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What makes a great college town? A great college, naturally. Plenty of youthful energy? You bet. An abundance of kitschy cafes and indie bookstores and a vibrant music and art scene? You can count on it. And if there's a home team to write home about, hooray! The best college towns, like the ones on our list, offer something for everyone: cultural diversity, a mix of urban sophistication and small–town charm, great outdoor spaces and places for intellectual curiosity to thrive. Check them out and see which one is right for your student! |
Population: 709,893*1 Austin, TX
Long a mecca for great barbeque, Austin is fast becoming one of the most desirable destinations in the Southwest—and the nation! Home of top–ranked University of Texas, the capital of the Lone Star state has something for everyone: nearly 200 live music venues featuring everything from indie rock and country to Tejano and gospel every night of the week; world–class shopping and dining, especially in trendy SoCo (South Congress); a thriving art scene; plenty of great outdoor spaces for hiking, biking, sailing and more; and Longhorns football (hook 'em Horns!). For those with an interest in weird science, Austin is also home to North America's largest urban colony of Mexican free–tailed bats. Viewing times are regularly scheduled from April through October. See them fly…if you dare!
- Planning a visit to Austin? Visit these sites for more information:
- Is your student thinking about going to school here?
* U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 estimate
Population: 91,481*2 Boulder, CO
Nestled in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, breathtakingly beautiful Boulder, Colorado, is the place to be for outdoor enthusiasts. Approximately 30,000** of Boulder's residents are students at the University of Colorado, one of the greenest universities on the planet, according to the Sierra Club's "Cool School" rating. Boulder was recently rated the #1 Sports Town in America by Outside magazine, but hikers, cyclists and mountain bikers, skiers and rock climbers aren't the only people who flock to the city. Boulder's vibrant culture, thriving art scene and renowned music, dance, film and Shakespeare festivals draw people of every interest. For a real sense of the people who live here, stroll along Pearl Street's pedestrian mall and rub shoulders with just about everyone in town. Is it any wonder Boulder is known as America's "Happiest and Healthiest City 1," and ranks as one of "America's Top 25 Towns to Live Well2," "Best Places to Live—The 30 Coolest Neighborhoods3," "Top 25 Cities for Small Art4" and, of course, "Coolest College Towns5"?
- Planning a visit to Boulder? Visit these sites for more information:
- Is your student thinking of going to college here?
* U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 estimate
** Fall, 2009 regular, on–campus, degree–seeking students
1 Gallup–Healthways Well–Being Index, USA Today, February 2010
2 Forbes.com, May 2009
3 Best Places to Live – The 30 Coolest Neighborhoods in America, Men's Journal
4 AmericanStyle magazine, June 2009
5 Travel + Leisure, September 2009
Population: 223,389*3 Madison, WI
Located between Lakes Monona and Mendota, Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin, the legendary 80,321–seat Camp Randall Stadium—and a city of fanatical Badger football fans! But even if your student isn't into sports, there's plenty to do in Madison all year long! Everyone loves State Street—a unique, mile–long pedestrian–only mall—with more than 35 restaurants, six coffee shops, five bookstores, three museums, a dozen or more night spots, the Orpheum Theater, the Overture Center for the Arts and over 60 specialty shops and boutiques And no matter the season, students who love the great outdoors can find plenty of ways to enjoy Madison's five area lakes, 6,000 acres of parkland and 150 miles of bike trails. Whether your student is looking to dive in and get moving, enjoy the cultural offerings and vibrant nightlife of one of America's safest cities or cheer on a favorite team, Madison has it all!
- Planning a visit to Madison? Visit these sites for more information:
- Is your student thinking of going to college here?
* U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 estimate
Population: 101,555*4 Berkeley, CA
Free speech, free love, flower power and tie–die may forever be a part of Berkeley's genetic makeup, but today's Berkeley—just 10 miles from San Francisco—has evolved into a cultural and culinary enclave. Downtown Berkeley's commercial hub is now a thriving arts district. Addison Street rolls with live theater and music, while off–Addison venues keep the art scene happening all year long. And when it comes to food, there's always something fresh going on at Berkeley's innovative, organic restaurants (this is where Alice Water's Chez Panisse was born!). As for that old hippie vibe, it's still alive and well on Telegraph Avenue. But so is the color and pageantry of college football, where Bear fans at the University of California, Berkeley, Memorial Stadium, still enjoy the best view of any college stadium, according to Sports Illustrated. So, watch for bear tracks!
- Planning a visit to Berkeley? Visit these sites for more information:
- Is your student thinking of going to college here?
* U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 estimate
Population: 111,580*5 Athens, GA
The tree–lined streets of the Boulevard neighborhood may reek of historic Southern charm, but there's nothing old school about Athens, Georgia, home to the 225–year–old University of Georgia—and the legendary 40 Watt Club, where bands like R.E.M, the B–52s and Widespread Panic got their starts. Of course, Athens also boasts a funky downtown area and a flourishing restaurant scene kick–started by vegetarian favorite The Grit (think Moosewood for indie rockers) and propelled into overdrive by national award–winning chef Hugh Acheson's 5&10 and growing restaurant empire. The art scene is thriving, too, with small art galleries and ATHICA (Athens Institute for Contemporary Art in the Railroad Arts District). And did we mention, the Bulldogs live here? Hot dawg!
- Planning a visit to Athens? Visit this site for more information:
- Is your student thinking of going to college here?
* U.S. Census Bureau, Athens–Clarke County, 2006 estimate
Population: 13,381*6 Princeton, NJ
With its historic stone buildings and tree–lined streets, Princeton is a quintessential college town—a quaint place that's known mainly for its world–class university. Nassau Street, the town's main drag, is the place to go for bookstores and boutiques, while the Delaware–Raritan Canal is a popular spot for bicycling, jogging or paddling. If you work up an appetite, grab a stack at PJ's Pancake House, a favorite for weekend brunch. Or loosen your belt and take Princeton's ice cream tour, and try the jaw–dropping array of toppings at Thomas Sweet, premium ice cream at Halo Pub or artisanal selections like avocado ice cream at The Bent Spoon (also available at Witherspoon's in Princeton's Frist Campus Center). For a bit of local color, take in Albert Einstein's House, the 500–acre nature preserve at The Institute for Advanced Study or The Princeton Cemetery, where Aaron Burr is buried. And if the bright lights of the big city call, remember, Princeton is located halfway between Philadelphia and New York City. Just take the Dinky to Princeton Junction, hop a train and you're there in just 90 minutes!
- Planning a visit to Princeton? Visit this site for more information:
- Is your student thinking of going to college here?
* American FactFinder, U.S. Census Bureau, 2009 estimate
Population: 146,356*7 Eugene, OR
There's a reason Eugene calls itself the "World's Greatest City of the Arts & Outdoors." With the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Cascades to the east, sand dunes to the south and waterfalls in every direction, Eugene's scenic beauty is second to none. And if your student has a passion for sports and recreation, Eugene's Willamette and McKenzie Rivers are magnets for water sports, while the city's more than 100 parks and 2,600 acres of open space are the perfect setting for outdoor activities of every kind. With the University of Oregon—and the legendary Hayward Field (host to 10 NCAA Championships and four Olympic trials for track and field)—at its heart, Eugene is a center for education and sports. It's also a center of arts and culture, with year–round festivals, local galleries, several performing companies, the Hult Center for the Performing Arts—offering two world–class theaters and a permanent art collection—and a vibrant downtown filled with blocks of art galleries, restaurants and boutiques that showcase Eugene's local color and flavor. Check it out!
- Planning a visit to Eugene? Visit this site for more information:
- Is your student thinking of going to college here?
* U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 estimate
Population: 49,919*8 Chapel Hill, NC
Nicknamed "the Southern Part of Heaven," Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina (the oldest public university in the United States)—and legendary Tar Heel basketball (2009 Division 1/Men's Champions—and that's a little bit of Southern heaven, too!). Both the town and the school date back to the late eighteenth century, but the vibe here is totally fresh with a thriving downtown scene, featuring an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, the FRANK (Franklin Street Arts Collective) and museums, a planetarium, sports memorabilia and performing arts—all within walking distance from one another on the Mile of Culture. When the sun goes down, Chapel Hill offers a hot mix of rock, blues, jazz, alternative music—and dancing—every night of the year. Nickel Creek, Lyle Lovett, Tony Bennett and Bonnie Raitt have all played here, while clubs like Local 506, The Cave and Nightlight offer a constantly changing lineup of bands and DJs for anyone who wants to shake some booty. Best of all, getting around Chapel Hill couldn't be easier: Chapel Hill Transit services approximately 25 miles throughout the Chapel Hill, UNC and Carrboro communities. And everyone rides free!
- Planning a visit to Chapel Hill? Visit these sites for more information:
- Is your student thinking about going to school here?
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill www.unc.edu
* U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 estimate
Population: 108,655*9 Gainesville, FL
The University of Florida and its beloved Gators dominate the landscape of this sports–loving city. But that's not the only reason why Gainesville is a great college town. Vibrant downtown Gainesville provides a central location for just about everything, from local restaurants to movies and theater to art and music. There's live theater and first–run foreign, limited–release and avant–garde films at The Hipp (Hippodrome State Theatre), art festivals and shows all year long, free concerts and performing arts every Friday night from May through October in Bo Diddley Community Plaza, 13 museums and galleries, cafes and clubs—all reachable by Gainesville's public bus transportation system. Gainesville is also just a short drive from breathtaking beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. But nature lover's will find plenty of beautiful spaces right here, including Morningside Nature Center, the city's premier nature park with seven miles of trails winding through native vegetation, and the magnificent Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, with 62 acres of lakeside forests and gardens for picnicking and strolling.
- Planning a visit to Gainesville? Visit these sites for more information:
- Is your student thinking about going to school here?
* U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 estimate
Population: 88,605*10 Lawrence, KS
You can see the crimson–tiled rooftops of the University of Kansas from miles away. This is where the Jayhawks live! And Lawrence's superb riverfront location and thriving downtown only add to its allure. In Lawrence, you can feel that artsy vibe practically everywhere: in public art exhibits that bring sculpture and mosaic projects to street corners throughout the city, in the Lawrence Arts Center where performing and visual arts come together under one roof, in a live music scene that's light–years ahead of what's playing on the radio. Outdoorsy–types can head to Clinton Lake for swimming, boating, hiking, biking, camping and fishing; hit the links at one of Lawrence's challenging golf courses; go mountain biking around the Kansas River; do some boarding at Skate Park in Centennial Park; explore the magnificent 573–acre Baker Wetlands and Natural Area; enjoy any of the city's 50 parks—the choices are tremendous. And did we mention, Lawrence is designated a "Bicycle–Friendly Community" by the League of American Bicyclists. No wonder this is one great college town!
- Planning a visit to Lawrence? Visit these sites for more information:
- Is your student thinking about going to school here?
* U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 estimate
