What attracts retirees to State College, PA?
State College was rated one of the top retirement destinations in the 6th edition of “America’s 100 Best Places to Retire.”
In 1855, a small, agriculturally oriented school called The Farmers’ High School was established. Little did local residents realize that this school would evolve into the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), which would gradually replace farming and iron-making as the prime economic force in State College. Penn State’s dynamic presence has fostered State College’s transition into the lively cultured community that it is today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61lGqO5jQDw
Although the Post Office is located in University Park, it is known as Happy Valley. There are numerous recreational and cultural opportunities in the area. The town has approximately 40,000 residents, many of whom are retirees drawn to this vibrant college town. This is an exciting place to live because of the shops, restaurants, university, and cultural amenities. The population over the age of 55 is the fastest growing demographic.
Is PA a good state to retire in?
Choosing a retirement location necessitates careful consideration and research. You want to go somewhere where you will be at ease, where you will be able to enjoy your life, and where your retirement funds will purchase you the most. To do so, consider the housing market, tax code, climate, and position relative to healthcare services.
Landscape
State College, Pennsylvania is located in the Nittany Valley, where nearby Appalachian Mountain ridges provide a scenic backdrop to the urban landscape. The natural vegetation is broad-leafed deciduous forest, making autumn colors spectacular in town and on the wooded slopes in the countryside.
Climate
State College is nearly in the center of Pennsylvania. The surroundings are forested, with rolling hills. The average July high temperature is 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The average January high temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average January low temperature is 18 degrees Fahrenheit. June is the wettest month (4″).
State College has four distinct seasons; rapid changes in weather are the norm. Precipitation is adequate in all seasons, with much of winter’s falling as snow. State College is sunny about 55% of the time and frost free 160 days.
Quality of Life
Excellent. The city is well planned. The traditional downtown is a lively student-oriented entertainment complex with a good assortment of shops, restaurants and service establishments.
Housing
Housing costs are at the national average, with a good variety of housing from older farmhouses in nearby villages to traditional and modern single-family residences, townhouses and condominiums in the city.
Goods and Services
Except for utility costs, which are above the national average, other goods and services are below national norms.
Taxes
Pennsylvania has enacted tax policies that are beneficial to retirees. Social Security benefits, as well as distributions from IRAs and 401(k) plans, are tax-free. Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively low, especially when compared to neighboring states New York and New Jersey, and some tax rebates are available to eligible homeowners and renters age 65 and older.
State and local taxes in State College are about 8.9% of income compared to the U.S. average of 9.7%. State income, sales and excise taxes are at or below national norms; property taxes are modestly above average.
Transportation
An impressive network of roads and buses serve State College, the Penn State campus, suburban shopping centers and nearby communities. Intercity travel is possible by air, bus and rail.
Retail Services
Nittany Mall, Wegman’s supermarket, the local Wal-Mart and Target stores, and several smaller shopping centers and strip malls provide ample shopping opportunities.
Health Care
Mount Nittany Medical Center provides comprehensive medical services to the State College area.
Community Services
State College and Centre County furnish a good selection of community services and recreational activities.
Fun things to do in State College
Education and culture is well represented in State College, with a vast array of activities offered by Penn State and several community theater, art and music venues.
The Bryce Jordan Center hosts a wide range of cultural events. Ballet performances are held at the Center for the Performing Arts, while musical performances are held at the Eisenhower Center and Schwab Auditorium. The Palmer Museum of Art and the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts are both held annually. In addition, there are bookstores, restaurants, and shops. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provides seniors with noncredit courses, trips, and other resources.
Recreational Activities
State College and surrounding area offer a wealth of recreational opportunities, including movies, hiking, downhill and cross-country skiing, golf and exciting intercollegiate sports events. Sample some superb ice cream at the Creamery on the Penn State campus.
Work and Volunteer Activities
Some jobs exist for seniors. Volunteer opportunities are plentiful; many seniors find rewarding roles as mentors.
Crime Rates and Public Safety
State College has an enviable record of public safety. The city’s violent crime rate is a remarkable 80% below the national average. Property crime occurs at only 50% of the national rate.
Conclusion
State College is one of America’s best places for a secure and active retirement. Penn State, the scenic mountain and valley landscape surrounding State College, and the city itself offer a rare combination of amenities appealing to retirees. All in all, State College is a safe and friendly place where retirement can be lived and enjoyed at a fairly low cost.