Old Main at Penn State (Flickr)
As past and current students, we understand the challenges associated with finding the right off-campus housing at Penn State. However, it’s critical to remember that finding the right place is just as important as finding the right landlord. Whether it’s a friend-of-a-friend or property management team, all landlords should abide by a similar set of standards to offer their tenant’s the best living experience possible.
With this in mind, we combed through hundreds of apartments and property management companies near the Penn State campus and created a list of the five highest rated landlords in State College.
The Retreat (Average Rating: 4.3)
Known for having a multitude of community amenities and fantastic social atmosphere, The Retreat’s cottage community is one of the top rated off-campus housing options in the State College area. From the gaming lounge to the resort-style swimming pool, residents at the Retreat live more than comfortably. The community also features the added perk of having a knowledgeable and friendly staff that goes above and beyond to treat their guests to the best experience possible.
Our favorite review:
“I’ve lived here at the retreat for three years, and there is no better place in State College to live! The amenities are top of the line and blow any of the other local competitors out of the water. The staff is always available to talk to and will bend over backward for their residents. The pool parties, basketball tournaments, tons of free food regularly, and other community events bring this place together like your own college neighborhood….Prepare to meet lots of friends! “
Briarwood Apartments (Average Rating: 3.6)
Despite being an older complex, Briarwood Apartments is incredibly well-maintained, making it a perfect off-campus housing option for PSU students. The maintenance staff ensures that all requests are taken care of in a timely and efficient manner, and all requests are followed up on after completion. Having a knowledgeable and professional staff is key when providing tenants with excellent customer service, and it’s safe to say that this is not news to Briarwood.
Our favorite review:
“The experience so far has been excellent all-around especially with service from the office staff and maintenance individuals. No particular request has taken an exorbitant amount of time to be resolved. And in most cases, the staff follows up to ensure that things are working properly after the maintenance tasks are completed.”
The View (Average Rating: 4.1)
The View features luxury apartments within proximity to the Penn State campus. Fully equipped with a team of knowledgeable and accommodating staff, these apartments are ideal for those looking for a hands-on management experience. Any issues brought to the service desk are promptly addressed and resolved, and this desire for enhancing tenant satisfaction doesn’t stop there; the staff also treats residents to free coffee every morning. If you’re looking for an apartment that goes beyond offering excellent amenities, this is the place for you.
Our favorite review:
“The Grove is a great place to live with amazing amenities. The community events allow me time to leave my apartment and meet my neighbors. I wish that were more activities every month and that the security gate was actually used. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the overall living environment is great. I also enjoy how close it is to campus.”
Copper Beech Townhomes (Average Rating: 3.6)
If you’re an international student that’s looking into off-campus housing, look no further. The staff at Copper Beech Townhomes is easy to work with when it comes to online correspondence and securing housing via the internet. They understand what steps need to be taken on both ends to move forward with the leasing process. In addition to being highly knowledge when it comes to addressing international students’ needs, the staff is composed of genuine, friendly workers. They understand the difficulties of finding housing and are willing to do anything in their power to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Our favorite review:
“I have only booked the apartment until now through online communication. The support from staff for booking the apartment has been good and the overall process was smooth and easy”
Parkway Plaza Apartments (Average Rating: 3.6)
The staff at the Parkway Plaza Apartments are highly involved when it comes to taking care of the needs of their tenants. To ensure a positive living experience, the staff addresses any concerns in a timely and efficient manner. Equipped with a professional and personable staff, the Parkway Plaza Apartments help ensure that tenants are kept happy in a clean and well-maintained environment.
Our favorite review:
“Perfect. I like everything about Parkway Plaza. I really enjoy living here! In particular, I like the living environment as well as the maintenance. Thank you very much for all the work done by the staff of Parkway Plaza.”
And here they are; the top 5 landlords in the State College area. Looking for more? Click here to browse the complete list of Penn State Off-campus Housing.
Callie Kollenbroich
Callie Kollenbroich has been the Operations Coordinator and Content Writer/Editor at Rent College Pads since 2015. When she's not working, you can find her at home, eating peanut butter out of the jar and bingeing an unhealthy amount of Forensic Files. She's not as lame as she sounds.