Central Pennsylvania
State College, Pennsylvania
Borough (home of Penn State's University Park campus)
A university borough in the Nittany Valley
State College is a borough in Centre County built around Penn State's University Park campus. Its downtown along College Avenue and Beaver Avenue is dense with restaurants, shops and student housing, while surrounding neighborhoods and townships offer quieter residential options.
History & Local Character
Laid out in 1857 as the village serving the Farmers' High School, which became Penn State, the borough incorporated in 1896. The university's growth has driven nearly every stage of its development.
Housing & Real Estate
The borough mixes student apartments, Victorian homes and newer high-rises downtown, with single-family neighborhoods in Highlands and College Heights. Prices are high for central Pennsylvania because of university demand.
Restaurants & Shopping
College Avenue and Beaver Avenue host a large concentration of restaurants, cafes and bars, with a growing number of independent options beyond campus staples.
Schools & Education
State College Area School District serves the borough, and Penn State's University Park campus occupies the land immediately west of downtown.
Parks & Recreation
Sunset Park, the Penn State Arboretum and nearby Rothrock State Forest and Mount Nittany provide recreation.
Transportation & Accessibility
Route 322, I-99 and US 220 serve the area, with Centre Area Transportation Authority buses providing extensive local service. The nearest Amtrak station is in Tyrone.
Local Businesses
Independent restaurants, shops and professional services line downtown, with a strong technology and research presence tied to the university.
No businesses are listed in State College yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Penn State University Park
- The Arboretum at Penn State
- Mount Nittany
- Rothrock State Forest
- Bryce Jordan Center
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Walkable downtown with extensive dining
- University-driven employment and culture
- Access to state forests and trails
- Highly rated school district
Considerations
- Housing costs inflated by student demand
- Football weekends bring heavy traffic
- Limited rail connections
Frequently Asked Questions
Is State College the same as Penn State?
No. State College is an incorporated borough, and Penn State's University Park campus sits adjacent to it. The two are often used interchangeably in conversation.
Is State College a city?
No. State College is a borough in Centre County, Pennsylvania, governed by a borough council and mayor.