Apartments & Houses Near Penn State

When to Start Searching for State College Apartments & Houses

Here’s a fact not many people know about Penn State: it’s a huge college and a lot of people go there. Wait, you did already know that? Huh. Well then, it shouldn’t come as a shock that when you go to a huge college with a ton of other students, you need to start searching for Penn State apartments and houses to rent early in the first semester. By early, we mean right when you get back on campus in late August.

That sounds a little excessive, but most students are already hitting the streets looking for their next State College apartment right after finishing moving into their current apartment. And that's just students looking for a normal apartment. If you’re hoping to land one of the apartments in downtown State College, you should start searching sooner than that.

Thinking about throwing your name in the hat for one of the houses for rent in State College? Well, we wish you the best on that. The competition for houses near Penn State is fierce. Like Joe Extotics' hatred for Carol Baskin level fierce. 

Cost of State College Apartments & Houses

Going to a big 10 school has its pros, like the fact you're attending a prestigious school. But it also has cons, and one of the bigger drawbacks is that you’re going to be paying more for literally everything. Cough - RENT.

Almost all of the houses and apartments for rent in State College PA are gonna cost you a pretty penny. The most expensive housing option for Penn State students by far is choosing to live in one of the one-bedroom or studio apartments in State College. 

Here's a breakdown of rent prices in State College:

How much are 1 bedroom apartments near Penn State?
1 bedroom apartments in State College PA cost around $838 on average.

How much are 2 bedroom apartments near Penn State?
2 bedroom apartments in State College PA cost around $654 on average.

How much are 3 bedroom apartments near Penn State?
3 bedroom apartments in State College PA cost around $522 on average.

How much are 4 bedroom apartments near Penn State?
4 bedroom apartments in State College PA cost around $521 on average. 

How much are 5+ bedroom apartments near Penn State?
While the price will vary depending on if you want a 5 or 12 bedroom rental, on average 5+ bedroom apartments in State College PA cost around $663.

Check out our list of top-rated landlords near Penn State University to begin your search:

With all the great Penn State off-campus housing options, it can be difficult to make a decision. To help, we compiled a list of some of the most popular downtown State College apartment complexes below. This list was compiled by aggregating property reviews from around Ohio State.

The Retreat

Known for having a multitude of community amenities and fantastic social atmosphere, The Retreat’s cottage community is one of the top-rated off-campus housing options in the State College area.

Briarwood Apartments

Despite being an older complex, Briarwood Apartments is incredibly well-maintained, making it a perfect off-campus housing option for PSU students. The maintenance staff ensures that all requests are taken care of in a timely and efficient manner.

The View

The View features luxury apartments within proximity to the Penn State campus. Fully equipped with a team of knowledgeable and accommodating staff, these apartments are ideal for those looking for a hands-on management experience.

Copper Beech Townhomes

If you’re an international student that’s looking into off-campus housing, look no further. The staff at Copper Beech Townhomes is easy to work with when it comes to online correspondence and securing housing via the internet.

Parkway Plaza Apartments

The staff at the Parkway Plaza Apartments are highly involved when it comes to taking care of the needs of their tenants. To ensure a positive living experience, the staff addresses any concerns in a timely and efficient manner. 

Life At Penn State University

To be honest, there isn't a huge student-focused bar selection on the Penn State campus, which seems strange considering how densely populated the campus area is. State College is a college town! Where are the college bars!? Anyway, a lack of college bars doesn’t mean there isn't anywhere to go. It just means your choices aren't as wide-ranging as they are at many other comparably sized schools.

That's one drawback to being in a fairly secluded big/little city. House parties are common at every college, but they're a way of life at Penn State - especially the greek parties.

Some options do remain though of course:

• Bill Pickles’ Tap Room
• PHYRST BAR
• THE SALOON
• CHUMLEY’S
• CAFÉ 210 WEST
• INDIGO
• ZENO’S PUB
• MAD MEX
• Primanti Bros
• The Shandygaff Saloon (The Gaff) 

Things To Do In State College, PA

Out on the bar/party scene? Don’t fret, there’s more for you to do.

At 600 feet, Mount Nittany isn't too intimidating and it totally makes the hiking experience worthwhile. Scale Mount Nittany in early fall or late summer, when the weather is still good enough for you to really enjoy it.

On those rare days where it's nice outside, you can also take in the Arboretum, a school funded nature preserve that "strives to be a place of beauty and renewal."

Oh, also: Football! Football! Football! Football! Every game day is a big deal at Penn State. Tailgates are a blast and you'll find lines out the doors at every bar on College or Beaver Avenue.

As we've noted, Penn State is a football school. So make sure you catch a game and do some tailgating. But there's plenty else to do in State College while you're at Penn State. After all, it is a large college. So there will be plenty of opportunities for parties, drinking, and debauchery!

Above Photo Credit To Cole Camplese