Hey, Been living here since 2006. With a population of 40,669, State College is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -State College sits at 92.1 per 100K. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Worth the trade-offs? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development.
13 upvotes
3 Replies
Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 55, moved here 4 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
34 upvotes
James Collins
I work in hospitality here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is solid. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Brooklyn E.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 4 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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