Advantages 6/14/21

Living in a small town that is home to a major research university had significant advantages. The intellectual, cultural, physical and recreational resources raise the overall quality of life, provide economic stable found only in much larger communities, and make it a great place to live and raise a family. Additionally, university campuses are very well kept (some almost manicured), understanding that academic reputation only goes so far and the importance of visual appearance, recreational facilities, green spaces, connectivity, etc. The easy access of living only a few blocks from campus and downtown multiplies the advantages. That was our experience in Bloomington, IN and it has been here in State College.

One of our favorite things to do before COVID, but especially since being fully vaccinated and as COVID restrictions have eased, has been to go for a long walk through campus, then turning downtown to pick up a couple of sandwiches, and take them to a bench near the duck pond in the Alumni Gardens (the original home of the Penn State President built in the 1850, 50 yards off town-center, now expanded and serving as the alumni center).

Posted here are photos of the Alumni Garden taken over in early summer this year - some with an iPhone 6 some with an iPhone 12 (quality difference noticeable).