For many people in America, college is the first time you get away from your parents and live on your own. I had a blast in college, making new friends, experiencing a new city, going to concerts and art shows, and learning more about the world. But you can’t do most of these things if you’re in a small town without much going on.
The best part about a good college town is the events and people in it. I’m talking about those guest lectures by famous successful people, campus comedy nights, not to mention the endless art shows in local galleries, and the local food scene. Your college experience wouldn’t be complete if the area around it doesn’t deliver, so you want to make sure the place offers a lively social scene and a safe environment, too.
While it’s hard to tell if a college community is the right fit until you’ve lived there a bit (sometimes even years), doing your research upfront can help. Start by checking out this list of the best college towns in 2025, backed by real data from WalletHub.
Austin, Texas
Great education, fun, and a strong economy—Austin is the ultimate college town, checking all the boxes. It’s a top choice for affordable higher education, with in-state tuition (including room and board) averaging $30,138 per year. The city boasts colleges like the University of Texas, Huston-Tillotson, St. Edward’s, and Concordia.
Beyond academics, Austin also offers plenty of attractions, events, music venues, and shopping to help students have fun. With a low unemployment rate and one of the best job growth rates, it’s a great place for students to find work during school or after graduation.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
In Ann Arbor, students make up 361 out of every 1,000 residents, so making friends and feeling part of the community is easy. The University of Michigan’s Museum of Art is a must-see. Ann Arbor is known as a “Goldilocks” town—not too big, not too small— getting around takes about 20 minutes, tops.
The city has NCAA Division One sports like basketball, football, and more, plus cheap pizza to go with the games. If you prefer the outdoors, enjoy student favorites like Gallup Park, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, and trails along the Huron River.
Orlando, Florida
You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy college life in Orlando. This Florida metropolis offers high-quality education with affordable in-state tuition averaging $24,036 per year. With an impressively low unemployment rate of 2.3%, finding a job after graduation with top employers like Amazon, NBC Universal, or Siemens is totally within reach.
After class, there’s always something to do. Orlando is packed with attractions, food trucks, bars, and cafes. Disneyworld even gives Florida students 40% off 4-day passes!
Tampa, Florida
Living in Tampa costs about 5% less than the national average, and it’s close to some of the best Gulf Shore beaches. If you need a break from classes, there’s plenty to do outdoors—boating, fishing, biking, or catching a Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Rays game.
But it’s not all fun and games; Tampa’s home to the University of South Florida (USF), a top research university with over 180 majors. The city’s low 2.5% unemployment rate also makes it easy for students to work during school and move into a career afterward.
Raleigh, North Carolina
The City of Oaks just added another title, ranking in the top five college towns in the U.S. With colleges like North Carolina State and Meredith College, Raleigh delivers a vibrant higher education experience. Its rapid growth and nearby schools mean a high concentration of start-ups and tech companies, making it easy to land an internship that leads to a great career.
There’s always something happening here—whether you’re cramming at artisan coffee shops, hitting museums, or catching live shows. From NHL games to ACC competitions and 80+ live music venues, Raleigh keeps college life exciting both on campus and out.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Among other cities in Arizona, you get access to the best shopping and dining in Scottsdale. It’s packed with ranches, scenic hiking trails, and top art galleries and offers premier golf courses, luxury spas, and high-end resorts. But there’s more here than just outdoor fun and high-end life—you’ll find quality education, too.
Around 40 colleges are within reach, including Scottsdale Community College, Arizona State University, and Franklin University. This Southwestern town offers great academic and economic opportunities with a low student-per-capita rate. However, be mindful that living costs can be on the steep side.
Charlottesville, Virginia
The University of Virginia is one of the top schools in the country, and students rave about the beautiful campus and fun traditions like Pancakes for Parkinson’s and Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn. But Charlottesville is more than just UVA—it ranks seventh among the best college towns in the U.S. for a reason.
If you love food, Charlottesville has tons of great spots, especially during Restaurant Week or at local farmers’ markets. You can also take part in annual events like the Virginia Film Festival and the Craft Beer Festival. But don’t spend all your money eating out because Charlottesville’s housing costs are higher than average here!
Tempe, Arizona
Ranked eighth among the best college towns, Tempe is home to Arizona State University, which offers everything from the W. P. Carey School of Business to a killer food scene with the ASU Food Truck Block Party. Here, you get to study in the largest public university in the U.S. and enjoy over 50 community parks and trails all in one city.
Tempe Beach Park is perfect for biking, jogging, or hanging out in your off time. Plus, the Metro Light Rail makes getting around easy with connections to Downtown Phoenix and Mesa.
Gainesville, Florida
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly college town, Gainesville is the fifth cheapest city for higher education, with over 40,000 students attending the University of Florida. Fun fact: the school’s athletic teams helped inspire the name for Gatorade in the ’60s!
Gainesville is full of hidden gems if you are willing to explore. The food scene is awesome, with Satchel’s and Dragonfly, as well as live music and art markets. Nature lovers can enjoy Ichetucknee Springs and La Chua Trail, while indoor folks can check out all the great local coffee shops and bars.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta has great higher education options, including Georgia Tech and Emory University. But what really puts “Hotlanta” in the top 10 best college towns is its lively social scene, ranking number one in the U.S. for the social environment.
It’s a cultural hotspot with theaters, museums, and music venues like the Fox Theatre and High Museum of Art. You’ll also find lots of festivals and outdoor spots to unwind. Best of all, the cost of living is 2% below the national average, so you can enjoy the scene without big investments!
Source: WalletHub
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