Searching for the best college towns in America? From balancing a social life with a high-quality education to finding programs and events you’ll love, there’s a lot to consider when choosing your home for the next few years. Check out our list of the ten best college towns and cities!
Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan
- Population: 125,691
- Student Population: 52,855
- Known For: Awesome tailgating, striking landscapes
Do you look great in maize and blue and love college football? Ann Arbor might be the perfect college town for you! Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is the perfect place for students who love innovation! Consistently recognized as a top public research university, the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research provides excellent student research opportunities—including year-long options and summer options. Computer and information sciences, business administration, economics, and experimental psychology are some popular degree programs at UM-Ann Arbor, but no matter your major, you’ll be connected post-graduation with one of the largest alumni networks in the U.S. The city is also home to some of the best tailgating in college football, with fans gathering every game day to cheer on The University of Michigan Wolverines (FBS)—one of the most historic football programs in the country—at Michigan Stadium. And if you love staying active, Ann Arbor has 83.8 lane-miles of on-street bike lanes to enjoy year-round. Just remember to pack a winter coat—Ann Arbor experiences all four seasons!
Things to Do in Ann Arbor
Stroll from the 3,279-acre campus to Detroit Street to shop for fresh produce, flowers, ceramics, and more at the year-round Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Go fly fishing, canoeing, or kayaking at the Huron River Water Trail, which runs through the city! Check out exhibits like American Sampler, Come Talk To Me, and We Write to You About Africa at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Listen to live music from acts like YAGODY, Willie Nile, and Crystal Bowersox at local non-profit venue, The Ark. Start your day with a Greek Breakfast, Gyro Omelette, or Chicken Hippie Hash Breakfast at Fleetwood Diner. Pick up a Zingerman’s Reuben, Benno’s Birdie, or Dave’s Open Road at Zingerman’s Delicatessen. Feast on Chicken Katsu, a Black Bean Wrap, or a Spicy Korean Skirt Steak at the farm-to-table restaurant Sava’s. Or try authentic Japanese dishes like Chicken Yakisoba, Tempura Udon, and Unagi Don at Plate Sushi & Chicken.
Athens, GA: University of Georgia
- Population: 128,427
- Student Population: 43,146
- Known For: Passionate football fanbase, exciting nightlife scene
If you’re looking for a college town with an exciting football culture, high population of singles and young professionals, and a fun nightlife scene, look no further than Athens! Home to the University of Georgia—one of the first public colleges in the United States—residents in this town are passionate about the University of Georgia Bulldogs (FBS). You can find a wide variety of tailgates to go to on Saturdays—in fact, the University of Georgia is among the best NCAA schools for tailgating! Georgia also has state-specific grants for undergrad students like the College Completion Grant, offering student assistance for state residents. With a cost of living on par with the national average, you can live comfortably in this Southern town. Plus, as the birthplace of iconic bands like R.E.M and the B-52s, Athens has a thriving music and nightlife scene you can enjoy with friends. With a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and the most bars per square mile in the U.S., you’ll never be bored living in Athens!
Things to Do in Athens
Explore the Flower Garden, Heritage Garden, or Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Bring some friends and try your hand at games like Quelf, Exploding Kittens, or Beat The Experts at The Rook & Pawn. Hear live performances from artists like Robyn Hitchcock, Marlon Funaki, and John R. Miller at the 40 Watt Club. See bands like Ashes, Melt, and The Bends perform at the Georgia Theatre. Begin your day with a Bird’s Nest, Greek Omelet, or Biscuit Sandwich at Big City Bread Cafe. Order authentic Cuban and Peruvian dishes like Lomo Saltado, Peruvian Ceviche, and El Sandwich Criollo at Cali n Titos. Try Bangers & Mash, the London Broil Salad, and Fried Pork Belly at the British-themed restaurant The Royal Peasant Pub. Or sip unique beers like Flash Cat, Awkward Pause, and The Tree That Owns Itself at Creature Comforts Brewing Co.
Berkeley, CA: University of California, Berkeley
- Population: 127,519
- Student Population: 45,882
- Known For: Politically active community, passion for the arts
Just northeast of San Francisco, you’ll find one of the best college towns in California—the University of California, Berkeley is a top public university and a hot spot for arts, culture, and politics. Credited as the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement, the campus is known for hosting political rallies and protests. With this passion for activism, it’s easy to see why majoring in social sciences is a popular choice for UCB students. The university offers top-rated arts and humanities programs, as well as popular degree options like chemistry, mathematics, and engineering. In fact, UCB’s dedication to STEM helps many students find employment after graduation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. If you’re looking for weekend fun, Berkeley’s campus also offers a number of local attractions like the Sather Tower. The historic Telegraph Avenue also offers a vibrant shopping scene, record shops, and places to eat. Plus, Berkeley’s close proximity to San Francisco is ideal for students looking for more weekend activities—or for recent college grads who want to live somewhere with cool neighborhoods and careers at tech startups!
Things to Do in Berkeley
Go shopping on Telegraph Avenue for specialty clothing at Bows and Arrows, your next read at Moe’s Books, new and classic records at Rasputin Records, and handcrafted cupcakes from Cupcakin’ Bake Shop. Explore the Australasia, Mediterranean, and Magnolia plant collections at Berkeley Botanical Garden. Go equestrian camping, biking, and hiking at Tilden Regional Park. View exhibits like Maren Hassinger: Living Moving Growing, film series like Psychedelia & Cinema, and the ongoing Art Wall project at Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA). Enjoy hearty brunch items like Bibim Salad, Salmon Avocado Toast, and the Chicken & Croffle Benedict at Cafe Etoile. Order a Honey Oat Latte, Chocolate Cherry Mocha, or Strawberry Lychee Matcha at local non-profit 1951 Coffee Company. Eat wood-fired pizzas like the Andromeda and Xanthia paired with a local brew like the Sour Blond Ale at Jupiter. Or get a taste of New Orleans with Cajun foods like a Shrimp Po’Boy, Fried Catfish, or Angeline’s Gumbo at Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen.
Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Population: 64,145
- Student Population: 32,438
- Known For: Rich history, culture of innovation
Home to one of the oldest American public universities, Chapel Hill consistently ranks among the best places to live in North Carolina. It’s also a college town through and through, shaped by the enduring legacy of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—one of the most recognizable names in higher education. Boasting an amazing basketball program from the Tar Heel basketball team (D-I) and excellent academic record, the university is considered one of the best-value schools in the country! This area of the Carolinas—often called The Research Triangle—is full of college students, with North Carolina State University in Raleigh roughly 30 miles away and rival Duke University just ten miles away in nearby Durham. These rivalries run deep and extend beyond the realm of athletics. Residents of Chapel Hill live by the powder blue, and those who attend the university often end up doing the same.
What to Do in Chapel Hill
Explore interactive exhibits like Hidden Lives of Stars and To the Moon and Back or watch a planetarium show at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. View artifacts and interactive displays, or watch a short video detailing the history of Carolina’s basketball program at The Carolina Basketball Museum. See a variety of unique plant species, explore the native trees and shrubs along the nature trails, or walk through the 367-acre biological reserve at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Check out over 21,000 works of art, featuring pieces like The Wave, Portrait of Mary Emma Jones, and Study for Idrissa Ndiaye at the Ackland Art Museum. Dine on breakfast dishes like the Vegan Breakfast Sandwich, Borracho Bowl, and Root Cellar Pancakes at The Root Cellar Cafe & Catering. Feast on specialty hot dogs like the Hawaiian Dog Combo, New York Dog Combo, and Smokehouse Dog Combo at Sup Dogs. Sip on unique cocktails like the Paper Plane, Banana Bread Martini, and Grapefruit Cosmopolitan at Top of The Hill Distillery (TOPO). Or try Greek dishes like Souvlaki, Moussaka, and Beef Youvetsi at Kipos Greek Taverna.
College Station, TX: Texas A&M University
- Population: 118,537
- Student Population: 78,321
- Known For: Southern traditions, dedicated sports fans
Tucked between Houston and Austin, College Station is home to the excellent Texas A&M University! As one of the largest public research universities in the U.S., having received grants for land, sea, and space studies, the Aggies are as serious about academics as they are about their campus traditions. The name “Aggies” comes from the school’s agriculture past, and to this day, agriculture remains a popular field of study, along with marketing, business management, and engineering. The city is about a ten-minute drive from Downtown Bryan—where you can find weekend fun with a variety of food, drinks, and First Friday events. With a large student section and military band, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best college towns in America for football fans! Don’t forget to buy your tickets to join the 12th Man and cheer on the Aggies (FBS) at Kyle Field!
Things to Do in College Station
View thousands of military artifacts, research, and leadership volumes at Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center. Learn about former president George H.W. Bush through exhibits like Family Traditions, Symbols of The Presidency, and Duty, Honor, Country at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum. Go wake boarding, swimming, and camping at Lake Bryan. Catch live music, movies, and Aggie watch parties at Stage 12. Start your morning off right with the Tomato Basil Avocado Toast, Chocolate Croissant, or Cinnamon Bagel at Blue Baker. Try The Tuscan, Popeye, and Urban Cowboy Pizzas at Rx Pizza. Enjoy authentic Tex-Mex cuisine like Shrimp Tijuana, El Lago Fajitas, and Chicken Tortilla Soup at Maria Mia Tex-Mex Cantina. Or feast on a Rooster Burger, Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich, or Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich at Dixie Chicken.
Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University
- Population: 60,773
- Student Population: 37,163
- Known For: Top-rated degree programs, breathtaking views
Views of the Cascade Mountains and being just an hour away from the ocean help make Corvallis a student paradise! Home to Oregon State University, this is one of the best college towns in the Pacific Northwest—thanks to its abundance of mountain biking and hiking trails and vibrant downtown scene. Not only does this ideal location elevate OSU as one of the most beautiful college campuses, but it also helps the university’s forestry, oceanography, and marine biology programs remain some of the best in the world. Oregon State University is also one of just three universities in the United States with land, sea, space, and sun grant-designations, providing a variety of student research opportunities. Plus, creatives can find strong MFA programs for writing with knowledgeable professors. And if you’re looking for entertainment beyond the city, Portland is just a 90-minute drive away—offering a variety of craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, concert venues, and more.
Things to Do in Corvallis
Go bowling, play billiards, or catch the big game on TV right on Oregon State’s campus in the basement of Memorial Union. Attend a concert, art exhibition, or film screening at the The LaSells Stewart Center. Go horseback riding, hiking, or bicycling amidst incredible mountain views at Chip Ross Park & Natural Area. Buy local fruits, vegetables, and homemade treats at the local Corvallis Farmers’ Market—open Wednesdays and Saturdays, April through November. Feast on unique breakfast dishes like Berries Romanoff, Shrimp Benedict, and Smoked Salmon Hash at Odd Bird Cafe. Try Lamb Pipian, Grilled Chicken al Pastor, and Prawns in Crema at del Alma. Experience Syrian dishes like Baba Ghanouj, the Falafel Wrap, and Lahim Agen at Khalo Naser. Or enjoy a Raspberry Cosmic Crisp, Brightcider, or The Bad Apple at 2 Town Ciderhouse.
Ithaca, NY: Cornell University
- Population: 31,399
- Student Population: 26,793
- Known For: Education-oriented, tight-knit community
If you’re a student with Ivy League dreams, make your way to beautiful Ithaca, home to Cornell University. Undergraduates hoping to study engineering, biology, computer science, and hotel or resort management will be in good company here. Cornell is also known for having premier graduate programs at Cornell Law School and Weill Cornell Medicine. Students dreaming of pursuing visual and performing arts can also find a home at nearby liberal arts school Ithaca College. Residents of Ithaca appreciate its stunning waterfalls and vast, multi-use trails—perfect for hiking, biking, and running. Plus, the city is home to Cayuga Lake, offering scenic wineries, spectacular views of nature, and great boating. The city also hosts exciting annual events, like the Porchfest music festival and the Downtown Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival. Passion for higher education and small-town charm make Ithaca one of best college towns to live in.
Things to Do in Ithaca
Go hiking, camping, boating, or cross-country skiing at Taughannock Falls State Park. Catch plays like Dear Evan Hansen, Eureka Day, or Fun Home at Hangar Theatre. Explore the European, Pre-Colombian, and Native North American collections at the Johnson Museum of Art. Dance the night away, sing on karaoke nights, or sip cocktails at Moonies Bar & Nightclub. Get your day started with a Brekky Bowl, Steak & Eggs, or Nova Lox & Cream Cheese at Collegetown Bagels. Grab a plate of Arancini Salad, Pico de Gallo Salmon, or a Milkstand Burger at Milkstand. Chow down on a Pork Schnitzel, Salmon Mousse, or Winter Salad at The Rook. Or chug a Lakeside Lager, Flower Power, or Apricot Wheat at Ithaca Beer Company.
Lawrence, KS: University of Kansas
- Population: 99,660
- Student Population: 29,792
- Known For: Basketball fandom, nursing programs
Located at the top of Mount Oread, the University of Kansas overlooks the entire college town of Lawrence. KU’s school spirit is off the charts—the whole city is painted with messages of “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!” Historically, Kansas is a basketball state, so it checks out that the University of Kansas is home an amazing college basketball program (D-I), who you can watch in action at Allen Fieldhouse. Journalism, pharmacy, finance, and engineering are popular majors at KU—and it has the top nursing program in Kansas. Not only is Lawrence an excellent place to learn, but the campus’ striking limestone buildings, green spaces, and warm community make it a wonderful place to live, as well. On top of all that, Downtown Lawrence has plenty of local shops to explore!
Things to Do in Lawrence
Go kayaking, swimming, or join the No Coast Boat Club at the Clinton Marina. Have your pick of expansive art exhibits like Illumination, Displacement, and Street Nihonga at Spencer Museum of Art. Catch a concert, movie, or live podcast at the historic Liberty Hall. Go to exciting events like Panchiko, Lawrence Pride After Dark, and the Kaw River Roots Festival at The Granada. Enjoy filling breakfast dishes like Buttermilk Pancakes, Chorizo & Eggs, and the Spinach Tomato Feta Omelette at The Roost. Try a variety of Asian cuisine like Mongolian Beef, Egg Drop Soup, and Thai Mango Chicken at Encore Asian Bistro. Feast on classic Cajun and Creole food like a Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich, Gumbo Bowl, and Jambalaya Bowl at Terrebonne Po’ Boys. Or grab a pint of Big Peach, King Hippo, and Raspberry Edel at Lawrence Beer Co.
Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Population: 266,829
- Student Population: 51,044
- Known For: College party scene, bustling job market
There’s always something exciting going on in Madison! The presence of University of Wisconsin-Madison brings a collegiate spirit and youthful energy to this mid-sized city, making it one the best college cities in America—with popular Madison neighborhoods like Capitol, Marquette, and Vilas. Economics, psychology, computer science, and political science are among the university’s most popular programs. For students looking to pursue a passion for journalism or satire, UW-Madison is the birthplace of The Onion, giving you a great foundation. Plus, between countless local bars and spirited game-day tailgates, it’s easy to see why UW-Madison is recognized as a top party school in America! If you’re looking for weekend activities with friends, make your way down to State Street in Downtown Madison—where you can find unique shopping, dining, and the Madison Night Market. Lovers of the great outdoors should visit the five lakes in and around Madison for kayaking, disc golf, or biking and hiking. Or find amazing cross-country skiing during winter in this top college town.
Things to Do in Madison
Spend the day tailgating, cheering on the Badgers football team (FBS), and shaking the stands to “Jump Around” at Camp Randall Stadium. Visit the American flamingos, Bactrian camels, and black-and-white-ruffed lemurs at the Henry Vilas Zoo. Check out local art exhibits, extensive collections, and events like artist colloquiums at the Chazen Museum of Art. Order fresh, hearty breakfast dishes like a Zucchini & Goat Cheese Omelette, Chili Poached Eggs, and Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes at Marigold Kitchen. Devour a Turkey Burger, Cajun Chicken, or Deep-Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich at Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry. Feast on authentic Italian cuisine like Chicken Parmesan, Bucatini & Meatballs, and Margherita Pizza at Cento Ristorante. Or try Branzino, Pappardelle Pasta, and Mushroom Risotto at The Botanist Social.
Tempe, AZ: Arizona State University
- Population: 197,595
- Student Population: 79,818
- Known For: Partying, innovation
Home to one of the most innovative schools in the U.S., Tempe is a truly unforgettable college town. With a variety of great neighborhoods for singles and young professionals in Tempe—including Cyprus Southwest, Daley Park, and University Heights—students can feel right at home in this desert city. Arizona State University is one of the most recognizable schools in America, and not just for the famous nightlife scene. In fact, students at Arizona State can work directly with NASA to learn about innovative solutions and space exploration. There are also plenty of hangout spots, job opportunities available for college students, and outdoor activities—including Across Arizona tours and hot air balloon rides in nearby Phoenix and Scottsdale. Sports fans can show school spirit by attending Sun Devils (FBS) football games at Mountain America Stadium—or watch the Cactus League (MLB) in action at Diablo Stadium for a pro sports experience. Combine all of that with warm temperatures year-round and it’s no surprise Tempe is a popular college town!
Things to Do in Tempe
Soak up the sun on the beach, try paddleboarding, or take a canoe out on the water at the Tempe Town Lake. Check out art exhibits like Tonia Calderon: Endless, Carmen Lomas Garza: Picturing the Familiar, and Making Meaning: Place and Space at ASU Art Museum at the ASU Art Museum. Play bocce ball, baseball, or volleyball—or have a picnic at Daley Park. See performances from the Tempe Symphony Orchestra, touring musicians, or the Arizona Theatre Company at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Feast on The Big One, The Little One, or a Tijuana Torpedo at a local favorite burger joint, The Chuckbox. Enjoy drinks and a British pasty like The Oggie, Peppered Steak, or The Pilgrim in a pub atmosphere at the Cornish Pasty Co. Try draft beers like the KBS Iced Latte, Strawberry Basil, and PB&J Mixtape at Taste of Tops. Or sip a Joel Jam, Oberon Ale, or Strawberry Rhube Awakening at Yucca Tap Room.
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The team at Extra Space Storage understand that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you—considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education—to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
Population statistics from AreaVibes and UnivStats
