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.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
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.
Nothing Found
None of the categories scored poorly, resulting in no identified cons for this area.
State College, Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized city with a population of 43,467 residents. State College has a population density of 9,540 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 83%, the majority of the State College population is White; this is followed by 11% Asian and 3% Black. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all State College residents is 22. 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're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, State College is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in State College could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Pennsylvania if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, health & safety, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in State College and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare State College to Pennsylvania and the national average.
State College has a livability score of 86 out of 100 and is ranked #40 in Pennsylvania and #286 in the USA. Clearly, State College is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that State College has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (B) and education (A+). State College does not rank well for the following: cost of living (D). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
If you're living in State College, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making State College an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. 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.
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of State College, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 153 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that State College has an unemployment rate of 2.4% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
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. The median home price for State College homes is $613,974, which is 107.2% higher than the Pennsylvania average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in State College, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 10.7, which is 189.2% higher than the Pennsylvania average.
| Statistic | State College | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 43.0% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.9% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 12.2% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 5.7% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 27.8% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.4% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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