Happy Valley regularly makes it onto many “best of” lists, and for good reason. This area is a thriving hub of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and higher education. It’s easily one of the top places to live and launch in the United States.
Larry Walker, associate broker with KBB Realtors, has more than 25 years of real estate experience in the area. As someone who grew up in State College, he’s able to offer a unique perspective to prospective buyers. “Some of the things I brag about as I help people move to the area include quality of life, our fantastic high-quality school system and our crime and unemployment rates, which are among the lowest in [Pennsylvania],” he says.
Another aspect that makes Happy Valley so unique? The affinity its residents hold for Penn State.
“I’ve known people who have gone to other colleges and universities,” Walker says. “Penn State more than others creates this unique loyalty and tie to it.”
Traffic in Happy Valley is a non-issue. Crime is a non-issue – you can feel safe to go running at night. The proximity to outdoor recreation is another draw. Walker adds, “Bruce Creek is one of the top fly-fishing spots in the country. For people who like to hike and bike, there are all kinds of opportunities just minutes away. And yet, we’re just a few hours from most major cities in the Northeast.”
Among the gorgeous properties on the market, you’ll find these four gems:
110 Eagle Spring Road, Port Matilda
6 bedrooms, 3 ½ bath, 6,353 square feet
$1,375,000
Historic charm, modern convenience. This classic brick home is situated on more than 48 acres and is pending as houses are being snapped up! It greets you with a gorgeous front porch, perfect for adding rocking chairs and enjoying the views. In the rear of the home, there’s a separate three-car garage and shed. There’s also space ideal for relaxing on your own or entertaining family and friends. The three-season sunroom is the perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee or a cozy gathering. The charming, gated patio leads to the in-ground pool.
This beautiful home, which was built in 1905, reflects the era in which it was built, but with careful updates that give it timeless appeal. Inside, you’ll find classic appointments, including detailed moldings and trim, pocket doors, brick fireplaces, inlaid hardwood floors and soaring ceilings. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and this spacious, well-appointed kitchen is no exception with its spacious layout and beautiful finishes. In addition to its six bedrooms, three full baths and one half-bath, this home also features a remodeled private office located on the third floor.
269 Blue Bird Lane, Port Matilda
6 bedrooms, 4 ½ bath, 6,846 square feet
$2,450,000
Stunning views of Happy Valley are just the beginning of what this impressive home built in 2011 has to offer. From it’s pristine brick and stone exterior to its immaculate landscaping, you’ll quickly gain a sense that you’re in for something special as you enter the Sugar Maple-lined driveway. Situated on more than 52 acres, it’s easy to feel as if you’re far away – particularly as you gaze upon the gently rolling landscape and picturesque vistas – although this home is only six miles from the Penn State campus.
The interior of this six-bedroom home is as remarkable as its exterior, with natural light flooding in through its many windows. The moldings throughout the home came from the owner’s family farm located in Potter County. Custom cabinetry and maple flooring add to the warmth and gracious appeal of the interior. The bar top in the large kitchen was crafted from walnut trees taken from the property. Additional outstanding features include a canning kitchen located in the basement, a geothermal heating system and a barn built from the property’s own oak wood.
5788 Buffalo Run Road, Port Matilda
4 bedrooms, 5 ½ bath, 5,861 square feet
$1,550,000
Sprawling views and plenty of privacy await. This spacious home, which was built in 1985, is situated on 34 acres with two parcels of land on the same deed. The outdoor space on this property is thoughtfully designed. In the back of the home, you’ll find an in-ground, heated pool with an electronic cover. In the front of the home, you’re greeted by an eye-catching pond situated along the gently curving private driveway. The home itself features a three-car garage, hardwood floors and so much more. In addition to the four-bedroom home, the property also features two finished Morton outbuildings, one of which includes air conditioning and heat; the other offers heat and a bathroom.
Upon entering, you’ll quickly find the spacious living room, with its two-sided stone fireplace that divides the room from the adjacent family room. An eat-in kitchen provides plenty of room for everyone to gather and enjoy time together. The home features four bedrooms, including the Master, which is located on its own on the second floor. On the lower level, the finished basement offers more than just storage – it also features a large family room and a wet bar.
650 Fairway Road, State College
7 bedrooms, 5 ½ bath, 6,951 square feet
$1,600,000
Modern, yet in keeping with the architecture of the neighborhood, this stunning home effortlessly melds traditional colonial design with modern spaces. This seven-bedroom stunner is nestled on 0.36 acres in a beautiful neighborhood known for its historic homes, gorgeous architecture and charming tree-lined streets. Just minutes from the Penn State campus and downtown, it’s in a prime location close to everything, including golf courses and sprawling parks.
Architect, Sarah Bullock McIntyre, from Austin, Texas, was at the helm for the design and build of this spacious 6,951-square-foot home in 2010. It boasts plenty of doors and windows that let natural light stream into the kitchen and Great Room. On the first floor, the home also features a library, formal dining room and a spacious wing with an office, laundry and bathroom. On the second floor, you’ll find a game room and three sizable bedrooms. Guests will enjoy their own dedicated Guest Quarters. A fourth bedroom features its own entertainment area and bathroom. The lower level is finished with a mid-century modern appeal. It features a full bar and an entertainment area, along with a gym and additional bedrooms.
