The 12 best college towns in america

College towns offer way more than proximity to a university campus- these spots are buzzing with youthful energy and fun things to do.

Looking to relocate or planning a getaway aimed at re-living those glory days as a bright-eyed coed? Ahead, our picks for the 12 best college towns in America.

MADISON, WI

1

The ultimate waterfront destination with a walkable downtown area that's packed with shops, cafes, art galleries & bars.

FILO/GETTY IMAGES

COLUMBIA, MO

2

Columbia is a Midwestern cultural mecca chock full of museums, artsy film festivals, a cool underground music scene plus a hip downtown area.

SEAN PAVONE/GETTY IMAGES

ANNAPOLIS, MD

3

Annapolis is home to the U.S. Naval Academy and St. John's College and is full of history, colonial charm, 18th-century architecture, & seafood joints.

WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES

4

Quarry cliff diving, a nearby state park and multitudes of local breweries make Bloomington a great city for residents of all ages.

YING LUO/500PX/GETTY IMAGES

BLOOMINGTON, IN
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

5

Home to the UVA campus & a bunch of art galleries & restaurants. Charlottesville is also close to the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains & two National Parks.

GARYTOG/GETTY IMAGES

FAYETTEVILLE, AR

6

The hometown of the University of Arkansas entices prospective students & travelers alike with a range of live music spots & a growing art scene.

DENISTANGNEYJR/GETTY IMAGES

TUSCALOOSA, AL

7

Besides tailgating & watching 'Bama dominate on the field, Tuscaloosa is a great place to admire the antebellum architecture & sample tasty Southern fare,

SSHEPARD/GETTY IMAGES

ATHENS, GA

8

Aside from the love of football fanfare, this good-time city also boasts more bars per capita than anywhere else in the United States.

KENWIEDEMANN/GETTY IMAGES

FORT COLLINS, CO

9

Home to Colorado State University. This fast-growing city brims with craft breweries, local eateries and outdoor actvities. 

JOSEPH SOHM/GETTY IMAGES

BURLINGTON, VT

10

Burlington appeals to students and nature lovers alike. Everywhere you look, you can glimpse Vermont's scenic Green Mountain range.

BARRY WINIKER/GETTY IMAGES

AUSTIN, TX

11

Ranked among one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S., this hip city is home to the University of Texas & some of the most vibrant nightlife around.

DSZC/GETTY IMAGES

BERKELEY, CA

12

Perched on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, Berkeley is a vibrant Bay area city known for activism and a young, creative vibe.

ERIC FEJRENBACHER/GETTY IMAGES

for more from

tiktok

twitter

instagram

purewow.com