The 15 Best College Towns To Check Out

Population: 130,000

Home of the Georgia Bulldogs, Athens is a place that you have to visit first hand in order to understand why it’s such a classic city. Athens has tons of historical exhibits, restaurants, hotels, music, and, of course, the wonderful UGA campus to explore. If you are interested in the party scene, there’s also plenty of bars and restaurants where you can kick back, relax, and have a good time. Generally speaking, Athens is a quiet town that isn’t too rowdy, so you can definitely find your niche.

Population: 8.8 Million

New York may seem like an obvious choice, and one could very well make a legitimate argument that NYC would be bustling and busy with or without its legendary campuses, and that argument would be a good one, but that doesn’t negate just how vibrant and lively university life is in the Big Apple.

For example, the surrounding area of NYU offers a lot of fun activities including Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park, and the Skirball Center For Performing Arts where you can check out some of the latest shows and productions. Again, there’s tons of versatility depending on what you’re looking for.

Population: 58,000

The University of North Carolina is based in Chapel Hill, and the city itself is a lively one. Noted as one of the best places to live in NC, you can find a flurry of museums, gardens, and sports/recreational events that are also very family-oriented. There’s plenty of transportation methods and isn't super costly whether you are a resident or visitor. The coffee shops and parks are another notable Chapel Hill asset, and the city itself is beautiful.

Population: 120,000

Home to Harvard, Cambridge is a laid-back, chill environment for those heavily interested in the calm life of bookstores, cafes, and museums. By no means is Cambridge a “party place,” but it’s only a few minutes away from Boston, which is an added bonus for students who want to hit the scene when taking a break from their studies. Cambridge is also known for its haunted “Hogwarts” appeal and natural landscapes.

There are plenty of things Charlottesville is recognized for. Some might say their restaurants, others may say the appeal and ambiance of the University of Virginia campus. There’s a boatload of historical sites that tourists can check out if visiting for the first time, along with a variety of parks, and outdoor adventures. Wineries and Vineyards are also an option for casual dates and hangouts, and you could even make a stop at a waterpark if desired. 

Population: 120,000

Located on the east side of the San Francisco Bay area, Berkeley is renowned for its beautiful weather and food hubs. An incredibly diverse city, you could check out the Berkeley Marina for a nice little water adventure, the UC Botanical Garden for a fun nature walk, and take in the gorgeous campus of UC Berkeley which also offers quite a few fun escapades for college students. 

Population: 94,000

What’s there to do in Fayetteville? The answer to that is plenty. The nightlife is friendly, the attractions are historic, and there are dozens of different attractions to keep you busy even if you are a resident. You could also show your support for the many different Arkansas Razorbacks sports teams depending on when you visit.

Population: 2.7 Million

Chicago. Another big city with endless things to do regardless of age range. You could check out the Art Institute of Chicago, and take a trip to the Navy Pier, while also making a stop at 360 Chicago. There’s always a ton of fun to be had in Chi-Town, making it one of the most popular college towns in the United States.

Population: 680,000

Boston as a whole can’t be ignored when it comes to its college impact. A huge sports town already, the city is constantly alive with things to do when you come to town (and there’s always an endless supply of baked beans at your disposal). Boston is also one of the most impactful college towns in the U.S.

Population: 110,000

With a population of 110,000, Boulder is definitely high on the list in terms of the best college towns. Representing the University of Colorado, Boulder has a significant amount of restaurants, art galleries, and cafes to choose from. Many Boulder residents will tell you firsthand that the city has some of the best-known breweries and beautiful scenery, which certainly would be hard to dispute.

Centralized around Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Spellman, and Morehouse, Atlanta is most certainly a “college town,” and there’s certainly a ton to checkout. Whether it’s the Georgia Aquarium or the Coca-Cola factory, visitors will have their days filled without a problem.

Population: 950,807

Home to the University of Texas, Austin represents college life to the fullest with its live music venues, parks, and recreational centers, as well as its amazing food. Austin also boasts Formula One’s Circuit of the Americas raceway, and similar to the other cities has a bunch of historic landmarks including the Bullock Texas State History Museum, and the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Population: 224,149

Louisiana's capital hub, Baton Rouge boasts an eccentric yet electric community that is never without something to do. Southern hospitality is a must, and visitors have a variety of restaurant options to get that good ole Louisiana southern cooking. Whether you are hanging with friends or family, a fun time is always around the corner.

Population: 113,686

Housing the main campus of Texas A&M University, College Station has quickly become the 11th fastest-growing city in the United States, also making it one of the more desirable places to vacation. The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Messina Hof, and Northgate are just three of the many different attractions that are available in College Station, and when all else fails, you have the many different activities provided by Texas A&M to keep you moving and grooving.

Population: 100,000

There’s not much more that needs to be said other than…Tuscaloosa. The University of Alabama is one of the biggest entities in Sports, and that alone makes it one of the biggest and possibly most popular college town. So what can you do other than catch a football game? Well, you can tour the museums, dine at some of the finest restaurants, and take in the beautiful scenery of Alabama.