Welcome to State College, Pa., home to Penn State and the most absurd living situations and prices. We live in a very small, college oriented town where the apartment companies have the ability to have an absolute monopoly on our living situations. From the prices to the locations –– ARPM, The Apartment Store, AW & Sons and GN Associates run the show.
I'd be straight up lying to you if I said living anywhere downtown was a luxury (and The Retreat does not count because you people live so far and have a damn pool, sorry your parents love you more than the rest of us) but here is the top 10 places to live in downtown State College, in the humble opinion of a rising Senior.
10. The Palmerton
You people just live so far. But if you're big into being able to get to west campus relatively quick or have an affliction for BioLife and Beaver Ave, The Palmerton is for you. The balconies are also a solid plus, even if they are pretty small.
9. The Meridian
While I could say the same for you guys, you live so far in the opposite direction. You're closer to Fratland and south campus, but you made the list simply for your huge living spaces. Your living room and room size are quite nice, even though you have shared rooms.
8. Garner Court
Oh, little ole' Garner Court, most people don't even know you exist but you have to make the list simply for your location. You are actually placed at the front of Fratland, and every apartment has HUGE balconies. You can see all of downtown, and there are only four floors, so never too much of a walk. BUT, you have no elevator and you're so old I'm pretty sure my grandfather had the same couch I did in your apartment.
7. The Legend
The Legend, I'm sure everyone has been to a pregame here at least once. With your rooms that are shared (but basically a single thanks to the nice little wall in the middle) and your elevators that resemble a trap house, The Legend is a state college staple. Good location and price.
6. Nick Towers
While I've never heard a bad thing about Nick Towers, I've also never actually known someone who lived there. I feel as if it's kind of a myth, that you pass by and wonder "who lives here?" But only a few blocks off Fratland, close to campus, and not far from downtown, the large building as an allure to it.
5. The Legacy
While I may be biased here, The Legacy is a prime location here at State. With the option of single and double rooms and right next to McLanahans, it's hard to fight. While there are no balconies and the price is more expensive than a damn high rise in New York City, it's brand new and well worth it.
4. Beaver Hill
While I personally hate Beaver Hill, it's hard to leave out the apartment complex half of Penn State lives in. The living rooms are huge, but when you walk into the shoebox that is the shared rooms, you'll cry. Also, don't take the elevator, you will actually die and need to claim insurance money.
3. Cedarbrook
Once again, not my favorite apartment, but the other half of Penn State lives here, and it's expected. While a little nicer than Beaver Hill, the balconies make the entire apartment complex. Riot down Beaver Ave? Better catch a spot on a Cedar balcony.
2. Locust Lane
Locust Lane is just adorable. I don't know a person who lives here who does not love it considering it should be apart of Fratland. With not too many floors, possibilities for single and double rooms, and a PRIME location to downtown, it's hard to beat. It's also well kept and spacey-- you won't catch a disease walking the hallways!
1. Bryce Jordan Towers
This is prime living ladies and gentleman. Single rooms, big living rooms, brand new and a NICE elevator. You've pre-gamed here and probably found your future husband here. If someone lives here, marry them. Their parents love them, they have a single room, and they're also paying so much money they have to be loaded.
