to “have it all”? Then choosing to live in the downtown State College area is definitely the right fit for you. Jam packed with shops, restaurants, bars, and you won’t need to travel far to run your everyday errands or enjoy time out on the town. Check out downtown State College rentals near Penn State here.

Located just south of Penn State University, downtown State College is a lively area just steps away from the Penn State campus. This is a perfect neighborhood for students who opt to walk to class as many of the properties are 10-15 minute walk to campus! 

Getting Around

Many PSU students choose to leave their cars at home and biking is a very popular option as another means of transportation. If you don’t have your own bike you can conveniently grab a Zagster from one of the many stations located all throughout State College. Don’t feel like exerting all of your energy getting to classes? Hop on the CATABUS! Free to all Penn State students, this shuttle bus loops through campus and Downtown State College making your commute to classes and back home a breeze!   

State College has been ranked as the “lowest stress” city in the United States and has also been rated as one of the safest cities in America. As you walk down the beautiful tree lined streets of Downtown State College, you’ll soon understand why this quaint town still holds the name Happy Valley after all these decades. From houses and apartments ranging in all sizes offering a variety of amenities to the new larger apartment complexes being built, on thing is certain-Living Downtown, you’ll have plenty of options for housing! 

Things to Do in Downtown State College

Students fill the streets of downtown State College on any given day of the week. By day they, grab a cup of joe at Sain’t Cafe or enjoy favored restaurants like Primanti Bros and Little Szuchaun. When it’s time to let loose after a long week of studies you can catch PSU students at local watering holes like Zeno’s and Local Whiskey. Downtown State College also plays host to many events throughout the year like First Friday, Happy Valley Music Fest, and so much more! Pretty much anything you want to eat of anything you’d want to do around State College can be found Downtown near College and Beaver Ave throughout the year! 

If you’re the kind of student looking to “have it all” and be right where the action is, then choosing to live Downtown State College just might be the choice for you! Not to mention, it’s hop skip and a jump to campus everyday and you don’t have to travel far to take care of your day to day activities. 

Need a Rental Near Penn State?

Be sure to check out downtown State College apartments and houses for rent here, and to help you even further, check out our list below of Downtown and State College landlords and properties for Penn State students! 

  1. Associated Realty Property Management
  2. The Apartment Store
  3. Westside Village Apartments  
  4. Trout Housing
  5. Legacy Realty & Property Management

Chips and salsa aficionado, Ali Bartmer joined the Rent College Pads team in the fall of 2016 as the Operations Assistant and has since become a Content crafter. Cat mom of one, Ali prides herself in being a Bloody Mary connoisseur and with her Masters from Hogwarts there’s nothing Ali can’t do.

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