The 50 Best College Towns in America

Ames boasts a lively college atmosphere and a strong emphasis on education and research, and offers a diverse community, numerous cultural and recreational opportunities, and a thriving economy driven by technology, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.

Newark combines a vibrant college town environment with a rich historical heritage. The town features a pedestrian-friendly downtown area, cultural attractions, and a diverse dining scene. Newark also offers access to nearby parks and trails for outdoor recreation.

Bowling Green showcases a lively college atmosphere. The town offers a historic downtown area with unique shops and restaurants. Bowling Green is also known for its green spaces and parks, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and community gatherings.

Well-known not just for Harvard but also for MIT, as well as Lesley University and the Hult International Business School, Cambridge is considered a hub of intellectual and technological innovation. The city offers popular museums, a thriving arts and culinary scene, and a stimulating academic environment, attracting scholars and visitors from around the globe.

Mount Pleasant offers a blend of college town charm and natural beauty. The town features a vibrant downtown area, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby state parks and the scenic Chippewa River.

Central enjoys a tranquil setting in the upstate region. The town has a close-knit community atmosphere, with a focus on education and outdoor recreation. Residents and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of nearby lakes, parks, and hiking trails. In addition to Southern Wesleyan University, a private Christian institution, is only about five miles from the acclaimed Clemson University.

Platteville, in southwestern Wisconsin, has a strong sense of community and academic excellence. The town features a historic downtown area, with unique shops and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the rolling hills and scenic landscapes surrounding Platteville. An interesting feature of Platteville is the “World’s Largest ‘M'”, a landmark on a mound outside of the city. It also boasts the highest ratio of bars, breweries, bowling alleys, and food trucks on this list.

With a name like Whitewater, you can be sure there are a lot of outdoor diversions in this small Wisconsin town. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest with its glacial geography of rolling hills and prairies and enjoy water activities on Whitewater Lake. There’s also a bustling downtown, with a high ratio of bars, breweries, bowling alleys, and food trucks.

University Heights, Ohio, is a suburb of Cleveland. Its principal institute of higher learning, the Jesuit-operated John Carroll University, was established in 1886 and named after the first archbishop of the Catholic Church in the United States – who also founded Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. University Heights has a dense suburban character, with many restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.The town provides a mix of residential areas and commercial districts, with access to cultural attractions and recreational facilities.

Ada, in midwestern Ohio, is the smallest on our list. Besides being home to Ohio Northern University, it is also the headquarters of the Wilson Football Factory, which has been making footballs for the NFL for nearly a century. Ada is a close-knit community, with tree-lined streets and historic buildings. It offers a range of recreational activities and hosts many events that bring together residents, students, and visitors.

Prairie View, about 44 miles northwest of Houston, hosts various events and festivals that highlight African-American heritage, and offers opportunities for community engagement. The city is working with Prairie View A&M to develop a shopping strip, recreation center, and bowling alley.

Davis is one of the bigger college towns on our list. UC-Davis is known for its strong academic programs and research initiatives, with a particularly strong reputation in veterinary medicine, agriculture, and campus sustainability. It also hosts a Department of Viticulture and Enology, considered one of the best wine schools in the nation. The town has a bike-friendly culture, many parks, and a downtown area with farmers’ markets and local eateries.

Burlington, is one of the more noteworthy college town datelines in America, boasting both the University of Vermont and Champlain College, and a college life and culture that infuse the whole place. Its downtown has a variety of shops, farm-to-table dining, and a vibrant music scene. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the nearby mountains and waterfront activities on Lake Champlain.

Located on the historic Erie Canal, Brockport has a Main Street lined with local businesses and historic buildings. The downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic places. Outdoor adventurers can enjoy recreational activities along the canal, while the college campus offers cultural events and performances.

This college town in the Catskill Mountains is home to Hartwick College and the Utica School of Commerce as well as SUNY Oneonta. Oneonta, which calls itself “the city of the hills,” has a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring nearby state parks. The town also features a vibrant downtown area with unique shops, restaurants, and a lively arts scene.

Gunnison, in the Gunnison Valley, is flanked by the Gunnison National Forest, the West Elk Mountains, and Mount Crested Butte. Gunnison is also known for its proximity to the Curecanti National Recreation Area, where outdoors folks can engage in activities such as hiking (the Lamphier Lake trail is particular popular), fishing, and boating. The town also hosts cultural events and festivals that celebrate the region’s heritage. Its ratio of bars, breweries, bowling alleys, and food trucks is second highest on this list.

The University of Connecticut’s nationally known men’s and women’s basketball teams have put Storrs on the map. The town provides a mix of rural charm and intellectual stimulation, with opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural events.

One popular feature of New Paltz is its rail-trail-turned-linear-park where visitors can stroll and bike, while Main Street has retained its hippie-themed boutiques, farm-to-table eateries, coffeehouses, and plenty of bars. New Paltz also features a vibrant arts community, with galleries and music venues.

Tallahassee, the biggest town on this list and the Florida state capital, is home to Florida A&M University as well as Florida State – both of them boasting nationally known sports teams. The town features a mix of historical and modern attractions, including the beautiful campus grounds, a lively downtown area, and access to nearby natural preserves and Gulf Coast beaches.

Hanover is a picturesque New England town with a strong emphasis on education. The town provides a quaint downtown area, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a tight-knit community known for its intellectual pursuits and cultural events. The town’s Baker-Berry Library, modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia, houses 2.5 million books, including 17th-century editions of the works of William Shakespeare.

Berkeley boasts a rich academic heritage, a diverse and progressive community, a thriving arts and music scene, and unique dining experiences (including the world-famous Chez Panisse), and is known for its commitment to social activism and cultural exploration.

Provo, about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, is known most of all for “The Y” – as Brigham Young University, founded by its eponymous religious leader in 1875, is often called. The town combines a strong academic environment with spectacular natural beauty. Nestled against the majestic Wasatch Mountains, it provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and rock climbing. It also offers a thriving arts scene and many cultural events.

Besides activities involving the University of Maine, visitors to this town on the Penobscot and Stillwater rivers, founded by colonists in 1774, can stroll the Orono Bog Boardwalk, a mile-long boardwalk that goes through a Maine bog, visit the Fay Hyland Arboretum, and enjoy a meal at the original Pat’s Pizza, a Maine institution.

Among the attractions in Boone (named for Daniel Boone), tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is Linville Caverns, which has stunning stalactites and stalagmites. A branch of the state’s nationally known Mast General Store draws shoppers, and music-lovers appreciate its lively bluegrass scene. Just southeast of town is Mystery Hill, which seemingly defies the laws of physics and gravity.

Boulder, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, was recently named the fastest-rising tech hub in the world by SmallBusinessPrices – but it also keeps its counterculture reputation alive, and is known for performances of classical music and dance. Among the opportunities for outdoor activities are hiking, biking, and rock climbing.

Houghton is situated in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, known for its natural beauty, access to Lake Superior, hiking trails, and winter sports such as skiing and snowmobiling. In summer, visitors tour old mining sites, enjoy camping, and attend Bridgefest – celebrating construction of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge – and the concurrent Seafood Fest.

There is a lot of history at Williamsburg, and some of it was made at the College of William & Mary. The school was the first U.S. institution with a royal charter, the first law school in America, and home of the first Greek-letter society. The town boasts of its well-preserved colonial architecture and living history museums. Visitors can explore the historic district or enjoy outdoor activities along the nearby Colonial Parkway.

Oberlin has a well-deserved progressive reputation. Tracing its beginnings to 1833, it drew African-Americans escaping slavery, and became an important center of the abolitionist movement – though it was also the birthplace of the Anti-Saloon League. The university is known for its music conservatory and art museum.

A liberal arts institution founded in 1831, Denison was one of the first colleges to be established in the old “Northwest Territory,” west of the Allegheny Mountains and north of the Ohio River. Granville was settled by New Englanders and its downtown retains the flavor of New England towns, with a well-kept downtown, quaint shops, bustling cafés, and a vibrant arts scene.

Home not only to Clarkson, Potsdam also hosts a branch of SUNY. The town is known for offering a rich academic environment and opportunities for outdoor activities in the nearby Adirondack Mountains. The Potsdam Museum is located in the heart of the village.

Champaign and Urbana are contiguous cities and the area is dominated by college athletics, academic pursuits, and university culture. The Krannert Art Museum is one of the best university museums in the country and is also Illinois’ second-largest fine arts museum, welcoming some 120,000 visitors each year. The town also is home to a thriving arts scene and a variety of restaurants and shops.

Clemson University is renowned for its strong academic programs and vibrant sports culture. The university’s football team has won the Division 1 Football National Championships three times. The town, nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers picturesque lake views.

College Station is dominated by all things “Aggie,” the nickname of A&M’s students and sports teams. The town showcases a strong sense of Aggie pride, with traditions and sporting events. Outdoor recreational activities, such as boating and hiking, are also popular in the area.

The University of Michigan is one of the nation’s premier public universities, known for its law school, and Ann Arbor is renowned for its academic prowess and vibrant cultural scene. It is also well known for its architecture, including the Nickels Arcade, finished in 1918, that features a passage that connects two streets in the heart of Ann Arbor’s walkable downtown. Ann Arbor has also become known as a tech hub.

West Lafayette is considered an intellectual hub, and offers architectural wonders such as the Samara House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Burger lovers flock to Triple XXX Family Restaurant, founded in 1929, the oldest drive-in in Indiana. Residents and visitors can also explore the Wabash River trails.

Michigan State, traditional rival of the University of Michigan, dominates East Lansing’s downtown culture. The city has a designated Historic District with numerous landmark structures, and a thriving art scene. East Lansing’s businesses benefit from proximity to Lansing, the state capital.

Northfield along the Cannon River, is the home of Carleton College as well as St. Olaf. Carleton was founded in 1866 as Northfield College, and St. Olaf opened in 1874 as a school to educate male and female Norwegian immigrants. Besides activities revolving around the colleges, visitors can hike the trails of Cowling Arboretum and enjoy the area’s numerous waterfalls.

Athens is nestled in the scenic Appalachians. Its Kennedy Museum of Art is one of the city’s best attractions and part of the town’s vibrant arts and music scene, which also includes numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Strouds Run State Park.

Between the Adirondack Mountains and the St. Lawrence River, Canton is home to St. Lawrence University as well as SUNY Canton. Canton features a vibrant college community with a historic business center, village square, two golf courses, parks, and recreational trails. A picturesque foot bridge crossed the Grasse River that connects the eastern side of the SUNY Canton campus with Riverside Drive in the village. A covered bridge also crosses the Grasse River.

Another well-known dateline for those who follow collegiate sports is Gainesville – home to the University of Florida and the second-biggest city on this list. Gainesville offers a dynamic college experience, a lively downtown with numerous historic structures, cultural festivals, and a thriving music scene. Among its more notable residents have been musicians Steven Stills, Tom Petty, and Don Felder and Bernie Leadon of Eagles..

In 1977 almost all of the central part of the Village of Geneseo was designated a historic district and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby Letchworth State Park has been called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” and is one of the most scenic places in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River cuts through the gorge and tumbles over three waterfalls.

As the home of Virginia Tech, a prominent research university, Blacksburg offers a robust academic atmosphere and Virginia Tech has had a substantial impact on the town. The Peggy Lee Hahn Horticulture Garden is a large public garden located on the Virginia Tech campus and one of the largest in western Virginia. Blacksburg offers opportunities for outdoor recreation in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.

Swarthmore College is renowned for its rigorous academics and strong liberal arts programs, and offers many assets to the town – including the Scott Arboretum, containing over 4,000 varieties of ornamental plants. The farmers’ market and the Spotlight Theater are other local attractions..

Stanford University is synonymous with academic excellence and innovation, consistently ranking among the top universities in the nation. Apart from the university, the town offers a variety of cultural events, outdoor activities in nearby parks, and proximity to Silicon Valley, fostering a vibrant and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

Known for not only for Washington and Lee University but also for the Virginia Military Institute, Lexington embraces a strong sense of tradition. The town offers a rich historical heritage, including Stonewall Jackson’s House and his gravesite. The George C. Marshall Museum is located on the VMI campus. The Cyrus McCormick Farm and Museum is down Interstate 81 from Lexington in Raphine.

Nearly all residents of Notre Dame, Indiana are college students – about 96% of them, the highest such proportion of any U.S. city. Visitors and residents can explore the famed university’s beautiful campus, attend sporting events, or immerse themselves in the town’s strong sense of community and Irish heritage.

Chapel Hill offers a blend of academic excellence and Southern charm., with a thriving arts and music scene, numerous parks, and a bustling downtown. The town is part of the so-called Research Triangle, home to many high-tech companies, along with nearby Raleigh and Durham. Duke University and North Carolina State University are in the same area.

Apart from its namesake university’s academic excellence, this Ivy League town exudes a charming small-town ambiance and boasts picturesque streets, beautiful parks, and a vibrant downtown area.

Charlottesville is known for its architecture and downtown pedestrian mall, and a thriving arts and music scene. Visitors should also consider visiting Monticello, just outside town – the estate of Thomas Jefferson, who also founded the University of Virginia. Shenandoah National Park is 25 miles northwest of Charlottesville. Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains is one of America’s great driving trips.

Home to Ithaca College as well as Cornell, Ithaca is known for its thriving academic environment and its waterfalls. Among the favorites are Taughannock Falls, Lick Brook Falls, and Triphammer Falls. Additionally, the town offers a robust cultural scene, with theaters, art galleries, and music venues.