For Parents, Spouses, and Significant
For Parents, Spouses, and Significant Others
We recognize that you, your child, your spouse or significant other are significantly affected by the decision of your loved one to pursue a degree or full-time employment at the Penn State University. Beyond the immediate impact of having less time to spend with your loved one, you are probably concerned about the quality of life and the local job market. We believe you will find that State College is a family friendly, culturally diverse, and vibrant economic region for you and your family to enjoy.
Family Friendly
The State College community has both a high standard of living and a low crime rate. State College has been ranked by Psychology Today as one of the least stressful communities in the nation. Residents enjoy a high standard of living and the public schools have been cited for excellence.
Children can play safely in any of the 28 parks and playgrounds open to residents of the Centre Region or they can swim in the two outdoor public pools as well as private and university-run pools. Numerous extracurricular activities are available for children of all ages covering a range of activities—including theater, music, sports, scouting, and more.
Culturally Diverse
The State College/University Park community is one of those rare places in the United States that can offer you the intellectual and artistic energy of an internationally known university, while only a short walk away are quiet suburban streets and only a bike ride away are small communities with roots deep in history and the richness of American culture. It is an emerging city with a small-town feel, the resources of a 140-year-old institution of higher learning in a retreat-like setting, the traditions of Pennsylvania side-by-side with a lively culture strongly influenced by young people and citizens from around the globe.
Economic Opportunities
A number of corporations maintain offices or manufacturing plants within the community. The development of Penn State's Research Park —meant, in part, to stimulate research-based businesses and incubate high-tech startups—promises additional impetus for growth. As a result, opportunities are available for spousal employment in local businesses and in non-academic positions at the university. However, because of the large number of well-educated men and women in the University community, finding employment commensurate with education and training can become competitive.
Additional information can be found on CentreConnect.org , a Web site where local nonprofit organizations and government bodies are hosted. CentreCounty.org is another Web site where you can find information about the official business groups, public service agencies and government agencies in the Centre County region. The local community newspaper, the Centre Daily Times circulates daily in State College and the surrounding Centre County region, providing news, editorials, job postings, and other information of local, national and world interest. Penn State's Department of Employment also posts positions for external candidates which are updated frequently.
You can learn more about our town by visiting StateCollege.com , a Web site that provides a full array of information about the town and community.
