AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in State College, PA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every State College neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,200/mo
Median Rent
42,034
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Penn State University
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why State College? What Renters Need to Know

State College is moderately affordable for a college town. Median rent is about $1,200/month.

Quick Facts

Population 42,034
Median Rent $1,200/mo
Top Employer Penn State University
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,200 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

State College median rent is $300 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in State College is Penn State University, making the Downtown State College area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in State College

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Downtown State College

Score: 86/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 88
Avg Rent $1,400
Schools 7/10
#2

Toftrees

Score: 83/100
Safety A+
Walk Score 30
Avg Rent $1,350
Schools 8/10
#3

Park Forest

Score: 81/100
Safety A
Walk Score 35
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 8/10

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#4

Lemont

Score: 79/100
Safety A
Walk Score 25
Avg Rent $1,150
Schools 8/10
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#5

Boalsburg

Score: 77/100
Safety A+
Walk Score 28
Avg Rent $1,250
Schools 9/10
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#6

Nittany Mall Area

Score: 75/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 40
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 7/10
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#7

Park Hills

Score: 73/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 45
Avg Rent $1,150
Schools 7/10
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#8

Houserville

Score: 71/100
Safety A
Walk Score 20
Avg Rent $1,050
Schools 7/10
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See All 8 State College Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores State College Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every State College renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for State College.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with State College properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About State College

What is the cost of living in State College?

State College is moderately affordable for a college town. Median rent is about $1,200/month. During football season, short-term rentals spike dramatically.

Is State College good for non-students?

Absolutely. The area offers excellent schools, very low crime, a strong arts scene, and abundant outdoor recreation. Many families stay long after graduation.

What are the best neighborhoods?

Toftrees and Boalsburg offer top-tier safety and schools. Downtown is walkable and vibrant. Park Forest is ideal for families.

What is there to do?

Penn State athletics, the Arboretum at Penn State, Tussey Mountain skiing, Rothrock State Forest hiking, and a vibrant downtown dining and arts scene.

How is the job market?

Penn State University dominates employment. Healthcare, tech startups in Innovation Park, and defense contractors also provide jobs.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.