DuBois was founded by John Rumbarger in the 1800, and was later renamed for lumber industrialist, John DuBois. Although in its early life, the town bore the mantle of being a lumber city, it eventually became a coal town during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
DuBois isn't a suburb town; the closest major city is Pittsburgh, which is 91 miles southwest
DuBois was founded by John Rumbarger in the 1800, and was later renamed for lumber industrialist, John DuBois. Although in its early life, the town bore the mantle of being a lumber city, it eventually became a coal town during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
DuBois isn't a suburb town; the closest major city is Pittsburgh, which is 91 miles southwest. It's small in terms of number of people at 7800, but spread out over 3.3 square miles. If you were to try to tie some fame to the town, you could say it's pretty close to Punxsutawney Phil, which is 20 miles away. You'll find it easily from the interstate, as it's just south of I-80.
Since DuBois isn't really trying to attract big city commuters the way a small suburban city would, the town is doing its own thing. So, you won't find much new development in the way of rental housing built after the year 2000.
Most of the homes and rental apartments would be defined as historic, as over half of DuBois' 3400 homes were built before 1940, and almost 80 percent before 1969. If you're reading between the lines, you have probably figured out that a typical apartment search for high rise and complex apartment will be a little more challenging than in areas near larger cities.
The Market for Rentals
Most of the housing in DuBois (over 70 percent) is single family attached homes. Therefore, if you can picture yourself living in a more settled place, you may find more rental options than in a traditional rental market, when looking for an apartment for rent in DuBois.
Predictably, you're more likely to be dealing directly with the owner of the property, instead of a management company. That has its benefits, because you may be able to negotiate with them on things like pets, rent pricing and payment terms.
At the same time, you'll want to be ready to be ready with the first month's rent, last month's rent and security deposit, in lieu of a formal management company style application process. Those looking for studio apartments may be able to find them from homeowners willing to rent a portion of their house for that purpose. However, these are opportunities that you may need to be willing to ask about as they're unlikely to be advertised formally in DuBois.
When you're looking at pricing, be careful to know exactly what you're responsible for. You want to get specifics on whether or not you'll be paying for electric, gas, water/sewage and/or even trash pickup. Clarify these issues before signing the lease.
Since DuBois covers 3.3 square miles, you're probably of the mind that the town itself is a neighborhood. But there are four distinct sections that give the city both context and variety. In DuBois, you can do rural, urban or waterfront living. It all depends on how you prefer to spend your time.
DuBois Street / W DuBois Avenue: This is where you'll find a more suburban atmosphere, with smaller apartment buildings and small to medium sized homes. There is a fair mix of owners and renters in this area, where most will be driving to work. You'll see restaurant activity in this area with city residents.
City Center / PSU - Penn State DuBois: Since you have the university, DuBois Country Club and the City Park, you'll see the most urbane activity here. Both Juniata Lake and Tannery Dam can be accessed from this area.
Oklahoma / Sandy: For more rural living, you'll find small and medium sized homes in this area. There are rental opportunities here with small apartment complexes. Hunters will like this area, as the State Game Lands are here.
Treasure Lake: For those looking for traditional lakeside living, this area has it, although there may not be many rental homes. Most of the real estate here is owner-occupied, medium- to large-sized homes. You may be able to catch one of the mobile home owners in this area willing to work with you. This neighborhood is home to Treasure Lake and Clearview Campgrounds.
Those living in this rustic town are likely to be driving to work, although some do indeed walk. Note that there is public transit (DuFast) for those that need to get around the region. DuBois is part of a tri-county effort to build a presence in entertainment and the arts, so you will see this activity growing as time moves forward. There is a little something for everyone--there's the Warehouse Pub and Deli for those who want some nightlife; while on the opposite end of the spectrum there is the Beaver Meadow Trail for those looking for a quiet walk with nature. DuBois does have its own regional airport with flights to and from the Cleveland area.
