What are the best college towns?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So many of these are not “towns” but cities

True. There is a difference between "college town" and "cool city to go to college in."

For example, my DD really loves going to college in New Orleans- it is totally part of the draw for Tulane. But I wouldn't consider NOLA a college town. Just a very cool city that's fun to be a college student in. UCLA? Incredible location in a city with endless things to do and see. But I definitely wouldn't consider LA a college town.

While I kind of agree with your general premise, I partially disagree with your UCLA example. Los Angeles isn't a college town, but I'd argue that Westwood Village is. It's like a small island in the middle of LA--e.g., it's contiguous with the campus, brimming with UCLA students, and the shops, restaurants, and bars cater to those students. I think it's possible for some some colleges to have their own well-established town/micro-community within yet also distinct from a larger city/urban area.

100% agree. DD is a senior at UCLA and I have spent a lot of time in Westwood. It is absolutely a college town dropped in the middle of a world-class city. I was just there this past weekend visiting DD and a we were just talking about this with a group of her friends. They all talked about how UCLA was a great place to go to school becuase of Westwood being a great college town, but also having access to the beach, mountains, and great city.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned Bozeman, Montana (BSU) yet, but I would happily spend 4 years there before heading into the real world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Blacksburg

How does Harrisonburg compare to Blacksburg?

DP. Both have cute little downtowns. Harrisonburg has more of a "historic downtown," with the courthouse and quirky little shops. Blacksburg has more of a small college town feel. Both have lots of very good restaurants. Harrisonburg is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley while Blacksburg is in the mountains - gorgeous.

[Anonymous]

Charlottesville

[Anonymous]

Carlisle, PA is a great college town!

[Anonymous]

State College, PA
Burlington, VT

[Anonymous]

Walla Walla, Washington

[Anonymous]

Bloomington, IN

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, Iowa City is miserable.

+1

It is really really small and not really charming.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, Iowa City is miserable.

+1

It is really really small and not really charming.

It charmed the hell out of us!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gainesville, of course!

+1. It’s a true college town. Lots of really cool things to do in nature nearby too. Unmatched school spirit all over town.

[Anonymous]

Wisconsin
UNC
UVA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So many of these are not “towns” but cities

True. There is a difference between "college town" and "cool city to go to college in."

For example, my DD really loves going to college in New Orleans- it is totally part of the draw for Tulane. But I wouldn't consider NOLA a college town. Just a very cool city that's fun to be a college student in. UCLA? Incredible location in a city with endless things to do and see. But I definitely wouldn't consider LA a college town.

While I kind of agree with your general premise, I partially disagree with your UCLA example. Los Angeles isn't a college town, but I'd argue that Westwood Village is. It's like a small island in the middle of LA--e.g., it's contiguous with the campus, brimming with UCLA students, and the shops, restaurants, and bars cater to those students. I think it's possible for some some colleges to have their own well-established town/micro-community within yet also distinct from a larger city/urban area.

100% agree. DD is a senior at UCLA and I have spent a lot of time in Westwood. It is absolutely a college town dropped in the middle of a world-class city. I was just there this past weekend visiting DD and a we were just talking about this with a group of her friends. They all talked about how UCLA was a great place to go to school becuase of Westwood being a great college town, but also having access to the beach, mountains, and great city.

'world class'- LA is a hellhole.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chapel Hill (even though Linda's just went out of business 😭)

This is so depressing. When I was in school, the manager of Linda's was the house mother of my sorority house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So many of these are not “towns” but cities

+1

RE towns, I would say Brunswick, Maine.