When you picture the perfect college town, you may imagine a place like Stage College. Home to the highly ranked Pennsylvania State University, this central borough presents the perfect backdrop to the university experience with its competitive athletics, academic prestige, and electric school spirit.
Composed of over 40,000 students, the Penn State student body has a widespread presence throughout State College and its local rental market. Many students choose to live off-campus, generating competition and high demand for rentals along the campus outskirts. However, with the right resources and tools, finding off-campus housing near Penn State can be a straightforward and stress-free process.
Read below for our guide on how to navigate the State College rental market and find quality off-campus housing.
Where Do Most Penn State Students Live Off-Campus?
State College is home to a wide selection of neighborhoods perfect for off-campus living. Whether it’s an urban community near the city’s downtown or a quiet, remote neighborhood on the city outskirts, this area is bursting with unique residences for all different tastes and lifestyles.
Some of the most popular off-campus neighborhoods for Penn State students include:
Highlands
Just steps away from the Penn State campus, the Highlands neighborhood is heavily populated by student renters. Here, you’ll find a mix of apartments and single-family homes for rent, along with a sprinkle of permanent residences. The Highlands is also home to many of Penn State’s Greek life organizations, creating a lively, student-centered atmosphere throughout its tree-lined streets.
Holmes-Foster
As one of State College’s oldest neighborhoods, Holmes-Foster has a unique charm that cannot be replicated by other off-campus neighborhoods. This area boasts an even mix of single-family houses and apartments for rent, all just two blocks from Downtown State College. Some student renter favorites include apartment communities like Parkway Plaza and spacious homes like 622 W Beaver Ave.
Orchard Park
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of campus life? Orchard Park could be your best fit! This popular area fosters a slower-paced lifestyle compared to neighborhoods on the outskirts of campus. However, it is still close enough to campus for students to have easy commutes to class. You’ll find many attractive rentals along Orchard Park’s Waupelani Drive, such as Lion’s Gate Apartments or The Retreat at State College, that are perfect for the student lifestyle.
How Much Does Off-Campus Housing Cost in State College?
As of September 2024, the average cost of rent in State College is $1,254 per month. This is 20% lower than the national average, making State College a more affordable option than most other U.S. cities.
Student renters in State College will notice that prices vary based on square footage and location. For example, neighborhoods near downtown and the Penn State campus generate high demand and prices. These will be areas like the Highlands, which has an average rent of $1,442 per month for 658 square feet, or Downtown State College, which has an average rent of $1,474 per month for 556 square feet. Meanwhile, communities in less convenient locations like State College South or Tusseyview offer cheaper rents that may better accommodate a student’s budget.
Size and square footage are other things to consider when budgeting for an off-campus rental. This will especially come into play when deciding whether to live with roommates or by yourself. For example, a two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment in State College ranges from about $1,400 to $1,600 per month. Meanwhile, a studio or one-bedroom apartment will range from $1,000 to $1,300 per month. Keep in mind that with multi-bedroom units, you’ll likely split rent evenly amongst roommates. In this case, your living expenses will likely be less than if you lived in a studio or one-bedroom on your own.
You’ll also need to account for utilities when budgeting for off-campus housing in State College. In some cases, apartments will include utility costs in a resident’s monthly rent. This means that your landlord will pay a flat rate to the utility company and then add it to your monthly rent bill. However, in other cases, you may be responsible for paying utility costs separately. This can include gas, electricity, water, and internet services. While these costs will vary based on monthly usage, you can expect to pay $100-$200 monthly on utilities in addition to your rent.
Can You Live Off Campus as a Freshman at Penn State?
Freshmen are required to live on-campus during their first year of enrollment at Penn State. First-year students can request to be exempt from this on-campus living policy if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- The student is 21 years or older when initially registering for school.
- The student is married, and their spouse is also enrolled at Penn State.
- The student has served active duty before their admission to Penn State.
- The student graduated from a high school in Centre County and will be living with their parent or legal guardian in a Centre County permanent residence.
If you meet at least one of the above requirements, you can request an on-campus housing exemption. If you’re not eligible for an exemption, expect to live in a double-occupancy dorm room or suite-style room in a residential building on campus.
What to Consider when Searching for Penn State Housing
Finding off-campus housing in State College is easier when you tailor your search. Rather than casting a wide net across the area’s various off-campus neighborhoods, it’s better to narrow your search by determining what matters most to you.
Does living close to campus appeal to you? Or would you rather live in a more quiet, secluded community? Do you want to walk to class or take a bus? These are the questions to ask as you filter your off-campus housing search.
Below are some other important considerations to keep in mind:
Proximity to Campus and Downtown
Most students prefer to live close to campus and downtown when renting off-campus. This central location offers convenient access to local shops, eateries, and entertainment venues, as well as quick commutes to and from Penn State academic buildings.
Areas like Highlands and Holmes-Foster are perfect for students who enjoy the hustle and bustle of campus and downtown activities. Many renters in these neighborhoods live in high-rise apartments with social communities like The Maxxen or Haus. If you’d prefer to live in a quiet area away from the action, consider a single-family home in Orchard Park or Tusseyview.
Walkability
Traveling by foot is a huge advantage for a student. Not only does it save you from the stress of long commutes and parking near campus, but it also provides an outlet for daily exercise and outdoor exposure.
State College has a walk score of 68, meaning it has plenty of sidewalks and trails for foot traffic. Whether you’re running errands downtown or taking a scenic walk to class, most areas on the outskirts of campus will provide a walkable lifestyle. However, areas further from campus, like State College South, might be more car or bus-dependent.
Public Transportation
If you’d prefer to live farther from campus, you should look for rentals with public transportation access. State College offers various public transit options for students to ensure easy commutes to class and around the city.
State College’s Centre Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, provides community transit throughout campus and surrounding areas. Students can use the CATA bus to access points of interest in State College, Bellefonte, and Pleasant Gap. These rides are typically discounted for students with RIDEpasses.
Lifestyle Fit
Lifestyle fit can make or break your off-campus living experience. Consider what type of living environment aligns with your personal and academic needs. Are you looking for an active social scene in a high-rise apartment complex? Or would you prefer the quieter, more private living options of single-family homes away from campus?
You should also consider any specific amenities or features that are important to you. For example, if you’re a fitness fanatic, you might look for rentals with gyms like The Yards at Old State or Aspen State College. Or if you’re coming to campus with a furry friend, you’ll want to look for pet-friendly rentals like The Canyon or Heights at State College. Whatever your lifestyle may be, there are plenty of options in State College to match it.
Find Student Housing in State College with Apartments.com
Ready to find an off-campus rental in State College? Apartments.com is here to help navigate your search! With our comprehensive suite of renter resources, including detailed, verified listings, area guides, search filters, and more, you’ll find off-campus housing without ever breaking a sweat.
Start by searching for “State College, PA” on our website. Then, use our student filters to filter your search results. Select “Specialty Housing” and click “Student” to access a range of filters related to student living. Whether you’re looking for rentals with roommate matching, campus shuttle access, study rooms, or all of the above, trust that you’ll find the perfect rental on Apartments.com.
We’ve partnered with Pennsylvania State University to provide additional off-campus housing resources through the official Penn State Off-Campus Housing website! This platform offers advanced search filters to help you discover your ideal off-campus rental and access valuable resources, such as the Roommate Finder, which connects you with potential roommates who share similar preferences and lifestyles.
Apartments.com helps you swiftly discover housing options that fit your lifestyle, academic requirements, and budget. Don't hesitate—start your housing search today and find the ideal place to call home in State College!
FAQs
Where is the best off-campus housing at Penn State?
The best off-campus housing at Penn State varies depending on personal preferences and budget. Popular areas include Highlands, Orchard Park, and Holmes-Foster, which offer a mix of convenience, amenities, and social life.
Is it cheaper to live on or off campus at Penn State?
Living off-campus can often be cheaper than on-campus housing, especially when sharing an apartment with roommates. However, costs can fluctuate based on the location and type of accommodation you choose, so it's important to compare options.
What is the average cost of rent in State College, PA?
As of September 2024, the average cost of rent in State College is $1,254 per month. This is 20% lower than the national average.
Are there specific living requirements for first-year students at Penn State?
Yes, Penn State generally requires first-year students to live on campus for their first year. This policy helps students transition into college life and encourages community engagement, though exceptions may apply in certain circumstances.
Are utilities typically included in rent for off-campus housing at Penn State?
Utilities are not always included in the rent for off-campus housing, so it's important to check lease agreements carefully. Some landlords may include water and heat, while tenants are often responsible for electricity and internet, which can impact overall living costs.
