Live, Work and Play in Central PA

 

Central Pennsylvania is one of the best places in the world to live, work and play. Don’t take our word for it. CNN-Money named State College to its list of Best Places to Live and Launch for its educated workforce, the vast resources available through Penn State, a “vibrant downtown” and opportunities to explore the outdoors in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains region.  State College was also ranked #5 on Money Magazine’s top cities in the northeast, and in a survey of recruiters, conducted by the  Wall Street Journal, Penn State was ranked #1 for best trained and ‘most likely to succeed’ hires.

The list goes on. Happy Valley has been hailed for its beauty, arts and culture, outdoor recreation, low-crime, and the availability of high-quality K-12 education.  

State College offers a variety of living options, from downtown to quaint suburbs to charming small rural towns on its outskirts in Boalsburg, Bellefonte and Penns Valley. In addition to family homes, there is an abundance of town homes and apartments that cater to students and graduate students. 

Penn State’s robust cultural programs are a draw for the entire community. Visiting authors and artists; art exhibits; presentations by leading experts in the fields of science, technology and history; professional live theater, music and dance; and major concerts and traveling shows all make their way through Happy Valley. Summer brings the Central PA Festival of the Arts, a four-day, juried festival also featuring food, music, children’s activities and street performers.

For outdoor enthusiasts and weekend warriors, the Allegheny Mountains and their valleys offer endless opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, boating, running, walking, geocaching, camping and more. Central PA offers world-renowned fly fishing and is home to the Allegrippis Trail, a premier mountain biking course, in the nearby Raystown Lake region.

Happy Valley is ideal for families, offering top K-12 education options, including State College Area School District, and other surrounding area public schools, plus a variety of private, parochial and charter school options for children of all ages. High quality childcare centers are available throughout the area, on campus and right here in Innovation Park. The area also offers a diverse array of children’s extracurricular activities in music, art, science and engineering, gymnastics, dance, figure skating, martial arts, and much more.

Singles shouldn’t shy away from the family-friendly culture. In addition to a vibrant nightlife, Happy Valley also offers networking and social organizations for young professionals. The low-crime rate and easy access to public transportation for shopping and dining make it a great place for young professionals

Local foods and many farmers markets are byproduct Central Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage. Locally-owned, locally-sourced restaurants are thriving, and the area also boasts an emerging craft beer and spirits scene, as well as several wineries.

Learn more about Central Pennsylvania at HappyValley.com.