When most people think of going to college, they imagine historic buildings, green lawns, and leafy trees. This picturesque image is a dream for many college students. They long to spend four years of learning and transformation in an unforgettable place. From Ohio to Oklahoma, America has no shortage of gorgeous college towns. Many are in search of a beautiful, friendly, and sought-after place to live. Here’s a look at the best college towns in America.
Madison, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison and Herzing University Madison
Many things make Madison, Wisconsin one of the best places to live and go to college. Madison is one of the best college cities for those who love the great outdoors. The city boasts over 200 miles of recreational trails. There are 5 lakes around the city. You can enjoy all sorts of water sports from ice fishing to kayaking to swimming. There are over 270 parks and beaches in Madison. You are never more than a 10-minute walk to family fun. It is easy to get outside and enjoy all four seasons in Madison.
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There’s always an event happening in Madison. Farmer’s markets and music festivals are very popular. Madison is home to beloved annual gatherings like the Art Fair on the Square and Great Taste of the Midwest. It also has a thriving craft beer scene and is known for its homemade custard and creamy cheeses. Dane County Farmers’ Market and State Street are great spots for those who enjoy their food and drink.
Madison has a fantastic arts and cultural scene. There are live music festivals throughout the summer. Concerts on the Square, Opera in the Park, and Concerts on the Rooftop are very popular events. The Chazen Museum of Art and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art are very popular destinations for lovers of art.
Madison is home to:
- a zoo
- botanical gardens
- the state capitol building
This town has everything you could ever want from a college town. The major schools here include:
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Edgewood College
- Herzing University-Madison
- Madison Area Technical College.
Corvallis, Oregon
Oregon State University
Situated in central western Oregon, Corvallis is known primarily as the home of Oregon State University. Corvallis is a stunning place to go to college. This college town is perfect for someone who loves the outdoors. Corvallis has over 100 miles of multi-use trails. They can all be accessed from town and lead out into the surrounding area. Many of the trails are dog friendly too. Some of the more popular trails take you to the amazing views of Chip Ross State Park and Marys Peak. For nature lovers, Corvallis is home to 465 species of birds. There are several state parks, arboretums, and wildlife refuges too.
Corvallis has a great food and drink scene. This college town has six craft breweries. There is also a very popular cider house. It is only a short drive to over two dozen wineries. Corvallis has a great food scene that prides itself on locally sourced ingredients. Every Wednesday and Saturday from April to November, Corvallis has a very popular farmer’s market.
Corvallis has some unique and fun festivals year-round. This beloved college town has popular events like the Red White and Blue Riverfront Festival and Septembeerfest: There is:
- live music
- rodeos
- the Benton County Fair
- a Renaissance Fair
There is something for everyone in this college town.
Manhattan, Kansas
Kansas State University
Unlike the bustling Big Apple, Manhattan, Kansas is much more quaint. It is the home of Kansas State University. This small town has a lot to offer. Not only does it have a zoo, but it also has an insect zoo! Manhattan takes pride in its prairie history. The Flint Hills Discovery Center explores the ecology of the tallgrass prairie. Manhattan City Park and K-State Gardens are great ways to get out and enjoy nature.
This beloved college town has popular trails for those who enjoy:
- walking
- biking
- running
- horseback riding
It has several cultural, historical, and environmental museums. Golf lovers will enjoy the four local courses. There are also five disc golf courses in the area. Other popular outdoor activities include kayaking, fishing, zip lining, and swimming.
College students love Manhattan for its thriving arts and culture scene. This includes The Beach Museum of Fine Arts and the SNW Gallery. Live music performances can be heard at:
- McCain Auditorium
- Manhattan Arts Center
- Wareham Opera House
This small town’s walkability and accessible public transportation perks don’t hurt either. It’s regularly placed alongside The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas as one of the best college towns in the United States.
Boulder, Colorado
The University of Colorado-Boulder
Boulder, Colorado is one of the best cities to live in, thanks to its thriving economy, stunning mountain backdrop, and 300 days of sun a year. Being a student at The University of Colorado at Boulder is especially enjoyable. Students have access to a historic college campus and city made of red brick. There is a vibrant school culture that loves sports and the arts.
Scenic mountain beauty is the highlight of Boulder. You can enjoy this incredible landscape in a variety of ways. Hiking, skiing, biking, and 4×4 excursions are great ways to take in the Rocky Mountains. You can take in the sights alone or through the many guided tours available.
Boulder is a best college town for beer enthusiasts and foodies. Local breweries are a favorite destination. Boulder has nearly two dozen of them to enjoy. The foodies will enjoy the countless restaurants. Boulder has a huge variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to satisfy your hunger.
This college town has a great arts and culture scene. There are art galleries and museums to explore. Boulder has an amazing music scene. There are some legendary venues in this town. Among them are the:
- Fox Theatre
- Boulder Theater
- eTown Hall
Boulder has great nightlife and is a short drive to Denver. There is always a good time to be had in one of the more beautiful college towns in America.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
University of Arkansas
Arkansas might not be the top choice for college students seeking fun and excitement, but Fayetteville will surprise you. In this college town, you’ll find a solid dose of school pride for the University of Arkansas. You’ll also discover access to soothing nature. Popular destinations include:
- Lake Fayetteville Park
- Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
- Kessler Mountain Regional Park
Fayetteville has a great history. One of the last battles of the Civil War was fought here. It is the home of the Clinton House Museum. It is the first home of Bill and Hillary Clinton, and they were married in the living room. The Arkansas Air and Military Museum is home to the largest collection of historic aircraft in the state.
The nightlife happens on Dickson Street. They call it the heartbeat of Fayetteville. There are:
- boutique stores
- bars
- restaurants
- live music
George’s Majestic Lounge is one of the most popular hot spots. It is the oldest running club and live music venue in the state of Arkansas.
The Fayetteville Ale trail is an exciting way to explore the city while tasting local brews. This city is also loved for its long-standing spots that feel like a step back in time. Popular attractions include a drive-in movie theater and Terra Studios. The latter is a labyrinth of:
- rock statues
- glass sculptures
- pottery creations
Charlottesville, Virginia
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia boasts a rich history of academia. Especially because it’s home to the prestigious University of Virginia. Students can browse the active downtown for shopping, bars, and restaurants that stay lively well into the night. Charlottesville is home to a vast array of restaurants. There are six farmers’ markets in the area. Dairy Market is a great destination for foodies. There are over 40 wineries for the wine fans.
Arts and culture abound in Charlottesville. There are:
- art galleries
- yearly music festivals
- a historical society
Charlottesville is home to yearly film festivals and a chamber music festival. Other popular events include an arts and crafts festival, the Foxfield Races, and the Heritage Harvest Festival.
Charlottesville is also near the coveted Blue Ridge Parkway, which is visited by foliage lovers in the fall. Days of adventure await on the famous Appalachian Trail for those interested in exploring nature after a long week of classes. Blacksburg, Virginia is another favorite college town that’s not far either.
Ames, Iowa
Iowa State University
The sprawling Iowa State University campus is located in stunning Ames, Iowa. This small city packs a punch. It boasts five-star hotels and dining. Ames has a stunning nightlife that college students can’t get enough of.
There are several popular destinations for food and fun in Ames. The Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company has been in business for over 40 years. They are considered one of the best pizza places in the state. Alluvial Brewing Company is a great place to have craft beer and enjoy live music. Perfect Games is the place to go for fun. Bowling, laser tag, and a huge arcade make this a top destination for students and families.
Ames has a wonderful art scene. There are several museums and art galleries in town. Stephens Auditorium on the Iowa State campus hosts a wide variety of performances. Shows range from opera to Broadway to comedians and family entertainment.
This is also a great town for outdoor activities. Ames has several local and state parks. Iowa State University is home to Reiman Gardens. The is also a local aquatics center.
The sheer size of Iowa State’s college campus is enough to feel like a city. Venture out into Ames and you’ll get much more than you bargained for.
Austin, Texas
University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward’s University, and Concordia University Texas
Austin, Texas is most often known for the University of Texas at Austin. St. Edward’s University and Concordia University Texas also call it home. Austin is consistently ranked one of the best cities in Texas because it’s bursting with culture and flavor.
There’s no shortage of delicious tacos in Austin. Nearby watering holes in Texas Hill Country make it easy to float through the hot days with ease. Austin boasts a laid-back vibe and is filled with artists and musicians. Creative types will feel especially at home in this eclectic city. Austin offers a wealth of street art and live music to enjoy.
Ithaca, New York
Ithaca College and Cornell University
Ithaca, New York is consistently rated one of the best college towns in America — and there’s no surprise why. It is also one of the biggest college towns in America. Ithaca is a gorgeous and quaint town. It has many parks, delicious dining, and a network of woods and gorges to swim and play in. Ithaca is nothing like New York City. It is more like Pennsylvania or Minnesota, with plenty of farms and fields to enjoy. If you know you’d be itching for a bigger metropolis on occasion, New York City is a four-hour drive away.
Cornell University and Ithaca College are two prestigious schools with beautiful campuses in Ithaca that you’ll never want to leave.
Providence, Rhode Island
Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design
If you want a northeastern college town with a beach and history, Providence is your best bet. It is home to world-renowned colleges like Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). The best college town in America with both a rich history and a modern flair is probably Providence.
Providence has no shortage of:
- dive bars
- plant-based eateries
- stunning libraries
Plus, Newport beach and the ocean make for a perfect weekend trip when you need to escape the city.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
University of Alabama and Stillman College
Lakes, state parks, and museums are all abundant in the cozy southern town of Tuscaloosa, making it a clear choice for our list of best college towns to live in. Here, students from the University of Alabama and Stillman College can enjoy a recently revitalized city, complete with a bustling downtown, creative shops, and top-rated restaurants and watering holes to keep you fueled throughout your studies.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Did you know that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the first public university in America? This rich history is reflected in Chapel Hill’s competitive admission rate. The town of Chapel Hill delivers for those who get in. It boasts a downtown strip that beckons a Sunday stroll and very little traffic (except on Tar Heels game days). You can expect an easygoing, quiet way of life in this charming East Coast town.
Gainesville, Florida
University of Florida
Gainesville is one of the best small cities in Florida. The students at the University of Florida agree. Gainesville is a perfect blend of everything you want in a college town, yet it isn’t too large to feel overwhelming. Whether you want to try vegan ice cream, taste beer at a local brewery, visit local art galleries, or bike under live oaks dripping with moss, Gainesville offers something for everyone.
Berkeley, California
University of California at Berkeley
The University of California at Berkeley is situated in the San Francisco metro area. It is easily accessible to everything you need. Yet Berkeley is also a lovable city on its own. It boasts a rich culture inspired by the Beat Generation and rock musicians in the 1970s.
Berkeley is the perfect place for a student who loves to cozy up at a coffee shop during the day and visit an underground poetry reading at night.
Tempe, Arizona
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is located in the unassuming small town of Tempe, Arizona. Many people skip over this town for Phoenix or Flagstaff, but Tempe is a nature-lovers paradise. Whether you’re kayaking at Town Lake or hiking over Hayden Butte, Tempe inspires residents to get out and explore. It isn’t anything like Boston, Massachusetts, which has dozens of colleges and universities. Tempe boasts the outdoor activities you’d find in a place like Utah with a lower cost of living.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is located in the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan, which has consistently been ranked one of the best places to live. Ann Arbor residents are all about enjoying the outdoors and eating well, and their restaurants serve up a balanced contrast between pizza joints with beer and jazz lounges with specialty cocktails.
Athens, Georgia
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia is the bustling city where you’ll find the University of Georgia. This university boasts a great deal of school pride but not at any expense of learning. Students in Athens will enjoy cultural events like live music and festivals. Yet there are also miles of wilderness trails to be explored and lakes to be paddled in, making Athens a refreshing and inspiring place to study.
Provo, Utah
Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University
Provo, Utah is home to Brigham Young University. Provo is the oldest city in Utah County and the first Mormon Settlement in Utah outside of Salt Lake City. Provo has an impressive system of 27 city parts and 35 miles of paved trails. Students and permanent residents can enjoy amenities like:
- tennis courts
- volleyball
- outdoor BBQs
- bicycle riding
Provo is also home to over 9,000 businesses and well-known companies like:
- NuSkin
- Ancestry.com
- Qualtrics
While Provo is a dry college town, there is still bustling nightlife. Rooftop Concerts are held in the middle of the street due to huge crowds who gather to see top-tier musicians. There is no shortage of unique restaurants with peculiar atmospheres. Check out Sensuous Sandwich if you are craving a menu with sensual named foods like The Enticer. If specialty sodas are your thing, visit The Wash, a speakeasy with specialty sodas that look like alcoholic drinks.
College Station, Texas
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas is home to over 55,000 Texas A&M University students. Texas A&M University is the first public institution of higher education in the state. College Station has a variety of attractions including the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the Museum of the American GI.
College Station has a variety of art galleries and museums including:
- The Arts Council of the Brazos Valley
- Cushing Memorial Library and Archives
- Forsyth Galleries at TAMU
The Texas Cultural District is home to First Friday, a giant block party where thousands gather. Downtown merchants stay open late into the night, accommodating both students and locals. Enjoy street musicians and interactive displays while you experience Downtown Bryan.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona is a great college town with a student population of almost 30,000. Flagstaff is located at the base of the San Fransisco Peaks and is surrounded by the largest ponderosa pine forest in the United States. It’s one of the ten sunniest cities in the country.
Flagstaff has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of options for dining and entertainment. The Lowell Observatory offers a historic and scientific experience for stargazers. The Historic Downtown and Railroad District provides visitors with unique boutique shopping and the opportunity to explore restaurants and breweries. Hop on a segway and explore Old Route 66 or put on your hiking shoes and check out ancient ruins at Wupatki National Monument. The opportunities for adventure are endless.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Colorado State University
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Denver is Fort Collins, Colorado. Fort Collins is the fourth most populous city in the state. Fort Collins has over 20 breweries and known as “The Craft Beer Capital of Colorado.” Take in a brewery tour and find a new favorite!
The Fort Collins area is also a great choice for adventure seekers. There are over 50 city parks and 280 miles of trails. The State Park Moose Visitor Center and the Cache la Poudre Canyon provide the opportunity to see both winged and four-legged animals like hawks and big horn sheep.
Fort Collins also has a plethora of cultural experiences including museums and art galleries. Old Town Fort Collins features restaurants, bars, and clothing stores that cater to customers of all ages. Main Street USA at Disneyland is actually modeled after Old Town! Who knew?
Best College Towns in America
College campuses matter, especially when it comes to safety, beauty, and walkability. But what about when it’s time to leave campus and grab a bite to eat downtown? What happens when you’re ready for a weekend trip away from the classroom?
The best college towns in America offer endless options. You will find eating, drinking, sightseeing, staying active, and embracing local culture in these great towns. Maybe you’re looking for one of the go-to U.S. cities for college. You might be interested in a charming college town to relocate to. Either way, consider these locations when searching for your dream school.
For the most comprehensive rankings of college campuses, majors, and other higher education lists, check out College Rank.