The student housing market is constantly shifting — and Penn State University in State College, PA is no exception. Over the last decade, we’ve seen a complete transformation. What was once a community of mostly locally owned properties evolved into a landscape of high-rise, high-density developments backed by national student housing companies.
Since the first high-rise opened in 2017, competition has only intensified. Heading into the 2025–2026 leasing season, we’re in the most competitive market yet. Inventory has reached an all-time high, outpacing the number of students — making it more critical than ever to stand out.
It’s the most competitive leasing environment we’ve seen to date.
At PMI, we embraced the challenge. We reimagined our approach, refined our strategies, and doubled down on what works — reaching students where they are, with messaging that resonates.
In addition to refining our approach, we are actively working on new and innovative ways to connect with our residents. We having been expanding our reach through TikTok and social media so our residents can get to know our portfolio and our organization better.
“We’re competing with numerous property management companies in State College, so our goal with TikTok is to build strong brand recognition. Finding housing while attending Penn State can be stressful, and many students aren’t sure where to begin.” Mattee Stoicheff, Community Assistant, continues “by showing up on the platforms they already use, we aim to become a familiar and trusted presence. By staying creative and constantly exploring new ways to connect, we aim to stand out and build lasting familiarity in a crowded market.”
We are continuously looking at new, modern, and more efficient ways of communicating with residents. Our website features multi-language translation functionality, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can easily navigate and understand our services. This commitment to technology allows us to meet the needs of a diverse and evolving student population, ensuring that we remain ahead of the curve.
The result? We achieved 97% occupancy across all our student housing properties for the 2025–2026 leasing season.
In a crowded market, results speak louder than promises, and PMI Delivered.
Not only did PMI deliver when looking at analytics but also when looking at resident satisfaction. Property Management, Inc. (PMI) has been named a top Property Management Company in the 2025 Centre County Favorites program by the Centre Daily Times. This recognition highlights PMI’s commitment to providing exceptional property management services and its connection to the community it serves.
“Property Management Inc. is honored to be recognized as a favorite in Centre County. We are deeply grateful for the trust our residents place in us and remain committed to delivering exceptional service, quality living spaces, and a strong sense of community.” says Kristen Dzvonyicsak, Vice President &Division Manager.
The Centre County Favorites program celebrates the people, places, and businesses that make Centre County a welcoming community. Chosen by the residents themselves, this year’s contest saw over 1,700 businesses, organizations. Being selected for this honor underscores PMI’s dedication to delivering outstanding service, building long-lasting relationships, and contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the Centre County area.
If you’re a property owner, community member, or apartment seeker interested in learning more about PMI and our commitment to exceptional property management in State College, we invite you to connect with us. Whether you’re looking for your next home or want to see what sets us apart, explore our properties, meet our team, and experience the difference a locally invested company can make. Visit our website or stop by our office to discover how PMI is leading the way in student housing at Penn State.