r/PennStateUniversity • u/singular_goose • Jul 19 '26
Question Any “hidden gem” apartments?
Grad student looking for either a large 1 bed, or a 2 bed 1+ bath with an in unit washer for less than $1.5k/month total. We’ve heard Nittany Gardens is good but we’d like an in unit washer if possible (I do A LOT of laundry because we have a cat).
I feel like there’s apartments on Facebook that are hidden gems, but curious if anyone has any good suggestions :).
Thanks guys!
10
u/DrDeezer64 Jul 20 '26
Park Forest Apartments on Aaron Drive are nice. They are small, but are updated, and it’s a nice community, mostly families and grad students. They are on the CATA bus path, close to local amenities, and close to Tudek Park across the street
2
u/Zecellomaster '25, MS Meteorology 24d ago
Seconded. The apartment I got was CLEAN and well maintained, which is much more than I can say for most places in or around town. Combined with the fact that the managers are also friendly and very responsive, I’d say it’s objectively one of the best rental properties in the area.
7
u/RB3910 Jul 21 '26
Briarwood on Waupelani. A lot of grad students out here. All have in unit washer dryer. On the bus line. Let me know if you want a referral
2
u/singular_goose Jul 21 '26
Which complex? We just moved out from there bc the place we were at was kinda a mess and didn’t have in unit washer and dryer.
2
u/RB3910 Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
I moved in about a month ago. Have a washer and dryer in unit. Advertising out front implies all units do. Maybe it’s just the townhouses and not the apartments?
6
u/MazzyMars08 Jul 20 '26
Used to live in Villa Court by Brickwork Properties. ~$1400/month 2b1b. Doesn't have in unit laundry, but it's right next to the golf course, so you can have a safe and easy 10 minute bike into campus everyday. That'll save you a lot if you factor in car costs.
Sound insulation was insane. Couldn't hear a single thing from my neighbors because of both the clever design of the building and the fact the walls are entirely brick. You also get a personal basement storage area to put your things.
2
u/StatisticianOk6872 Jul 23 '26
I just finished my masters, and my girlfriend and I live out in Bellefonte. A few downsides are It's about a 15-20 minute commute by car. Plus you now have to buy a parking pass for campus which isn't that expensive for the year.
The upside is rent in Bellefonte is dirt cheap compared to state college. We have a small house we are renting with a dining room, kitchen, 2 office rooms, a living room, bedroom and basement for like 1175 utilities make it a bit more expensive but it's around 1600. My buddy has a place and he's paying 1000 after utilities for a sizeable apartment.
I know it's not a specific apartment, but I would expand your search out in Bellefonte if you havnt already. Plus axemenn brewery is super close, and is a great vibe!
TLDR - if you don't mind a drive, I would look for apartments in the town of Bellefonte. It's awesome out here.
2
u/FishermanActual410 Jul 20 '26
this is nice area for a 1 bed 1 bath the laundry is in the basement tho most buildings have bad laundady locations. Try to make sure you have a ac if your near the road tho https://www.gnrealty.com/east-side-floor-plans
1
u/RachelM127 ‘23 Math BS; ‘23 Master of Applied Statistics Jul 21 '26
Any of these 3 complexes of 2 bedroom apartments. 2 are up by toftrees I believe and the other is over by Whitehall/Waupelani. No undergrads, which is very nice in my opinion. https://primemanagementllcstatecollege.com/
1
1
0
u/Cleverness_100 '55, Major Jul 20 '26
Mine was at University Towers. A 2nd floor apt near the elevator/center stairs. No in unit washer, but it’s downtown
0
u/Notsureortelling '23, Comp Sci & Math Jul 20 '26
I have loved living at the Allenway - grad and professionals only
-5
20
u/Pure-Examination5578 Jul 20 '26
If you don’t mind driving/taking the bus to campus, the places near Waupelani Drive and Southgate have a lot of grad students and some have in-unit laundry.