Meridian on College Avenue, state-college-pa

Read Meridian’s re-rental terms very carefully before signing. I accepted employment across the country before my lease began and informed management that I would never occupy the apartment. I contacted them directly and asked whether relocation allowed cancellation or another practical solution. Their only response was the standard re-rental process. I must personally advertise the room, find a qualified replacement, pay a $300 fee, and continue owing $1,195 per month until Meridian approves that person and they sign. Meridian retains approval control while the tenant carries the vacancy risk and financial burden. Meridian claims to advertise re-rentals, but mine was merely placed in a low-visibility document under the “Community Info” menu. It is separate from the searchable floor plans, photos, prices, promotions, and application pages Meridian uses for its own inventory. A typical renter is unlikely to find it, leaving the actual advertising work to the departing tenant. This level of rigidity is not universal in State College; other properties advertise semester or short-term leases. Meridian has instead chosen a system that protects its income while placing relocation risk, continuing rent, advertising work, an additional fee, and approval uncertainty on students. A lease can be legally binding and still be extraordinarily one-sided. Graduating students, international students, and anyone seeking work outside State College should understand that even relocating before move-in may leave them owing thousands of dollars. Students who may need flexibility should compare alternatives such as Southgate Apartments, which publicly advertises short-term lease options, before committing to Meridian’s rigid re-rental terms.

Lovely staff, close to the school. The buildings themselves are pretty run-down; the linoleum in the hallways could stand a refresh, rooms are a bit 70's-esque but adequate. Really liked the cute little community things they do, and the place is clearly well-maintained. The parking price is a little outrageous. If you're a Penn State student, Lot 83 is half the price and about a 10min walk. Highly recommend.

Ive said it once and ill say it again- they may not have the best amenities, but the staff here is outstanding. Maintenance issues are resolved within 24 hours regardless of the situation, and you can easily get in touch with staff in the downstairs office. Payment portal is easy to navigate and ive never had any troubles. Even the residence halls didnt have maintenance this responsive. Fully impressed, 10/10

Our daughter spent her last 2 years as a Penn State student residing in a one bedroom apartment at The Meridian on College Avenue. Our daughter and us, as her parents, cannot speak highly enough about the positive experience during her 2 years, there. The McKinney Property Management staff was outstanding, maintenance was very responsive, and the property was maintained beautifully, inside and out. Never was there a worry about moving into a dirty, bug or mold infested apartment, because they're extensive move-out checklist & requirements kept every apartment spotless for the next tenant. I read COUNTLESS nightmare stories from other parents' and their kid's experiences on Facebook about move-in and overall living experiences in other apartment complexes. This was NEVER a worry at The Meridian. As a student and as parents, it was a flawless, wonderful experience from start to finish. Thank you McKinney Property Mgmt team and the rest of the terrific Meridian Staff!!! THANK YOU!!!!

I think that the Meridian is a great place to live at. The staff are very nice and helpful and they keep the apartment complex very clean. It's easy to get maintenance to come and fix things. The Meridian can be a bit far from some things downtown, but it's not that bad since we have a bus stop.