Getting to Know the Neighbors

Joining some friends who were already in town, Christian Baum spent the first few years staying on sofas and in basements while he worked on getting his first startup off the ground, an experience which ultimately led him to discover his niche for using business as a force for good.

Like so many others, Centre County Commissioner Amber Concepcion grew up in State College, went to Penn State, and then moved to a city. But in 2007, she and her husband moved back because they wanted their kids to grow up in a town with a real sense of community, and our vibrant downtown and great public schools sealed the deal.

Freelance creative Joyce Yong has been a State College resident for 11 years. Chances are, you’ve seen (or sipped) her creations around town more than a few times!

Before heading to Happy Valley, Fermin Almeida had done lots of research about Penn State itself, but not the town he'd be calling home. So what did he discover? A community he now calls "intimate, exciting, and diverse."

Originally from Tampa, Elizabeth Hay made her way to State College for grad school and, along with her husband, decided to stay. Since then, the pair have started a business, are raising 6 kids, and have become firmly rooted in the community.

"Like most townies, I left for greener pastures and to enjoy city life, only to find out that the people, charm, and outdoors of Happy Valley cannot be matched.”

Antifragile Brewing Company co-owner John Schaffer is as much a staple at Downtown State College's first brewery as the vibey, artist-appreciating business's craft beer, kombucha, and Philly-style cheesesteaks are for locals and visitors alike.

“We had friends from Virginia who had moved to State College five years earlier and raved about the town and all it had to offer. We figured it was time to discover what made this area so special!”

Amy originally made her way to State College as a Penn State student. After graduation, she spent 5 years working all over the country as a consultant for IT company Accenture.

Since 1978, Greg has been one of our town’s amazing serial entrepreneurs! Greg Woodman followed his older brother and sister to Penn State from Upper St. Clair High School in Pittsburgh.