Newark
Located in New Castle County, Newark combines college-town energy with suburban living. As home to the University of Delaware, the city's Main Street features local restaurants and shops that serve both students and long-term residents. The rental market accommodates various needs, from apartments near campus to residential communities throughout the city. Current average rents range from $1,226 for studios to $2,879 for four-bedroom homes. One-bedroom units average $1,459, reflecting a 2.2% annual increase, positioning Newark as an accessible option within the Delaware Valley region. Founded in 1694 by Scots-Irish and Welsh settlers, Newark maintains strong connections to its past while embracing modern life. The city encompasses over 12,000 acres of parkland, including White Clay Creek State Park and Iron Hill Park, offering extensive trail systems for outdoor recreation. The University of Delaware enhances the community through performing arts events and NCAA Division I athletics. The historic Curtis Paper Mill site represents an important piece of Newark's manufacturing heritage. Notable areas include the historic district surrounding Main Street, the Devon area, and the Paper Mill Road neighborhood, each with its own established character.
Allentown
Allentown sits at the center of Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, holding the distinction of being the state's third-largest city and a place where history runs deep. During the Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was secretly sheltered here at Zion Reformed Church, a detail that captures how long this city has been part of something larger. Today, Allentown draws renters with a working downtown anchored by PPL Center and Miller Symphony Hall, while neighborhoods like the West End, Old Allentown Historic District, and the Hamilton District each carry a distinct character. Muhlenberg College and Cedar Crest College add an academic presence that shapes the city's cultural energy year-round. The Great Allentown Fair, held at the Fairgrounds since 1852, remains one of the region's most enduring annual traditions. Healthcare and technology are significant economic drivers, with Lehigh Valley Hospital serving as one of the area's largest employers. Renters will find a solid mix of restored rowhouses, apartment communities in converted historic buildings, and newer downtown units. The range of options and comparatively accessible price points make Allentown a practical choice for those wanting proximity to Philadelphia and New York without the cost of living in either.
Pittsburgh
National publications constantly place Pittsburgh near the top of the list for most livable cities in America, and it’s easy to see why. The city has a rich history as an industrial and economic hub, which led to the construction of many grand buildings and public sculptures which still stand today. Downtown in particular is rich with beautifully preserved buildings and lush public parks dating back well over a century, giving the entire community a timeless atmosphere. Pittsburgh is split into three sections by the rivers passing through the city: Downtown (a.k.a. “The Golden Triangle), the North Side, and the South Side. Each has its fair share of attractions and landmarks: the North Side is home to Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park (making it a perfect area for sports fans), the South Side features big, beautiful greenways and refurbished steel mills, and Downtown is where you’ll find the most variety in dining, nightlife, and entertainment. The Golden triangle area is also a popular area for college students to seek apartments, with Duquesne University, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh all within close proximity in this section of town.
