Mount Nittany Residences in State College, PA

Pros

• It is a nice facility.
• The residence is pet-friendly and shows care for its residents.
• It is a very nice place for lower-income seniors and disabled people to live.
• There is a strong sense of welcome and community among residents.
• The grounds are nice and include a pavilion, gardening space, and benches.
• Free parking is available.
• The highrise offers numerous amenities, including a laundry room, a small library, a workout room, internet-connected computers with a printer, a large meeting room with an attached kitchen, a sitting room, and an in-house hair salon.
• It is located near downtown State College and Penn State University Park Campus, with many nearby activities and support services.

Cons

• Unfortunately, socialism and disregard for individual liberty seems to be the norm and not the exception.
• The review suggests that ignorant individuals want to impose unconstitutional mandates on people who reside or visit the property.
• There is some risk in spending time in indoor shared areas due to limited entrances and ventilation amid the COVID-19 situation.
• Residents reportedly fear COVID-19, with many not respecting mask and distancing, leading others to stay in their apartments.

Review

Mount Nittany Residences is best suited for budget-conscious seniors and disabled adults who want an active, resident-centered community within easy reach of downtown State College and Penn State. The 7-floor highrise offers 1- and 2-bedroom apartments and is clearly designed to be affordable without sacrificing meaningful amenities. Pet-friendly and centrally located, it prioritizes social connection and daytime activity options. Residents benefit from features like free parking, balconies or patios, and a straightforward set of on-site conveniences - laundry, a small library, a modest workout space, and an in-house hair salon. A large communal meeting room with kitchen, plus a sitting room, supports regular programming and informal gatherings, while nearby services and shops create a walkable lifestyle for those who prefer not to rely on a car.

Pros that stand out are the built-in sense of community and the breadth of supportive touches. The complex appears to foster a welcoming atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on resident engagement and collaboration with local groups (library programs, health checks, and community services regularly circulating through the building). The combination of small but practical living space and plentiful social opportunities makes this a practical hub for seniors who want companionship without sacrificing convenience. Proximity to downtown State College, PSU Park Campus, and a cluster of groceries, pharmacies, and other shops within a half-mile expands the appeal for residents who value accessibility. Elevators have been updated recently, addressing a common high-rise concern, and free parking adds to the low-maintenance lifestyle that many residents seek.

On the other hand, the layout and scale introduce certain trade-offs. The apartments are described as compact, with emphasis on affordability rather than spacious privacy, which can be a limiting factor for those who prize larger living areas or want a private retreat. The building's high-rise design, even with new elevators, may feel less appealing to individuals seeking single-level living or a quieter, less densely populated setting. While the amenities are solid for social and everyday needs, the property does not appear to be a full-service assisted living or memory-care environment, so residents needing substantial on-site medical support may outgrow what Mount Nittany Residences can offer. Social dynamics may also tilt depending on personal expectations; some residents express strong opinions about governance and policies, which can affect the atmosphere for those who prefer a more neutral or tranquil setting.

The decision to choose Mount Nittany Residences hinges on balancing affordability and sociability against space and level of care. The strongest offset to the compact apartments and high-rise footprint is the comprehensive social framework - the ready-made community, the calendar of activities, and the easy access to local services that reduce the need for car travel. For residents who thrive on interaction, who value being integrated into a network of nearby resources, and who can tolerate smaller living quarters, this is a compelling, cost-conscious option. The availability of pet-friendly policies, free parking, and on-site conveniences further leverages daily life into a practical routine rather than a financial burden.

Prospective residents who require more room, greater privacy, or robust on-site medical services should consider alternatives. For those needing assisted living support with regular caregiving, or memory-care amenities, a traditional assisted living community or continuing-care retirement community with on-site nursing would likely deliver better alignment with care needs. Families prioritizing independence but looking for extensive personal space, or those who expect a quieter, less community-centric environment, may prefer smaller, less social settings or single-family options in the region. Mount Nittany Residences ultimately serves a distinct niche: affordable, connected living for seniors who want to stay near city amenities and maintain an active social life without paying for higher-end accommodations.

In summary, Mount Nittany Residences delivers a practical, experience-driven option for residents who value affordability, accessibility, and community integration. It excels for lower- to middle-income seniors and disabled adults who do not require heavy on-site medical care but do want convenient access to shops, services, and social programming in a walkable footprint near State College. It is less suitable for those seeking large living spaces, high levels of private privacy, or comprehensive on-site care. For families weighing options, the choice favors those who prize a vibrant, neighborly environment, manageable costs, and proximity to urban amenities over expansive floor plans or advanced medical support.

This area of State College, Pennsylvania, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With pharmacies such as Rite Aid and CVS nearby, access to healthcare services is readily available. A variety of dining options, including fast food chains like McDonald's and KFC, as well as sit-down restaurants like Chen's Mongolian Buffet and IHOP, cater to various tastes. Nearby physicians' offices and hospitals provide comprehensive medical care options. Additionally, the proximity to parks such as Dalevue Park and Millbrook Marsh Nature Center offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Places of worship like State College Access Church and Holy Trinity Orthodox Church offer spiritual support for residents. Cafes like Sowers Harvest Café and Panera Bread provide social gathering spots for coffee or a meal. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment suitable for senior living with easy access to essential services and recreational activities.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Caresite Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Geisinger Community Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.2 miles)
• McLanahan Drug Store (1.5 miles)
• CVS Photo (1.5 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.1 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.2 miles)
• Chen's Mongolian Buffet (0.2 miles)
• IHOP (0.2 miles)
• KFC (0.2 miles)
• Meyer Dairy Store (0.3 miles)
• Plaza Mexican Bar And Grill (0.4 miles)

Physicians

• Tlc Laser Eye Centers (0.3 miles)
• Oral and Maxillo Facial Surgery (0.3 miles)
• Parag Parekh, MD - ClearView Eye Consultants (0.3 miles)
• Nittany Eye Associates - Windmere (0.3 miles)
• University Orthopedics Center (0.4 miles)
• Mount Nittany Physician Group - Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery (0.5 miles)
• Mount Nittany Medical Center (0.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Mount Nittany Health Center for Wound Care (0.5 miles)
• Mount Nittany Physician Group Ear, Nose & Throat (1.6 miles)
• Mount Nittany Physician Group Cardiology – Vein & Vascular Clinic (2.4 miles)
• Mount Nittany Physician Group Orthopedics (2.9 miles)

Parks

• Dalevue Park (0.8 miles)
• Alumni Pond (1.8 miles)
• Oak Hall Regional Park (1.8 miles)
• Millbrook Marsh Nature Center (1.8 miles)
• Orchard Park (1.9 miles)
• Spring Creek Park (2.3 miles)
• Sunset Park (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• State College Access Church (1.3 miles)
• Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (1.9 miles)
• State College Alliance Church (2.2 miles)

Cafes

• Sowers Harvest Café (1.5 miles)
• WC Clarke's The Cheese Shoppe (1.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.6 miles)
• Café Lemont (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (1.7 miles)
• Pump Station Cafe (2.1 miles)