Mid-town living: America's 20 most unique college towns

The glitz and glam of big-city living may be enticing, but students everywhere soon discover that many off-the-beaten-path towns create some of the most exciting college experiences. Walkable, tailored to college life, and small enough to know all the town's hot spots while running into fellow students wherever you go, the country’s college towns host unforgettable house parties, sports games, and memories that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

For nature lovers, football fans, and anyone who values the close-knit feel of these lovable cities, here are the 20 best college towns that overflow with school spirit and community 24/7!

1. Athens, Georgia: Georgia’s southern drawl sparkles in Athens, a football mecca with a crazy college atmosphere films wish to replicate. While sports and Greek culture are the University of Georgia's main draw, Athens has plenty to impress students of all interests, from botanical gardens and zoos to theaters and busy farmer’s markets.
2. Ann Arbor, Michigan: Ann Arbor, a university town, tech hub, and nature lover's dream, is the best home away from home for University of Michigan students. With the Huron River winding through the city, students spend time relaxing at parks, exploring the endearing Kerrytown district, and making the most of Michigan’s four distinct seasons inside taverns, atop frozen waters, and with friends at outdoor festivals.
3. Jackson, Mississippi: A key city during the Civil Rights Movement, Jackson is rich with history, rewarding endless learning opportunities for Jackson State University students. LeFleur's Bluff State Park sits along the majestic Pearl River, which awaits many boating and fishing trips, and the Fondren District, with art murals, entertainment, and boutiques, alongside several museums that highlight everything from the fight for equal rights to the state’s biggest sports legends.
4. Boulder, Colorado: Snowbirds and winter lovers will feel right at home in Boulder. With an energetic student body, UC Boulder makes for a blissful four years, encompassing the city and its surroundings with stunning views of mountain peaks, waterfalls, and plenty of theaters and breweries to keep students entertained during the cold winters and hot summers.
5. Reno, Nevada: The "Biggest Little City in the World" couldn't be more different from its larger southern sibling, Las Vegas. Reno steals the spotlight with its distinct four seasons showcasing Lake Tahoe’s beauty year-round and Northern Nevada's historic mix of Native American, Basque, and cowboy culture that only those in the state are lucky to experience first-hand. With an animated downtown just steps from the UNR campus and year-round events connecting students with the local community, there's always something fun to do in Reno.
6. Asheville, North Carolina: With UNC Asheville’s vibrant student population, this town sitting beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains comes alive. Students love discovering Asheville’s gardens, parks, and breweries, cherishing the natural and historical wonders of both the town and the surrounding Buncombe County.
7. Clemson, South Carolina: Clemson is famous for more than just football. This town brims with spirit all year, boasting magnificent landscapes once owned by the Cherokee tribe. From the nearby Sassafras Mountain to Lake Keowee, Clemson’s sublime natural scenery and Southern heritage, reflected in its diverse architecture and old-style buildings, make it a haven for nature and history lovers alike.
8. Ithaca, New York: Far from the hustle of New York City, where instead of concrete you'll set foot upon everlasting acres of green forests and rolling hills, Ithaca is the shining star of Upstate New York. Cornell University students revel in the changing seasons, with waterfalls, hiking trails, and farmer's markets that make this picturesque New York town feel worlds apart from the Big Apple.
9. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University’s gorgeous campus is just one of many things treasured in Bloomington—students here can dive into the city's historic theaters, explore state parks, get lost in the Hoosier National Forest, and indulge in local wineries and locally-owned pizza shops for after-game meals. With fresh produce from farmer’s markets, nearby farms, and lots of outdoor recreation, Bloomington reveals itself as a hidden Midwestern gem.
10. Burlington, Vermont: Sitting on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington is a beautiful city that draws students to the University of Vermont year after year. Church Street Marketplace anticipates students with its plentiful shops and restaurants to try out, and nearby North Beach Park is a calming destination to relax on a sunny day. Enjoy skiing and other winter sports in the Green Mountains in winter while visiting the city's art venues, sampling its food scene, and viewing historical landmarks year-round.
11. Eugene, Oregon: Smaller than Portland, Eugene is a top choice for students who crave the comfort of nature. The University of Oregon is perfectly huddled near the Willamette National Forest and the Blue River, with nearby hot springs appreciated by locals and visitors. On sunny days, students flock to the parks, while rainy weather brings everyone into intimate coffee shops, pubs, and indoor gatherings with friends.
12. Austin, Texas: UT Austin students take pleasure in a variety of attractions in this lively Southwestern city. Outdoor activities abound at Lake Travis and Mount Bonnell, while the city’s famous Tex-Mex cuisine, concerts, and festivals guarantee there’s never a dull moment in the "Live Music Capital of the World."
13. Berkeley, California: Just a short drive from San Francisco, Berkeley is a hub for political movements and tomorrow's ideas. Students at UC Berkeley take pride in the city’s intellectual and cultural diversity, making for a unique sense of community in this iconic California town.
14. Portland, Oregon: Portland, with its quirky charm, certainly lives up to its slogan of "keeping Portland weird"—in the best way. Although it's one of the Pacific Northwest's larger cities, students at the University of Portland and Portland State University can easily find their niche. With a walkable downtown, riverside cafes, and a laid-back nightlife, Portland is a great place to unwind after hitting the books.
15. Gainesville, Florida: Gainesville is a trove of historic and archaeological wonders. University of Florida students can sit in its cozy downtown cafes, visit local landmarks like Haile Homestead and Lake Alice, or explore Florida’s flourishing flora at Ichetucknee Springs and Devil’s Millhopper. And most importantly, students can witness the school's alligator mascot in their natural habitat at Sweetwater Wetlands Park! Regardless of what you're into, Gainesville captures Florida’s blend of country and tropical allure in a fun college setting.
16. Missoula, Montana: Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts at the University of Montana feel right at home in Missoula. From fly fishing on the Clark Fork River to hiking and mountain biking through the state's breathtaking landscapes, Missoula is the perfect playground for those who dream of the great outdoors.
17. Knoxville, Tennessee: Knoxville retains its old-school Southern appeal, giving students at the University of Tennessee plenty to do between classes. The city’s Market Square is full of restaurants, shops, and bars, while nearby natural sites like House Mountain and several museums provide rich cultural and historical experiences.
18. State College, Pennsylvania: You know it's a flex when your college doubles as its own town, and that’s exactly what keeps students never wanting to leave State College. Pennsylvania State students are most thankful for a community where everything—cafes, shops, and housing—is run by fellow students. This tight-knit town is one of the best places on the East Coast to experience true college life.
19. College Park, Maryland: Just outside the political buzz of Washington, D.C., College Park is where students at the University of Maryland thrive. With endless extracurriculars, sports, parties, museums, and bowling alleys, there’s always something to keep Maryland’s young scholars active and engaged.
20. Charlottesville, Virginia: The state's flagship college founded by Thomas Jefferson, Charlottesville is steeped in early U.S. history. Students at the University of Virginia are treated to a town full of cultural experiences, from festivals and live music to colonial-era museums and eateries. With impressive foliage that colors Charlottesville's backdrops no matter the season and plenty of school and local celebrations, bonding experiences with friends are a year-round affair in this classic East Coast college town.