A few reasons why people have recently made the move …
Kids bike to school here.
Learn more about schools and how State College puts “family friendly” center stage.
The woods (and streams) are only minutes away.
Whether you’re into forest bathing or mountain biking you’ll want to read more.
You can walk from coffee
to coworking to date night.
Picture yourself living near an energetic downtown that’s charming foodies and entrepreneurs, families and neighbors.
Since you’ve been gone
State College may be small, but it’s definitely not sleepy. Here’s some of the cool stuff that’s been happening in recent years.
Every spring for more than two decades, @shaverscreek Environmental Center has hosted its annual 24-hour Birding Cup fundraiser – and awarded some of the most unique trophies we’ve ever seen!
Each year, birders come together in the spirit of friendly competition to both raise money to break down barriers to outdoor access and, of course, see who can spot the most species across a variety of categories.
Pictured: 2024 Birding Cup winners, Raiders of the Lost Lark. Over 24 hours, this team spotted 136 species!
#statecollege #statecollegepa #shaverscreek #birders #birdingcup #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #birds
Jamie SanFilippo is a local fly fishing guide for both American Fly Fishing Company and TCO Fly Shop in State College.
Jamie is the owner and guide for @americanflyfishingcompany , leading guided fly fishing trips, and she also serves as a guide for @tcoflyshop. Previously the president and now a board member of the Spring Creek Chapter of @troutunlimited, she brings her expertise to the table.
In this episode, we’ll delve into what a fly fishing trip entails, why the State College area is renowned as one of the best fly fishing destinations in the world, and how you and your kids can get involved in the sport. Stay tuned for our segment “How to Do the Thing,” where Jamie will provide three actionable steps for fly fishing in and around State College.
HOW TO LISTEN: Visit the @rediscoverstatecollege Podcast Highlights
#rediscoverstatecollege #statecollege #statecollegepa #downtownstatecollege #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #flyfishing #fishing #trout #springcreek
It’s our CSA pick-up day! Look at this gorgeous haul from our farmers Micah and Bethany of Plowshare Produce. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is basically a farm subscription where you get a selection of freshly picked vegetables each week (or bi-weekly) through the harvest months. It’s a great way to eat in season and support our local farmers.
Plowshare Produce is just one farm of many in our area that offers a CSA. This week they surprised us with sunflowers! Eggs, coffee and other add-ons are also available.
#rediscoverstatecollege #happyvalley #statecollege #downtownstatecollege #happyvalleypa #statecollegepa #farmer #csa #communitysupportedagriculture #eatinseason #localfarms #eatlocal #eatlikealocal #plowshareproduce
After years as @hotelstatecollege Director of Operations, family man, mountain biker, and community champion Curtis Shulman now supports local businesses through his work with the Hartman Group.
We asked Curtis to fill us in on some of his favorite things about living here. We hope you’ll enjoy!
HOW TO READ MORE: Look for this link in the Blog Highlight @rediscoverstatecollege
#rediscoverstatecollege #statecollege #statecollegepa #downtownstatecollege #happyvalley #happyvalleypa
Michael Hermann is the founder and lead cartographer at Purple Lizard Maps, dedicated to uncovering hidden gems in places like Rothrock State Forest.
In this episode, we discuss why Michael focuses on mapping central Pennsylvania and explore the endless opportunities for discovering these woods, regardless of your experience level.
Make sure to stick around for our segment called “How to Do the Thing,” where Michael will share three actionable steps for hiking in and around State College.
HOW TO LISTEN: Visit our stories or the Podcast Highlight.
#rediscoverstatecollege #statecollege #downtownstatecollege #happyvalley #rothrockstateforest #hiking #trailsofpa #purplelizardmaps #outdooradventures
Our @rediscoverstatecollege team got together for happy hour last week at @boalcitybrewing with tacos from @huskandhoney. We did not even try to coordinate our fall fashion looks, but geeze - we look good!
We were missing some amazing team members and hope we can get everyone together again soon.
Now you can put faces to some of the real people who love living here and are happy to tell you all about what life is like in State College through our weekly newsletter and regular content.
And a big cheers to Season 2 of the @rediscoverstatecollege Podcast... Have you listened yet?
#statecollege #statecollegepa #downtownstatecollege #happyvalley #happyhour #locals
Season 2 of the Rediscover State College Podcast is here! And it highlights one of the top reasons people move to State College.
(Hint: It’s not Penn State football.)
This season, over the course of 6 episodes, we’re diving deep into our incredible outdoor scene and talking to the locals who hike, bike, fish, kayak, cave, and run all over Rothrock Forest and beyond.
If you’re thinking of making the move to town, these interviews will give you a great overview of all that’s accessible just outside your front door in State College – in quick, 20-minute episodes.
Find the link to listen in our stories and in @rediscoverstatecollege Podcast Highlights.
#rediscoverstatecollege #statecollege #happyvalley #downtownstatecollege #rothrockstateforest #hikepa #flyfishingpa #rockclimbing #kayakpa #outdoorspa
Wasson Farm Fall Fest Family Fun!
#happyvalley #statecollege #rediscoverstatecollege #statecollegepa #fallfest
At last week’s home football game, State College Area School District kindergartners were invited to run the length of Memorial Field before kick off.
Look at them go!!!
@scasd.athletics @statecollegehs
#rediscoverstatecollege #happyvalley #statecollege #downtownstatecollege #statecollegepa #happyvalleypa #football
"My own children— now in college— attended Delta Middle. Recently, my daughter, Maddie, said, “Dad, I’ve been thinking a lot about this, and I am now 100% positive that Delta’s all-school meeting made me comfortable speaking my mind in class and taught me how to respectfully disagree with other kids.”
“Wait,” I said, “Can you say that again?”
“I know…I know. I complained about it in middle school. But, having weekly meetings where we talked about issues in front of 100 students and teachers definitely made it easier to speak my mind in a class of 20.” Maddie’s memory is just one example of how Delta benefited her during middle school."
Local writer and teacher David Rockower shares about his experiences and his daughter`s experiences at State College Area School District`s @thedeltaprogram.
HOW TO READ MORE: Look for this link in the Blog Highlight @rediscoverstatecollege
#rediscoverstatecollege #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #statecollegeareaschooldistrict #scasd #downtownstatecollege
It was a big night downtown for the new @themakerypamarket. Opening night was a party! We are stoked to have our shirts in the shop alongside beautiful and one of a kind goods from local artists.
This is a market with a mission to support young women transitioning out of foster care in partnership with our Centre County Youth Services Bureau @ysbinfo
Learn more in our stories.
We interviewed shop owner Amy Frank @mindfullymadestudios on our blog, pictured here with shop volunteer @brittapetrichwrites.
#rediscoverstatecollege #downtownstatecollege #happyvalley #localartists #marketwithamission #art #community #statecollege #statecollegearts
These rainy days are ideal for a visit to @schlowlibrary. We love checking out the Lucky Day Books in front of the main circulation desk. If you love to read, this can feel like winning the lottery - especially with some of these sought after titles!
Then we recommend heading upstairs to sink into a comfy chair and take a reading break.
Which book on this shelf would you take home?
#libraries #librariesrock #freebooks #rediscoverstatecollege #statecollege #downtownstatecollege #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #librariesofpennsylvania #happyreading #booklovers
Let the fall fests begin! We had time to stop by @tuckawaytrees fall fest on Sept 21 for a lovely day of pumpkin picking, hay rides and shopping with a great lineup of vendors.
#happyvalley #statecollege #happyvalleypa #statecollegepa #fall #fallfestival
"When we talk with friends who have kids in schools in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington DC metropolitan areas, they are often surprised to hear about the kinds of programs and opportunities we have here for our kids. As our kids get older and want to explore different interests, we encourage them to pursue new endeavors – and we are so grateful to live in a place where they have so many choices."
Local writer @carolyne.rose.m shares about her family`s back to school experiences with their 5th, 9th and 11th graders.
HOW TO READ MORE: Look for this link in the Blog Highlight @rediscoverstatecollege
#rediscoverstatecollege #happyvalley #happyvalleypa #statecollegeareaschooldistrict #scasd #scasdathletics #downtownstatecollege
We are in prime “enjoying coffee outside” time. Just discovered this special spot at the @nittanylioninn
#rediscoverstatecollege #statecollege #happyvalleypa #statecollegepa #downtownstatecollege #coffee #coffeeoutside
Don’t just take
our word for it.
State College is popping up on people’s radar — and for good reason.
State College Ranks No. 8 on Forbes’ 2021 List of the 50 Best College Towns In America
Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com List State College as One of the Hottest Emerging Housing Markets
We know what you’re thinking —
we thought it, too.
But behind those initial assumptions is a more nuanced reality about life in State College.
Tap a “perception” card to reveal how things really are here!
PERCEPTION:
State College is only for students.REALITY:
State College is a town full of creative individuals who care deeply about building community from the ground up.
PERCEPTION:
State College is too small.REALITY:
State College is small enough to make your own mark — and big enough for it to have real impact.
PERCEPTION:
State College is just about Penn State.REALITY:
Not everyone in town has a connection to the university, but everyone who lives here benefits by being so close to a world-class institution that attracts international visitors and first-rate entertainment.
PERCEPTION:
State College has too many high rises.REALITY:
State College is building up so students don’t have to rent houses that should be owned by families who want to walk to shops and restaurants downtown.
PERCEPTION:
State College doesn’t have any high-paying jobs.REALITY:
State College is home to a number of big companies and is growing all the time, but lots of people create their own lucrative and meaningful careers while living here.
PERCEPTION:
There’s nothing to do in State College.REALITY:
Just one block of downtown State College has enough to keep anyone busy for a day, with independent shops, eclectic bars and restaurants, yoga studios, art galleries, local theaters, and one of the best small town libraries ever (just our opinion).
PERCEPTION:
Housing in State College isn’t affordable.REALITY:
State College is expanding, and living options with it. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, the range in the market works for lots of budgets.
PERCEPTION:
There’s no diversity in State College.REALITY:
Our little valley is big enough for all kinds of people to find a home here, and we’re proud to lift up all kinds of voices to represent our town.
Life in State College is an invitation to…
Become a member of a small-town community, where roots have a chance to sink deep.
Downshift into a routine that feels meaningful and settled.
Redefine the life you really want—in an environment that offers the time, space, and support to go out and build it.
