$408,508Average Value$306Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Older homes near State College shopping district
Like much of State College Borough, Highlands is known for its old buildings and proximity to The Pennsylvania State University. “As the university was formed, it seems students and professors wanted to be close to campus,” says Beth Richards, a local associate broker at Kissinger Bigatel & Brower Realtors. “So, College Heights, Holmes Foster and the Highlands were first developed.” This is still the case, and faculty and students make their home along the community's tree-lined streets and manicured yards. “Penn State alum and people that work for the university that want to be within walking distance live there,” says Mckenzie Millward, a local Realtor with RE/MAX Centre Realty.
The neighborhood sits at the edge of downtown and is primarily residential, with the occasional cluster of fraternity buildings. The community is listed as a historic district, and many of the fraternity buildings and homes were designed by local architects John Henszey, Eugene Lederer, O.W. Houts, Frederick Disque, A. Lawrence Kocher and William Hajjar. Many were also constructed through mail-order kits. Fraternity homes in the area may raise concerns for some, but the noise levels rise only during Penn State football games and weekend socials. "Some Saturdays, especially in the spring or a home football game, frats will do tagalongs with the sororities, and there are socials on Thursday, Friday and Saturday,” says Millward. Most Greek homes are built close together, so events are concentrated around East Beaver Avenue and South Garner Street.
Highlands residents choose the neighborhood based on its close proximity to State College.
Old Main is a historic building on Penn State's campus, near Highlands, built in 1867.
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Highlands single-family homes from $275,000
The gridded streets of the Highlands community are lined with sidewalks and manicured yards overseen by towering maples, birches and dogwoods. Grand Neoclassical, Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival-style homes are common sights in the area. Most fraternity homes are large, red-brick buildings with Tudor designs, planned by John Henszey and Eugene Lederer. History buffs can learn more about the architecture by taking a self-guided walking tour of the community using the guide on the Highlands Civic Association’s website. Despite the extensive vintage builds, the area offers residences in simpler ranch-styles, Foursquare, midcentury modern and contemporary. “We have traditional two-stories, not a lot of Craftsman, some contemporary or midcentury modern. A Tudor or a traditional two-story and a solid ranch home are probably the most common,” says Millward. Homebuyers can find townhouses and condos close to downtown, ranging from $200,000 to $475,000. Single-family homes range from $275,000 to $650,000.
Ranch style homes in Highlands provide private driveways with garage parking.
Colonial revivals sit perched on rolling hills with large lots in Highlands. The historic Highla
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Golfing at Centre Hills Country Club and the Blue & White Golf Courses
The community is close to three golf courses: the private Centre Hills Country Club and the public Blue & White Golf Courses, owned and operated by Penn State. Centre Hills, 3 miles away, was established in 1921 and boasts a 27-hole course open to members. Club members also have access to a swimming pool, sports facilities, a clubhouse and events. The Blue & White courses offer walk-ons for those wishing to golf on the 18-hole greens, though it is recommended to reserve a tee time. Hikers and joggers may explore the trails at the 43-acre Thompson Woods Preserve.
Play 36 holes of pristine golf near Highlands at the Penn State Golf Courses.
The historic Highlands district sits beside downtown State College Borough.
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Renaissance Faire hosted at State College Area High School
The State College Area School District receives an A-plus from Niche and serves Highlands. Children may attend Easterly Parkway Elementary School and Mount Nittany Middle School, both of which receive an A. Students Advance to State College Area High School, which receives an A-plus. The high school hosts a Renaissance Faire, which students plan throughout the year. The fair is held in May on school grounds and overseen by faculty.
State College Area High School teaches 2,410 students in State College, PA.
Mount Nittany Middle School has an overall Niche.com rating of A.
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Highlands residents partner with local fraternities through Neighbor to Neighbor
Penn State is known for its football, and Beaver Stadium is always packed during games. During the off-season, residents attend the Downtown State College Farmers Market for everything from fresh produce to succulents and coffee beans from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every Friday from May through November. Specific to the neighborhood, the Highlands Civic Association has an informal Neighbor to Neighbor initiative that pairs the 23 local fraternities and one sorority with permanent residents. From there, yearly elected fraternity leaders exchange contact information with their residents and discuss anything important. Examples of interactions brought on by the initiative include helping residents with household chores or formally apologizing after a noisy party. Religious services are offered at Grace Fellowship Church, Penn State Young Kwang Korean Presbyterian Church and Congregation Brit Shalom.
Large tudor style mansions are often home to Penn State sororities and fraternities.
American foursquares in Highlands have covered front porches to escape the Summer heat.
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Walkable community with bus stops downtown
While most amenities, including Penn State, are within walking distance, Atherton Street passes through the borough and connects with Interstate 99 and the Mount Nittany Expressway for those wishing to travel outside the area. Bus stops are located downtown and along South Pugh Street. The State College Regional Airport is 7 miles away.
Uncle Eli's Art Marketplace has every material needed for any artist near Highlands, downtown.
Get to and from the Highlands neighborhood on public transit CATA busses.
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Dining in downtown and shopping along Atherton Street
Highlands borders the State College downtown area, nestled between College Avenue and Highland Avenue. The Tavern, a recently remodeled borough staple, opened in 1948 and serves American comfort food, from pasta to surf and turf, in a Colonial Revival building on College Avenue. The Allen Street Grill is another staple. The upscale restaurant has views of the downtown area and outdoor seating for sunny days. “I would say one of the top restaurants is The Tavern, that’s been around for a long time,” says Millward. “Allen Street Grill has really good food and was remodeled during COVID. There’s a bunch of bars that serve food, too.” Groceries are available at either end of Atherton Street, which borders the neighborhood. South Atherton and North Atherton are equidistant, around 2 miles from the neighborhood. North Atherton offers more variety in groceries and retailers from Aldi to Wegmans, while South Atherton has a Weis Market and a Giant by Hills Plaza shopping mall.
Bill Pickle's Taproom offers outdoor seating on nice days, walking distance from Highlands.
Sit down inside at Elixir Coffee in Highlands to get some work done before class.
The Pickle's Taproom is the popular place for students and alumni in downtown State College.
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Important to know
Due to Pennsylvania's geology, around 40% of homes have high radon levels. Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that occurs when uranium breaks down over time. Most homes have a radon mitigation system installed.
The Highland neighborhood finds its charm in classic colonial revival homes.
Stone colonial revivals sit next to historic tudor style architecture in Highlands.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lindsey Byers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sidney Friedman Park
Thompson Woods Preserve
East Fairmount Park
Transit
Airport
State College Regional
14 min drive
Bus
Beaver Ave & Schlow Library & Cata Office
Bus
S Pugh St & E Hamilton Ave Inbound
Bus
S Pugh St & E Fairmount Ave
Bus
S Atherton Street & Highland Alley
Bus
240 S Pugh St (Days Inn)
Bus
S Pugh St & E Nittany Ave
Bus
Opposite 240 S Pugh St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Highlands
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Highlands Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Highlands, State College sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Highlands, State College over the last 12 months is $380,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this immaculate and fully updated condominium in downtown State College at Regency Square. This spacious one-bedroom was remodeled in 2023 and is being offered completely turnkey with all furniture, soft goods, and kitchenware included! The home features white cabinets with laminate countertops, vinyl plank flooring throughout, a remodeled bathroom with a shower, an updated white vanity
Iconic, historic charm of mature tree lined Irvin Ave within the Highlands neighborhood of the State College Borough, 416 E Irvin encapsulates mid-century charm and modern amenities. Built in 1956, this single-story ranch features - hardwood floors, a first-floor primary bedroom, a spacious eat-in kitchen and a permitted one-bedroom apartment with income potential. Celebrating the hallmark of
This exceptional investment opportunity is perfect for those looking to start or expand their student rental portfolio in State College near Penn State University. The property features ceramic tile flooring in the open floor plan living area and kitchen, with carpet in the bedrooms. The main bathroom has been updated, with vanity, fixtures and shower unit. This unit is move-in ready for
Come experience the enduring essence of college life at oLiv Highland - the perfect place to relax and recharge. Our thoughtfully-designed PSU apartments are shaped by the unique history of Penn State, and inspire the loftiest of college dreams. Friendship, loyalty, camaraderie, competition, achievement, and excellence are all part of the higher code that oLiv Highland embodies.Located in
Unbelievable Rental in Downtown State College--you just won't believe the amazing architectural design this 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home has -- one of a kind to impress all in town! This home has been beautifully updated to meet the needs of all. Come and see for yourself all that it has to offer from the serene downtown setting and entrance to the front door. There is so much to offer that your
Just steps away from PSU our recently renovated apartments are outfitted with only the best features that help students succeed in and out of the classroom. We also have exclusive amenities on-site that our residents can’t get enough of. Private and Shared Apartments remaining for Fall 25-26. See our community for yourself and contact us to schedule an in-person or a virtual tour. Rates start as
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lindsey Byers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
9,615
Median Age
26
Population under 18
19.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
5.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$28,536
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$45,242
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.8%
College Graduates
54.1%
Advanced Degrees
34.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
43.7%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
11''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
85/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
86/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
43/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
