Orchard Park is popular for Penn State students and professors
Every weekday, students with heavy backpacks and professors with coffee-filled thermoses make their way to The Pennsylvania State University in State College Borough, a 2 mile journey by car or bus from the primarily residential Orchard Park. A popular neighborhood for students and professors, Orchard Park's apartments, townhouses and condos are priced lower than most other housing options in State College, averaging $236,440. “Orchard Park does have a heavy concentration of rental properties on one side,” says Larry Walker, associate broker and partner at Kissinger Bigatel & Brower Realtors. “That would be a mix of undergrads, graduate students and professors.” The community mainly consists of apartments with amenities within walking or biking distance. The State College Area High School takes up a portion of the neighborhood and sits beside the Westerly Parkway Plaza, a small strip mall where residents may get groceries or grab a bite to eat. The neighborhood’s main draw is its lower cost of living and easy access to local amenities and employers.
Orchard Park's main draw is its lower cost of living and easy access to local amenities.
Residents in Orchard Park are never further than 2 miles away from Penn State campus.
1/2
Postmodern condos and townhouses just outside downtown
Subdivisions made up of apartments, townhouses and condos line winding streets in tight circles or sprawling areas. Most subdivisions have sidewalks and nearby bus stops, as well as built-in green space for residents to enjoy. Split-level and postmodern styles are common in the area and range from $200,000 to $375,000.
Subdivisions in Orchard Park feature twin homes that are priced in the low to mid $350s.
Some of the townhomes in Orchard Park feature car ports.
1/2
Shopping and dining at Waverly Parkway Plaza
Orchard Park is bordered by South Atherton Street, a small hub of local eateries, fast-food restaurants and strip malls. Before work or school, locals stop by the Waverly Parkway Plaza near the State College Area High School for a coffee and a fresh-baked bagel from Toasted Bagel Café. Sakura Sushi serves sushi and other seafood dishes along with dumplings and bento boxes in a dimly lit upscale atmosphere. Those donating old clothing or in need of a wardrobe change head to Uptown Cheapskate Fashion Exchange for gently used clothing. Groceries are available at Weis Market in Waverly Parkway Plaza or Giant grocery store in Hills Plaza, 2 miles away. Downtown and North Atherton Street, 5 miles away, have more national retailers, boutiques and upscale dining options.
Weis has everyday grocery needs for shoppers of Orchard Park.
For a quick, affordable breakfast, residents of Orchard Park can head to Toasted Bagel Cafe.
1/2
State College Pride hosted by LGBT+ Centre
State College Pride brings in over 5,000 attendees to the Sidney Friedman Park downtown, hosted by the only LGBT+ center in Centre County, Centre LGBT+. The Centre celebrates pride year round and hosts all age social groups and community events. Another popular event is the center’s January Gayla. “Each January, that is a sell-out event,” says Cat Cook, the executive director of Centre LGBT+. “It’s best described as ‘the prom we all should have.’ This 21+ event is a great way to gather and have an exclusive evening out complete with food and plenty of dancing.” During day-to-day operations, the center is a space where residents may relax and enjoy a refreshment or a book from its LGBT+ library.
Centre LGBT+ near Orchard Park is the the only LGBT+ center in Centre County.
Residents of Orchard Park can check out a pride friendly book at Centre LGBT+.
1/2
State College Area School District hosts The Delta Program
The State College Area School District, which receives an A-plus from Niche, serves Orchard Park. Children may attend Easterly Parkway Elementary School, which receives an A, and Mount Nittany Middle School, which also receives an A. Students advance to the State College Area High School, which receives an A-plus. “Orchard Park is in close proximity to State College’s high school campus,” says Walker. “Which is relatively new and well regarded; they tore it down and rebuilt it a few years ago.” The Delta Program’s high school campus is also near the neighborhood. This alternative program is part of the school district and aims for a community approach to education, allowing students to participate in policy decisions. Students can apply to attend and if there are more applicants than spaces, admission will be decided by lottery.
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.
1/2
Playgrounds and sports fields at Orchard Park
Orchard Park has walking trails bordering open green spaces next to softball and soccer fields. Children may play baseball or tennis at the nearby hard-top courts or enjoy the play structures while parents sit under the covered picnic table or on nearby benches. High Point Park has a similar layout, with more open green space for picnicking and enjoying sunny days. A walking path begins near shaded, red play structures and winds around the park to nearby tennis and basketball courts. The State College YMCA, offers many health and family programs, including day care, aquatics, summer camp, pickleball and other activities. Religious services are held at Cedar Heights Church, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Orchard Park covers 23 acres and has an array of amenities and open green space.
Practice your shot at the basketball court at Orchard Park.
1/2
Travel to New York on Interstate 80
The area is bordered by South Atherton Street, a main thoroughfare that runs through State College and connects to Interstates 99 and 80, as well as the Mount Nittany Expressway for those looking to explore outside the area or reach New York on I-80. Several bike paths and bike lanes on University Drive and other roadways lead into downtown. Bus stops are available near apartment complexes. The State College Regional Airport is 7 miles away, and the Mount Nittany Medical Center is 5 miles away.
Important to know
Many homes in Pennsylvania are vulnerable to Radon, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas caused by the natural decay of uranium. Radon can enter homes through well water and basements. Most homes are equipped with a radon mitigation system, but always verify that one is installed.
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
This wonderful Huntridge Manor Condominium is ready for you to move right in. Great location, close to everything. Clubhouse with inground pool! A relaxing place to live. See the photos and then see the home. You will love it and make it yours. See it soon it will not last.
Ground floor two bedroom contemporary condo in Amitie 1. Enjoy laminate flooring, a fireplace, and brick accent wall, and access to the courtyard patio from the living room. The remodeled kitchen provides ample countertop and cabinet space. Two good sized bedrooms, a full bath, and main floor laundry complete the unit. Other features include central air conditioning, a storage bin in the
Apartment for Rent – Great Convenience!Conveniently located near the YMCA, restaurants, parks, a supermarket, and a bus stop, this apartment offers easy access to everyday essentials and leisure activities. Minimum term: 6 months
A professionally landscaped and lavish courtyard boasting the natural rise and fall of grassy knolls, sparkling duck ponds, and mature willow shade trees create the tranquil atmosphere at Briarwood Apartments, located in State College, PA. Quality, care, and convenience are apparent throughout the Briarwood community. With wall-to-wall carpeting, private patios or balconies, generous closet
Lion's Gate Apartments is a warm, diverse, and comfortable community conveniently located near shopping, restaurants and 1.3 miles from Penn State University. We offer exceptional apartments at affordable prices, featuring spacious rooms, plenty of closet space, furnished and unfurnished options at minimal additional cost. Lion's Gate is pet friendly, provides large lawns, grills and gazebos 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
3,813
Median Age
32
Population under 18
18.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$52,330
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,286
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.5%
College Graduates
70.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
33.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.9%
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®
81/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
42/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
26/ 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.
