State College 86 Exceptional
State College Livability #40 ranked city in Pennsylvania#286 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in State College

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    None of the categories scored poorly, resulting in no identified cons for this area.

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What's it like Living in State College?

Located in the state of Pennsylvania, State College is a medium-sized city with a population of 42,100 inhabitants. With a population density of 9,240 people per square mile, State College is well above the nation's average density level. The majority of State College residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. The median age of all State College residents is 22, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 19% of the State College population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in State College. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in State College is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Pennsylvania, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in State College and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, health & safety, education, employment and other important metrics.

The livability score in State College is 87 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the national average, State College ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that State College also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that State College ranks well for crime (A+) and education (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in State College. The following was graded with a disappointing score: housing (D).

Living in State College offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, State College provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Palmer Museum of Art, Zeno's Pub, and Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In State College, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.33% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In State College, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 68%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Assuming that State College meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in State College. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in State College are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in State College come in at $332,100, which is 98% higher than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In State College, the home price to income ratio is 8.7, which is 180.6% higher than the Pennsylvania average.

Best Places to Live in and Around State College

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Compare State College, PA Livability

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      State College transportation information

      Statistic State College Pennsylvania National
      Average one way commute16min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work43.0%76.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.9%8.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit12.2%5.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle5.7%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk27.8%3.8%2.8%
      Working from home6.4%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The State College, PA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).