So what is life like in Central Pennsylvania? If you’ve never been here we invite you to visit and explore all that the area has to offer - low crime rates, high-ranking public schools, affordable housing, and tons of activities to satisfy everyone’s interests. From festivals and fairs, to state parks, and athletic and cultural events, Central Pennsylvania really does have something for everyone.
State College Area School District (SCASD)
SCASD includes public schools in State College and the surrounding townships of College, Ferguson, Halfmoon, Harris, and Patton. They consistently have a graduation rate above 94% and have been ranked 26th of 498 school districts in the state.
Real Estate
There are a wide variety of living options in State College - family homes, apartments and rental properties – are available to house university students, individuals, and families. In 2014 the average home was listed for $349,000 and the average sales price was $239,000.
Recreation: For outdoor enthusiasts the Allegheny mountains that surround State College offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. Hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, boating, and camping – just to name a few. Get out and explore the great outdoors. You’ll be surprised by how much there is to explore.
Culture
Penn State University – Penn State’s rich and robust cultural programs carry over into the community. The public has access to many Penn State cultural and sports events. Visiting authors or artists, art exhibits, presentations by leading experts in the fields of science, technology and history, theater performances, and of course football games, are all activities that we have access to with the university as our neighbor.
State College has its very own symphony, the Nittany Valley Symphony. The symphony makes access to great classical music performances affordable for everyone.
Arts Festival – This almost 50-year-old event brings four days of art, vendors, food, performances, street painting, and activities for kids, to the streets of downtown State College. This event brings over 100,000 people to State College every year.
Nightlife – State College’s downtown is home to a vibrant and lively nightlife. Hometown college bars and casual dining restaurants are intermixed with sophisticated fine dining outlets and wine bars.
Groundhog Day – Celebrate Groundhog Day where it all began, with Punxsutawney Phil, in Punxsutawney Pennsylvania. Celebrate as the community rallies to see if the groundhog will see his shadow or not, a sure predictor of how much longer winter will last.