State College, PABest Places to Live in the US in 2022

Higher education, health care, construction and retail are all major players in State College’s robust economy.

Penn State University

It’s hard to ask for better weather from April through October. Days are warm with jackets required most evenings except during the height of summer. Winters are cold and wet, with an average of 45 inches of snowfall annually. Area forecasts should be on point as AccuWeather is headquartered in Ferguson Township just outside State College. 

Hike nearly nine miles of trails and take in the scenic views from Mount Nittany, which is both a cultural symbol and a prominent landmark for the region. Begin at Mount Nittany Trailhead to follow the blue or white trail, rated intermediate to strenuous. A complete trail map is available for download.

As a state, Pennsylvania boasts the sixth largest economy in the country, with over 5% of its population working remotely. In State College specifically, more than half of its residents are between 18 and 24, and nearly 45% have a Master’s Degree. A highly educated and youthful town centered around a university means a lively nightlife with lots to do, many places to work from, including bars, libraries and cafes and a very walkable city experience. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, there’s no better place to work remotely than a thriving university town.

Sink your teeth into a great book and delicious vegetarian meal at Webster’s Bookstore Café. In business for more than two decades, the quaint shop features thousands of used books, along with featured new titles, vinyl records, gifts and a menu of vegetarian and vegan specialties.  

Tap into the region’s sports legacy and get in the game with great adult recreation leagues. Team options include pickleball, softball and volleyball, plus yoga and HIIT workouts for physical fitness. There’s also family fun with youth leagues, outdoor movie series and family game nights. 

Don’t miss the Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. The museum features traveling exhibits and rotating pieces as part of its permanent collection that includes more than 10,300 objects spanning centuries of art.

Since 1948, The Tavern has served downtown State College with a menu that elevates comfort food and celebrates fine spirits. Whether gathered at the bar, sitting on the outside terrace or tucked into a private nook, the atmosphere is just right for conversation and cocktails. 

Psychology Today magazine once named State College the “least stressed place” in the country. Chances are that determination wasn’t made during finals week!

A diverse economy, a vibrant arts scene and a family-friendly atmosphere make State College a best place to live in Pennsylvania.

Even though Penn State University is the keystone of State College, its affordable real estate market, below-national-average cost of living, and friendly neighbors make this community one of the best places to bear roots in central Pennsylvania. The homes for sale in State College have a median sale price of around $371K, ranging from adorable Cape Cod-style two-bedroom houses in neighborhoods like Greentree to brand-new construction homes in the master-planned communities north of the borough, with views of the Toftrees Golf Course. Real estate for sale in State College, PA, also includes freshly updated existing condos in the heart of downtown, and the sought-after units of the new developments southeast of the city center, with outdoor patios and open views of Mount Nittany. For more info, contact a local real estate agent.