State College Apartments and Rentals

Long associated with the "Happy Valley" nickname, State College is one of the most storied cities in Pennsylvania due to its association with Pennsylvania State University. Though the academic institution still plays a significant role in the day-to-day lives of the 42,027 residents who call the metropolis home, there is much more to love about the area.

The small town feel of the city helps to sequester residents from the constant hustle and bustle of college students, and those looking for State College apartments for rent will be pleased with the numerous activities available to them outside of Penn State.

Much of the region's history is tied to Penn State. The school was established in the early 1850s by the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society, and initially, students were the only residents in the area.

The expansion process for the city was slow, but the school grew as grant money began to pour in from the state. As the academic institution became larger and larger, the surrounding area began to flourish. Graduating students pursued careers in agriculture in the region, and many other industries grew in order to support the many needs of the college.

Penn State grew rapidly, and its expansion helped to generate numerous employment opportunities for State College residents. The higher education institution remains the top employer in the area, followed by the state government and the local school system. Job opportunities abound at the university, ranging from administrative work to high-level positions in academia.

The student body at Penn State is massive, with more than 45,000 people taking classes at the main campus in Happy Valley. This has quite an impact on the housing situation, and people looking for State College apartments may find themselves lost in a sea of wide-eyed college kids.

State College is made up of both a neighborhood lined with trees that is full of diverse, civic-residents and a city with a cosmopolitan nightlife and a wide array of restaurants and shopping destinations. This variance affects the local real estate market, and people can choose to reside in either section of the metropolis, or venture toward student housing.

The median gross rent for State College is $822 per month, according to the 2010 Census, but this number can vary based on location and a number of other factors.

There is much to do in Happy Valley outside of the college environment, but for enthusiastic sports fans there may be no greater experience than joining the more than 100,000 spectators who show up for Penn State football games each fall. The raucous college fan base mixes with families for a diverse and involved crowd, and the entire day prior to and following the game is a memorable time for all involved.

Those who do not enjoy watching the action on the gridiron need not despair, however, as there are a number of other activities available in the area. People looking for State College apartments may enjoy the art and culture available through The State Theatre, which offers performing arts displays and hosts a number of film festivals and screenings.

The downtown area is home to numerous events during the summer months, ranging from the Central PA 4th of July Festival to the Central PA Festival of the Arts. For those residents who are willing to head on campus, there are many events held at Penn State for both area families and the students.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a State College apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.