California University of Pennsylvania

California, PA

California University of Pennsylvania - California, PA

Area Guide

Because this campus is golden

Public • Riverfront • Rural • Riverfront • Tree-Filled • Historic •

California, Pennsylvania is wrapped by a bend in the Monongahela River. At the apex of this bend sits California University of Pennsylvania. The campus covers 294 acres and was founded in 1852. California is a borough located about 35 miles south of Pittsburgh. Along with its riverfront location, Cal U offers a gorgeous, tree-filled campus and a variety of historic architecture. The Arboretum at California University of Pennsylvania is the school's crown jewel, covering 92 acres and including almost every tree native to the state. The oldest tree in the arboretum dates back to the early 1800s.

The Cal U Vulcans participate in NCAA Division II as part of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Cheer on the football team at Adamson Stadium, the basketball team at the Convocation Center, and the baseball team and CONSOL Energy Park. The football team, which began in 1916, has produced several NFL players, including C.J. Goodwin (Atlanta Falcons), Perry Kemp (Green Bay Packers), and Eric Kush (Chicago Bears).

When it was settled in 1849, something major was taking place clear across the country that was reflected in the naming of the new town: the California Gold Rush. The town founders named their new community after the Gold Rush as a symbol of the town's future prosperity. Other names were considered, of course -- such as Columbia and Sagamore -- but the name California ultimately stuck. When looking at California apartments, look along 6th Street, East Street, Park Street, High Street, and Riverview Drive to be within walking distance of Cal U.

Rent Trends

As of February 2025, the average apartment rent in California, PA is $386 for a studio, $583 for one bedroom, $1,041 for two bedrooms, and $2,375 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in California has increased by 0.9% in the past year.