College Towns

Large student populations make college towns unique places to live and learn.

For many students choosing where to attend college, the choice is clear: a college town in America.

Why? The variety of activities at colleges and universities in college towns make them a popular choice for thousands of prospective students.

What makes up US college towns?

Life in a college town in America revolves around college students. A college town is usually described as a place with mostly college students as well as businesses and activities that cater to those students. Expect to see a lot of coffee houses, bars, bookstores and small shops.

Many college towns often are historic or even quaint. Other college towns are larger cities or even state capitals such as Tallahassee, Florida. Maybe because of the addition of new students to the population each year, residents of college towns are often thought to be more accepting and open-minded than residents in many other places.

Where are some examples of college towns in America?

You can find college towns on the East Coast, the West Coast and everywhere in between. Here are 10 examples:

  • Berkeley, California: University of California at Berkeley
  • Tallahassee, Florida: Florida State University
  • Athens, Georgia: University of Georgia
  • Champaign, Illinois: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Bozeman, Montana: Montana State University
  • Chapel Hill, North Carolina: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Athens, Ohio: Ohio University
  • Corvallis, Oregon: Oregon State University
  • State College, Pennsylvania: Penn State University
  • College Station, Texas: Texas A&M University

What should you consider before attending a school in an American college town?

  • Size. All college towns in America are not created equal. Some college towns are small. Some college “towns” are part of a larger city.
  • Residents. Decide if you want to live among mostly college students or if you would prefer a neighborhood with people of all ages. Remember, living around locals will teach you more about the area, but they may not be as appreciative of all-night partying.
  • Location. Where do you want to live? On the coast? In the middle of a prairie? High in the mountains? Near a metropolitan area? You can go to college in any of these places.
    Of course, college towns in America are accustomed to large numbers of students. That often makes for an open neighborhood and interesting classmates.
    The best way to find out if a college town is right for you? A campus visit!