Firstly why State-College, Pennsylvania?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: State-College
• State: Pennsylvania
• Population: 42,742 people
• State-College’s quick summary would be Home to Penn State University and the vibrant downtown Beaver Stadium area.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 3,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 5,000 annually
• Net Migration: -2000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 200
• Number of Homeless people: 100

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to Penn State University attracting students and families

Perk #1: State-College Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 78%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $51,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in State-College is $57,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & State-College’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,714
• Property Tax %: 1.02%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,050
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: State College
• Top 5 Growing Areas: State-College, Bellefonte, Boalsburg, Philipsburg, and probably could include Penn-State
• Avg. Age of Homes in State-College: 37 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.8%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & State-College’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in State-College are  Education, Healthcare, and Manufacturing
• State-College Job Scene: growing job market centered on education and university services
• The General Tech Scene: home to Penn State University, vibrant tech ecosystem focused on education and research ,
• State-College Resident’s pay $400 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in State-College: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 50 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 4

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in State-College

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-99 connects State College to I-80 and the region
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on Atherton Street
• Transportation Score: 32 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in State-College: 42,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for State-College: dot.state.pa.us
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 69 of 100
• Local Airport: University Park

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: State-College’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in State-College is best described as experiences cold snowy winters and warm humid summers with moderate rainfall
• Winter Weather in State-College i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in State-College can be described as cool with some rain
• Summer’s in State-College are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in State-College is usually cool and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 63 days in summer
• Days in a row in State-College below Freezing: 20
• Average Annual Rainfall: 43 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely supported by green spaces
• State-College Winter Air generally good air quality with limited pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: State-College Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in State-College 0
• While the number of trade schools inside State-Colleges’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Centre County Library and Historical Museum

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & State-College Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time State-College only Doctors is about 25
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time State-College only Police Officers is about 50
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• State-College’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
• State-College’s Monthly Gym Membership: $45
• State-College’s Water Quality Score: 77

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in State-College

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: home to a major university with a vibrant atmosphere
• You might enjoy performances at the Eisenhower Auditorium
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), State-College  features a lively nightlife that caters to students with a range of bars music venues and college events

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of State-College

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a vibrant food scene with local favorites
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around State-College
• The Popular Sports Team is Penn State Nittany Lions
• Top Level Political Climate in State-College can be described as liberal college town focusing on education and community engagement
• State-College’s Longer standing religious establishment is State College Presbyterian Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: State-College Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know State-College has 20 Parks?
• State College Parks is State-College’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is State College Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 11am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and outdoor events

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: State-College Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in State-College can be described as moderate college-town atmosphere with a vibrant community focus
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in State-College visiting nature centers picnicking at parks attending events
• The Cities people commute to from State-College are Chestnut-Hill 7 miles away Camden 3 miles away South-Philadelphia 7 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about State-College or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: backups on Atherton Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   State-College’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If State College is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby State-College are Chestnut-Hill 7 miles away Camden 3 miles away South-Philadelphia 7 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   State-College has 20 days in a row below freezing and 63 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in State-College people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   100 homeless people living in State-College. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal college town focusing on education and community engagement could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to State-College.

Retiree & Senior Life in State-College

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can qualify for senior-specific property tax exemptions enhancing living standards
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Village at Penn State
• State College Senior Center offers community resources recreational activities and social programs

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to State-College, Pennsylvania?

If State-College, Pennsylvania ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around State-College, Pennsylvania, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!