2022 BEST COLLEGE TOWNS
TOP 10 BEST COLLEGE TOWNS - 2022
As we move on from our list of top 10 stadiums, we thought it was important to think about college towns themselves. Now, we are happy to share Honorarium’s list of top 10 college towns. This list is based on population, college culture, places to go and things to do, and most importantly, overall atmosphere. See below for Honorarium’s picks for top 10 college towns.
10. Tuscaloosa, Alabama - University of Alabama
The busy and charming city of Tuscaloosa, makes the city finish up our top 10 list. The atmosphere in the fall cannot be beat due to the energy of football season and the immaculate weather. Tuscaloosa is located on the Black Warrior River which gives the city a nice breeze in the hot summertime. The lively atmosphere is complemented by University Boulevard, also known as “The Strip”, which is the center of nightlife in the city and is filled with tons of restaurants and bars.
9. Tempe, Arizona - Arizona St.
The amazing climate and palm tree lined streets make Tempe the ideal college town. Tempe is known for their outstanding public transportation system as well as the walkability of the city, making it a location where cars aren’t necessary. Additionally, Tempe has a flourishing economy, and according to Decron Properties, the city has seen the job market increase by almost 3.5%. The outdoor activities, contemporary lifestyle, and action packed city make Tempe a great place to live.
8. Bloomington, Indiana - University of Indiana
The name Bloomington speaks for itself, as the city is covered in beautiful blooms in the spring and summer time. The multitude of cliff diving and nearby state parks make Bloomington a great city to explore. Another reason Bloomington is on our list is because of their premium local breweries, one of these is Kilroy’s on Kirkwood, a top bar in the country. With all the outdoor activities and fresh restaurants and bars, Bloomington is an extremely lively city.
7. Syracuse, New York - Syracuse
Syracuse is a great college town because they have the hustle of New York without the craziness of the city. With a little over 140,000 full-time residents, Syracuse never feels overcrowded. The city has diverse cultural offerings in their theaters, opera museums, and nightlife. Many large employers are also located in Syracuse such as Lockheed Martin, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon. The central New York hub is also known for their breathtaking views in the winter when the campus is covered in glistening snow.
6. Gainesville, Florida - University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida is a great place to be because of the immaculate weather and school pride. No matter where you are, you will see orange and blue and the gator logo. The city has an up and coming downtown area with great restaurants and a lively nightlife scene. Due to the year-round warm weather, there are always tons of outdoor recreation opportunities, like Paynes Prairies which has 8 trails and over 300 species of birds. Oh and by the way, they invented Gatorade!
5. Chapel Hill, North Carolina - University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill is one of the best college towns in the US because of their diverse social scene. The city offers residents all different types of lifestyles such as dancing to live music or going for a hike down a quiet trail. The 200 year old Franklin street is known for their variety of electric bars, restaurants, music shops, and street performers. Lastly, the location in the center of North Carolina also allows residents to take a short trip to the beach or a nice camping trip to the mountains.
4. Berkeley, California - UC Berkeley
Berkeley is number four on our list due to their beautiful greenery, and active community. UC Berkeley was the first campus in the UC system, and remains the centerpiece of the city. They are also known for their unrivaled food scene. They take pride in their independent eateries, offering an authentic feel to the city. Berkeley is also well known for their outstanding hikes and nature. One of these being Tilden Park where you can explore over 2,000 acres of greenery, a lake for swimming, and a large variety of hiking trails. Best of all, all Cal Berkeley students get to attend the football games free of charge.
3. Ann Arbor, Michigan - University of Michigan
Ann Arbor is one of the best college towns due to its high level of academic opportunities, and entertaining social environment. Being home to one of the best public school’s in the nation, Ann Arbor has tons of restaurants, nature activities, and nightclubs. A Saturday in Ann Arbor can’t be matched, as The Big House is the biggest stadium in the US and is always filled with energy. The Kerrytown district of Ann Arbor is known for their Hands-On Museum, where unlike most museums, visitors are encouraged to touch everything along the way.
2. Boulder, Colorado - University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder is number two on our list because of the location, food and lifestyle the city has. Boulder has constant sunlight and beautiful topography in every direction. With amazing flora and sandstone buildings located in the mountains, the campus is remarkable. Additionally, Boulder is a great place for foodies. The city has one of the best farmer’s markets in the country and has an entire area, called “the hill” filled with restaurants open until late hours. Lastly, the claimable mountains and breathtaking trails make Boulder an amazing place to live all together.
1. Madison, Wisconsin - University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, and according to CBRE is ranked the #1 city in the country for tech growth. Additionally, Madison is known for their incredible food, and is home to some of America’s top culinary artists. The city also has a stellar reputation for their music scene with tons of well known venues such as High Noon Saloon, Mickey’s Tavern, Crystal Corner Bar, and more. Due to the strength of their economy, their artistic city, and high quality nightlife, Madison is the number one city on our list.
Honorable Mention: Allegany, New York - St. Bonaventure University
Our honorable mention is Allegany, New York, home of St. Bonaventure University. It is known for its scenic views of the Allegheny River and the Enchanted Mountains. The hiking and nature trails that Allegany has to offer is a great compliment to its vibrant bar scene and night life. People can come to Allegany for St. Bonaventure sporting events, outdoor activities, and nights filled with lots of drinking and laughs.
