20 of the Best College Towns Across the US

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 20, 2025

Many college campuses are located in amazing areas of the United States, from the coast to the mountains and everywhere in between. While some are known for their hiking trails and outdoor adventures, others are centered around coffee shops, museums, and restaurants. If you’re still putting together your list of potential schools, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best college towns and cities worth checking out.

Key Takeaways

  • Are you making your list of potential colleges? While it’s important to consider the school itself, you’ll also need to think about where it’s located!
  • Whether you prefer the coast or the mountains, a small town or a big city, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best college towns to help you with your search.
  • From the Berkeley, California coast to the mountains of Boone, North Carolina, or the charming town of Ann Arbor, Michigan to the big city of Chicago, Illinois—we’ve covered towns and cities all across the United States.

Finding Your Ideal College Town

Flickr user: Downtown Ann Arbor

Of course, picking your dream college is a big deal, but don’t forget about the town or city that comes with it! The location you choose can have an impact on your college experience—for better or for worse. For instance, if you are someone who can’t handle the cold without spiraling into a winter slump, then you probably don’t want to choose a place that is covered in snow for half the year. Whether you see yourself being by the coast, exploring the mountains, or living in a small town or big city, there is a college town for everyone.

20 of the Best College Towns and Cities

We’ve put together a list of 20 college towns and grouped them into the following categories to help narrow your search:

  • Coastal College Towns
  • Mountain College Towns
  • Small-Town-Feel College Towns
  • Urban College Towns

Note: Town populations have been sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2023). 

Coastal College Towns

Dreaming of days by the water after class? We’ve got you covered. These towns are known for their relaxed atmosphere and scenic views:

1. Berkeley, CA

While Berkeley is home to museums, gardens, and the Kite Festival (yes, they fly kites on the beach), it is also located near Silicon Valley, making it convenient to be involved in the tech industry. Living in Berkeley can give you the best of both worlds.

2. Gainesville, FL

This is where education meets paradise. Gainesville has two large art festivals each year, giving students and locals a look at the various cultures around them. The University of Florida Gators also draw in crowds of people to catch a football game or cross-country meet.

3. Charleston, SC

Strolling through cobblestone streets on the way to class with stunning architecture and color on every street—what could be better? Oh, maybe hitting the beach at Folly or Sullivan’s Island to study with friends. This southern spot on the map comes with water and a historic culture that might just be your perfect college destination.

4. Honolulu, HI

Hawaii isn’t just a vacation spot! You can actually earn your degree at a highly ranked school and still go surfing every day. Students love the natural environment, year-round warm weather, and laid-back culture. Just don’t spend too much time enjoying island life and forget to head to chemistry class.

5. Wilmington, NC

If you love frequent beach trips and a small-town historic feel, then you might just consider calling Wilmington your dream college town. Between the beach and the river, you are never too far from the water here.

Mountain College Towns

Calling all students who love skiing, hiking, and beautiful mountain views everywhere you look. For those who spend more time outdoors than in, check out these five mountain towns:

6. Boulder, CO

Located by the Flatirons and the Rockies, Boulder is a very outdoor-friendly city. Hiking, rock climbing, and cycling are all available activities within the area. Students typically love the pedestrian-style coffee shops, restaurants, and bookstores that the city has to offer.

7. Bozeman, MT

Enjoy wide open spaces, year-long outdoor activities, Western culture, and Yellowstone National Park—all in between your classes. Many students are drawn to Bozeman for its natural beauty and small-town feel. Not only does Bozeman have one of the top universities, but if you consider yourself a lover of the outdoors, you might want to add this one to your list.

8. Flagstaff, AZ

If you thought Arizona was all desert, we have news for you! Do you love forested mountains and having all four seasons? Then Flagstaff just might be your home for the next four years. Not to mention you’re only a short drive from the Grand Canyon and Phoenix.

9. Asheville, NC

Want to attend college right in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Not only is Asheville known for its beautiful views, but also for its diverse arts culture. When you aren’t outdoors, take a trip to the famous Biltmore House or enjoy Asheville’s variety of restaurants, breweries, and shops.

10. Boone, NC

Boone is a true college town as the home to many Appalachian State students. In fact, many of the students account for the town’s population! The area stays active year-round with hiking, skiing, Appalachian Mountaineers football games, and popular local dining spots.

Small-Town-Feel College Towns

Not everyone dreams of moving away to a big city for college and that’s why there are plenty of locations with a small-town feel to choose from. So, while these college towns might not have tiny populations, they are known for their charm, comfort, and slower, small-town pace.

11. Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor is not too big and not too small. It is home to great restaurants, museums, parks, trails, and bike paths. Many feel like its size is refreshing and love being able to get anywhere in 20 minutes or less. Plus, it is consistently mentioned as a great place to live and many students stay in the area after graduating.

12. Iowa City, IA

Iowa City was awarded City of Literature and is home to a pedestrian mall with free concerts, salsa dancing, and festivals. It is said to have a small-town feel because of the sense of local pride and the feeling that it is a tight-knit community. Fun fact: The Hamburg Inn No. 2 is a popular restaurant for political candidates to stop at during their campaigns, including Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Ronald Reagan!

13. Ames, IA

Although you certainly get a small-town feel in Ames, you’ll also find a lot of large employers. While many students come for an education, they can stay in the area after college and work for one of the many companies nearby, contributing to the low unemployment rate. The state capital of Des Moines is close by as well, making it easy to escape for the day without having to travel far.

14. Athens, GA

Head to Athens and you’ll find the University of Georgia right in the center of it all. Although it is the sixth largest city in Georgia, many consider it to have a small-town feel thanks to its walkable downtown with trendy stores and unique dining options. Oh, and for football fans—you definitely won’t want to miss a Bulldogs game.

15. Chapel Hill, NC

Chapel Hill is a metropolitan city, but you’ll feel like you’re in a small town from the moment you land on Franklin Street. It is also part of the Research Triangle, with many opportunities in science and health industries for students after they graduate.

16. Ithaca, NY

Ithaca frequently grazes lists of top college towns. With a diverse music scene, venues like The Dock and The Haunt are attended by locals and students alike. Ithaca College also boasts a great school of music, making students feel right at home in the area. Despite being in New York, Ithaca is considered quaint and charming, giving off that small-town vibe that many hope for.

Urban College Towns

Is the concrete jungle calling your name? Urban cities have opportunity and excitement around every corner—from fine dining and nightlife to cultural events, internships, and networking opportunities. If you like fast-paced living, here are a few cities that might catch your eye:

17. Boston, MA

For those who like historic charm and city life—Boston might just be the place for you. Located right on the water, this city blends history with contemporary living into a one-of-a-kind place. Boston is considered a walkable city and outside of campus, there are plenty of restaurants, sports, and entertainment options to enjoy.

18. New York City, NY

You’ve seen it in the movies, heard it in songs, and watched countless dreamers make their way there. New York’s reputation isn’t just talk—it’s earned. But NYC isn’t just for dreamers and tourists—it is home to some of the nation’s top-ranked universities, making it a highly coveted city for ambitious students.

19. Austin, TX

Visit Austin once and you’ll likely hear the phrase “Keep Austin Weird” a time or two. This city is known for its eclectic taste in music, unique dining, and love for its deep southern roots. Austin is also very tech-savvy, so many graduates find jobs in the area after school.

20. Chicago, IL

A city on the water that’s home to the best deep-dish pizza, a thriving arts scene, and the Chicago Cubs for sports lovers—there are already four great reasons to choose school in the Windy City. But that’s just the start. Chicago also offers plenty of academic and career opportunities for students.

Great college towns tend to have popular music scenes, fun places to grab a bite to eat, and a variety of cultural events. But your college town will offer what’s important to you—whether that’s plenty of outdoor activities, a nearby beach, or just a charming place that feels like home from the moment you arrive. While the school you go to is important, it also makes sense to consider what the city itself has to offer.

Interested in any of these schools? Check them out on our college pages! While you’re there, use our College Match Tool to see your admission odds at these or other universities.

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By College Raptor Staff
Applying to college can be challenging, and so we at College Raptor feel it's our duty to make that process as easy, smooth, and rewarding as possible. We work hard to clarify dense material, dispel myths, uncover information, and help you learn what you need to know!

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