55 Best College Towns in America – 2024
June 14, 2024
What factors do you consider when choosing which university to enroll at? Academics? The Party Scene? Professors? Majors? Campus Safety? Increasingly, students look at the location of a school. Of course, you want to attend a beautiful campus, but the surrounding neighborhoods can also be a big draw. In addition to the wonderful campus offerings, the connectedness of the local residents can enhance the college experience. In this case, students may be looking to attend school in one of the best college towns in America.
What is a college town?
College towns are beloved for their strong sense of community. The best college towns are usually linked by their connection to the college and its culture. For example, most residents have a common and strong love for the university’s sports teams and represent themselves as loyal fans. Plus, most people in college towns tend to be employed by or affiliated with the university in some way.
Because the demographics of college towns tend to be younger, the cost of living is generally more affordable. Think, college kids with little disposable income.
But just because the cost is living is more affordable, that doesn’t mean the town skimps on its recreation and entertainment opportunities. The best college towns in America generally have no shortage of dining and shopping options. With vibrant and bustling downtowns, residents and visitors alike can enjoy gourmet food, live music, and even local festivals.
If attending a school in one of the best college towns sounds like an option you’re highly considering, then you’ll want to stick around to see our list. We have assembled 55 of the best college towns in America. In doing so, we considered several factors, like:
- Entertainment options
- General livability
- School presence
However, it is important to note that the list is not a definitive ranking, and the order does not indicate a further ranking. These are all schools and communities with many opportunities, both educational and career-oriented.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Best College Towns in America
1) Madison, Wisconsin
Those who enjoy exploring local parks and trails, boating on the lake, or dining in a vibrant culinary scene will love Madison. Flanked between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, Madison offers a variety of locally-owned shops, restaurants, and specialty stores on its iconic State Street. Plus, the city is also a hotspot for art and architecture lovers. The home of Frank Lloyd Wright, Madison offers many museums, architectural walking tours, and outdoor summer festivals.
Additionally, sports fans will know Madison for its Badgers, with D-1 teams in football, basketball, volleyball, hockey, and more. For those who love the outdoors, spotting a rare find while window shopping, or catching the next hotly-anticipated game, Madison has something for everyone.
- Total Resident Population: 272,903
- Associated College: University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Total Student Population: 49,886 (37,230 undergrad)
2) Ann Arbor, Michigan
At downtown Main Street, residents and visitors alike are met with a vibrant community featuring a unique blend of restaurants, music venues, and shops. Bookworms will be particularly happy to know that Ann Arbor is home to several locally beloved bookstores to browse. For those looking to explore out in nature, the Huron River is conveniently located nearby, which offers opportunities for float trips, kayaking, and more.
In this college town, football is a major draw. With the University of Michigan stadium being the largest in the U.S. (yes, it’s true!), there’s plenty of room to cheer on the team with all your friends on game day.
- Total Resident Population: 119,875
- Associated College: University of Michigan
- Total Student Population: 51,225 (33,488 undergrad)
3) Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Known for its iconic college sports, Chapel Hill is also a city with a bustling and dynamic city life. With live music performances, long-standing cafes, like the Carolina Coffee Shop, and building murals, Chapel Hills offers little bit of everything. And the best place to check out everything is at Franklin Street downtown. With more than 200 restaurants, businesses, and shops, this area is the center for social life.
Plus, residents enjoy the ability to experience many outdoor spaces all year round. The city offers biking trails, the North Carolina Botanical Garden, greenways, and a nearby RiverWalk.
- Total Resident Population: 62,098
- Associated College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Total Student Population: 31,539 (19,743 undergrad)
4) Boulder, Colorado
When you think of Colorado, you typically first think of stunning mountain views and great hiking trails. While Boulder offers both of these things, the city is also home some of the best restaurant and arts scenes. In fact, Boulder was actually once named “America’s Foodiest Town” by Bon Appetit magazine!
Locals also enjoy regular farmer’s markets, coffee shops, and of course, thrift shopping. Pearl Street and Twenty Ninth Street are known for their historic buildings where locals can shop and eat to their heart’s content.
- Total Resident Population: 105,485
- Associated College: University of Colorado Boulder
- Total Student Population: 37,153 (~31,000 undergrad)
5) Berkeley, California
Home to one of the top universities in the country, this city is close to the San Francisco Bay. Because of its location, residents enjoy cool and comfortable weather all year round. This makes it ideal to enjoy spending time outside in a highly walkable city.
All that walking must really pay off, because Berkeley was actually named the healthiest city in America. So, if you enjoy an active lifestyle, a wide range of parks, or fishing on the marina, then Berkeley may be a good fit for you.
- Total Resident Population: 118,950
- Associated College: University of California, Berkeley
- Total Student Population: 45,699 (33,078 undergrad)
6) Ames, Iowa
Ames is unique in that it offers a “small town feel” but with many exciting big city offerings. For example, Ames is at the intersection of outdoor living, arts, and sports and recreation. With nature trails to hike, tribute shows and Broadway musicals to see, and college athletics to root for, this city offers something for everyone.
Rated highly as one of the top places for young professionals in the state, there is plenty of opportunity for growth in any career.
- Total Resident Population: 66,950
- Associated College: Iowa State University
- Total Student Population: 30,177 (25,332 undergrad)
7) State College, Pennsylvania
Though it is typically regarded as a small town, State College has no shortage of opportunity. With hundreds of acres of parks to explore, nature centers, and historic walking tours, there are many chances to both get outdoors and learn something new.
Of course, the city is also known as the home of the Nittany Lions—the university’s college sports team. In fact, the Nittany Lion Shrine is a sculpture located on campus for both students and visitors to view.
- Total Resident Population: 40,745
- Associated College: Penn State
- Total Student Population: 73,250 (between University Park and Other Campuses); 42,223 undergrads at University Park
8) Corvallis, Oregon
Those who love the outdoors will relish the thought of living in scenic Oregon. In this college town specifically, residents can explore the Williamette River Water Trail. A relaxing place for kayaking, paddling, and enjoying the scenery. For those who love art, this college town offers a self-guided tour of public art through downtown Corvallis.
Because of its location, it may not be a surprise to learn that Oregon State is one of the top colleges to study agricultural sciences. Its program for environmental science is also highly rated.
- Total Resident Population: 60,956
- Associated College: Oregon State University
- Total Student Population: 36,636 (31,035 undergrad)
9) Ithaca, New York
Residents and locals alike can enjoy many of the wonderful sightseeing opportunities this college town has to offer. Taughannock Falls State Park to enjoy impressive waterfall views. In fact, this park is only one of the popular hiking, biking, and running trails in the city.
If you’re looking for a night in, the State Theatre of Ithaca offers top-notch concerts and shows. Plus, there are plenty of other opportunities to catch live music in a variety of outdoor and historic venues.
- Total Resident Population: 32,870
- Associated College: Cornell University
- Total Student Population: 26,284 (16,071 undergrad)
10) Gainesville, Florida
Of course, when you think of Florida, you think of sunshine. For outdoor lovers, this means Gainesville could be just what you’re looking for. With 8 state parks, hiking trails, and plenty of water to paddle, kayak, and explore, there are many outdoor adventures to be had.
But, Gainesville is also home to many museums and local galleries. Those who enjoy the refreshing blast of AC will be happy to take an afternoon looking at the Florida Museum of Natural History, Butterfly Rainforest, or Harn Museum of Art.
- Total Resident Population: 145,214
- Associated College: University of Florida
- Total Student Population: 55,211 (34,552 undergrad)
Best College Towns in America (Continued)
| City | Associated College | Resident Population | Student Population (undergrad) | Fun Fact |
| 11) Iowa City, Iowa | University of Iowa | 75,233 | 22,130 | Popular literary and writing community |
| 12) Champaign-Urbana, Illinois | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 89,241 | 35,000+ | YouTube co-founders are U of I alum! |
| 13) Fort Collins, Colorado | Colorado State University | 168,519 | 26,168 | Fort Collins, Colorado inspired the design of Main Street U.S.A. at Disney World |
| 14) Blacksburg, Virginia | Virginia Tech | 45,610 | 30,504 | Home of Cascade Falls, Dixie Caverns, Lyric Theatre, and more |
| 15) Charlottesville, Virginia | University of Virginia | 45,373 | 16,793 | UVA is home to Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winning faculty |
| 16) Tallahassee, Florida | Florida State University | 201,731 | 31,933 | Tallassee, Florida has the third tallest capitol building in the U.S. |
| 17) Lexington, Kentucky | University of Kentucky | 320,347 | 23,144 | Lexington, Kentucky is known as the horse capitol of the world |
| 18) College Station, Texas | Texas A&M | 124,319 | 57,512+ | The Texas A&M campus at College Station covers over 5,200 acres |
| 19) Fargo, North Dakota | North Dakota State University | 131,444 | 10,096 | In 2008, Fargo hosted the largest pancake feed in the world—serving up over 34,000 pancakes! |
| 20) Cambridge, Massachusetts | Harvard University | 118,488 | 7,178 | Cambridge is actually credited with the invention of American football |
Best College Towns in America (Continued)
| 21) Minneapolis, Minnesota | University of Minnesota | 425,096 | 39,248 | If you like golf, then good news for you. There are more golfers per capita in this city than any other in the country. |
| 22) Lincoln, Nebraska | University of Nebraska—Lincoln | 292,627 | 23,600 (total) | This city is credited as the birthplace of Arbor Day |
| 23) Binghamton, New York | Binghamton University | 47,115 | 14,400+ | Interestingly, this city is known as the carousel capital of the world |
| 24) Syracuse, New York | Syracuse University | 144,451 | 15,421 | Syracuse is known as one the “greenest” cities in the country |
| 25. Lawrence, Kansas | University of Kansas | 95,794 | 19,241+ | Lawrence, Kansas is rated highly for having some of the best pubic schools in the state |
| 26) Lafayette, Indiana | Purdue University | 71,4012 | 39,170 | Amelia Earhart prepared her plane for her last around the world flight at the Purdue University Airport |
| 27) Columbia, Missouri | University of Missouri (Mizzou) | 128,555 | 23,752 | I’ve been to this college town! Their music and food scene downtown has a great atmosphere |
| 28) Bloomington, Indiana | Indiana University – Bloomington | 79,107 | 35,660 | I’ve also been to the Simon Skjodt Assembly Center to see a college basketball game. The stadium is great! |
| 29) Oxford, Mississippi | Ole Miss | 26,437 | 16,712 | Oxford is home to William Faulkner’s “Rown Oak.” |
| 30) Athens, Georgia | University of Georgia | 128,561 | 30,166 | Athens is the birthplace of the nation’s first garden club |
Best College Towns in America (Continued)
| 31) Logan, Utah | Utah State University | 54,680 | 25,048 | Logan, Utah is the home of two zoos and many hiking trails, skiing, fishing, and golfing opportunities |
| 32) Fayetteville, Arkansas | University of Arkansas | 99,285 | 27,472 | Kiley Reid’s latest book, “Come and Get It” takes place on the University of Arkansas campus |
| 33) Eugene, Oregon | University of Oregon | 177,923 | 19,568 | The second-largest city the state, Eugene is known as a great city for arts and outdoors |
| 34) Grand Forks, North Dakota | University of North Dakota | 58,692 | 10,216 | Grand Forks is rated highly for its public schools and as one of the best places for young professionals in the state |
| 35) Claremont, California | The Claremont Colleges | 36,001 | 1,386 (Claremont McKenna College) | Known for its trees, Claremont has been the winner of National Arbor Day Association’s Tree City USA award over 30 times |
| 36) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | University of Pittsburgh | 302,898 | 24,503 | Pittsburgh has over 400 bridges; more bridges than Venice, Italy! |
| 37) Tempe, Arizona | Arizona State University | 185,950 | 65,492 | This city experiences over 300 days of sunshine each year! |
| 38) Tuscaloosa, Alabama | University of Alabama | 110,602 | 39,623 | Tuscaloosa is actually one day older than the state Alabama |
| 39) Flagstaff, Arizona | Northern Arizona University | 75,907 | 23,134 | Flagstaff is located in the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest |
| 40) East Lansing, Michigan | Michigan State University | 47,340 | 40,483 | East Lansing’s state capitol building is the only in the country to be designated as a National Historic Landmark |
Best College Towns in America (Continued)
| 41) Tacoma, Washington | University of Washington—Tacoma | 221,776 | 4,027 | Interestingly, this city is home to one of the largest ports in the U.S. |
| 42) Bozeman, Montana | Montana State University | 56,123 | 14,885 | Funnily enough, Bozeman is the sweet pea capital of the nation |
| 43) San Luis Obispo, CA | Cal Poly | 48,341 | 20,000+ | This campus spans over 9,000 acres! |
| 44) Bloomington, Illinois | Illinois State University | 78,864 | 18,450 | Bloomington, Illinois is where big-named employer State Farm Insurance calls home |
| 45) Amherst, Massachusetts | UMass Amherst | 37,819 | 22,854 | Tourists can check out Emily Dickinson’s bedroom and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art |
| 46) Morgantown, West Virginia | West Virginia University | 30,277 | 24,200 (Morgantown campus) | Interestingly, the first Mother’s Day took place in West Virginia |
| 47) Boone, North Carolina | Appalachian State University | 19,756 | 19,405 | You may have guessed by the name, but the town is named for explorer Daniel Boone |
| 48) Burlington, Vermont | University of Vermont | 44,595 | 11,336 | Burlington is the most populous city in the state. In total, the state has over 7,000 miles of rivers and streams |
| 49) Davis, California | UC – Davis | 67,048 | 31,532 | Davis, California is regularly named one of the most bicycle-friendly towns in the country |
| 50) Hartford, Connecticut | University of Hartford | 120,686 | 4,134 | This city is home to the Mark Twain Museum |
List Continued
| 51) Cedar Falls, Iowa | University of Northern Iowa | 40,746 | 7,739 | The Cedar Falls Public Library is located downtown and is over 47,000 square feet |
| 52) Manhattan, Kansas | Kansas State University | 53,829 | 15,046 | This city is nicknamed “The Little Apple” |
| 53) Providence, Rhode Island | Providence College & Brown University | 189,563 | 4,807 (Providence); 7,639 (Brown) | If you love donuts and coffee, then you’ll be excited to know that this city has the most coffee and donut shops per capita of any city in the country |
| 54) Austin, Texas | UT-Austin | 974,447 | 42,244 | Austin, Texas is the home of Whole Foods |
| 55) Lynchburg, Virginia | University of Lynchburg | 79,287 | 1,822 | This campus is located close to the Blue Ridge Mountains and is perfect for nature lovers |
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