10 Best College Towns You’ll Fall in Love With (Even if You’re Not a Student Anymore)

Just because you're not a student anymore doesn't mean you can enjoy the atmosphere of a college town.

These college towns showcase educational museums, inventive restaurants, cozy bookstores, vibrant arts scenes, sporting events, and pristine outdoor spaces — minus the chaos of a metropolitan city.

So, if you're planning ways to travel more, check out the spots that made the cut — not only are they great places to live or go to school, but they're also great places to visit for a weekend when you want to get away.

1. Boulder, Colorado

Situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the home of the University of Colorado is notable for its laid-back, outdoorsy, and artsy culture.

The dramatic formations of the Flatirons and the Chautauqua trailhead are among the most iconic Boulder landmarks, and it’s here or in the rest of the city’s 45,000-acre protected park system where you can go hiking, picnicking, and rock climbing.

Microbreweries, boutiques, and street performers are all found at the brick-paved pedestrian mall of Pearl Street, but there is so much more to explore.

2. Athens, Georgia

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This hip but unpretentious Southern city is best known for its storied and passionate music scene, but it also has beautifully restored historic homes open for tours, a gigantic flea market, smart restaurants, and of course, University of Georgia football.

Athens is the birthplace of musical greats R.E.M., the B-52s, and Widespread Panic, and today, there are over twenty places to hear live music.

3. Lawrence, Kansas

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Lawrence — home to both the University of Kansas (KU) and Haskell Indian Nations University — has long had the reputation of being an independent, hippie outpost with iconic basketball roots.

During basketball season, Allen Fieldhouse — the notoriously energetic arena that more than one ESPN host has called their favorite place in America to watch a college basketball game — is where it’s at.

KU’s leafy, hilly campus with its historic Romanesque style limestone buildings, museums, and pond makes for a beautiful stroll.

4. Ithaca, New York

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The popular t-shirt slogan is true — Ithaca is “gorges.” The site of both Cornell University and Ithaca College, the town is an intellectual haven, and between the outdoor activities and university events, you will never run out of things to do.

Situated at the bottom of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region and surrounded by 150-plus waterfalls, state parks, and vineyards, this is a hiker’s, kayaker’s, and wine lover’s paradise.

When you’re ready to head indoors, take in a show at the Kitchen Theater Company, tour the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, or explore the Finger Lakes wineries.

5. Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Although football fans know Ann Arbor as the home of the “The Big House” — the University of Michigan’s sports stadium that also happens to be the largest in the U.S. — this college town also has a robust performing arts scene.

The area is notable for its inclusivity efforts and plenitude of LGBTQ+ events, and it has a vibrant downtown area decorated with colorful murals.

Every year, the University Musical Society brings nearly 75 music, dance, and theater performances to the community.

6. Bloomington, Indiana

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With its pretty campus, easy access to forests and lakes, cultural institutions, and local winery and distillery scene, it’s hard not to fall in love with Bloomington, where you’ll find Indiana University.

For the literary-minded, take in a show at the Bloomington Playwrights Project, a theater dedicated to producing new plays, or view one of the rare books, like The Canterbury Tales.

And for libations, try Cardinal Spirits, a craft distillery and tasting room with a fantastic patio, or the award-winning Oliver Winer

7. Berkeley, California

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Although Berkeley may be considered more bougie than bohemian these days, the counterculture vibe that made it so famous in the 60s is still recognizable in its local haunts and food and art scene.

Dine at the world-famous Chez Panisse — considered by many to be the birthplace of the California cuisine food movement — where the focus is on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.

For a taste of the old days, head to the University of California’s epicenter of protests and performances, Sproul Hall, or head to Telegraph Avenue for bookstores and street vendor wares.

8. Hanover, New Hampshire

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Surrounded by dairy farms, ski runs, and places for maple tree tapping, Hanover is a great place to get a taste of rural New England life and experience the cultural offerings from Dartmouth College.

On the quaint Main Street in town, you’ll find shops like Left Bank Books, a local institution with over 9,000 rare books, or Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery, serving up locally sourced and traditional fare since 1947.

On the colonial-era brick campus, catch a show at the Hopkins Center for the Arts or visit the spacious Hood Museum of Art, which has one of the largest university collections in the country.

9. Fayetteville, Arkansas

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The home of the University of Arkansas has all the classic perks of a college town — great eateries, hometown football games, historical sites, and charm.

With over 100 miles of biking and walking trails and numerous cycling events that are hosted in the city itself, Fayetteville has been internationally and nationally recognized as a bike-friendly community.

For a dose of local culture, visit the whimsical Terra Studios, a six-acre art park and gallery, one of the country’s remaining drive-in theaters, or head to the Historic Downtown Square for farmer’s market goods or local nightlife.

10. Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Attending a Tar Heels game on the University of North Carolina’s pretty, mid-19th-century campus is practically a spiritual experience.

After worshiping at the altar of a men’s basketball or women’s soccer game, visit the Franklin-Rosemary Historic District that abuts campus and make a tour of the 30-plus art murals around downtown.

Don’t forget Chapel Hill’s notable food scene — the area once won the title of “America’s Foodiest Small Town” by Bon Appétit magazine.

Pro tip: If you're headed to the town for a game or for good food, make sure you take the right credit card that can help you earn cash back or other rewards.

Bottom line

Quintessential college towns make for some of the most unique and accessible destinations in America — each of them have their own personalities and histories.

And when you’re ready to book, don’t forget to use your credit card to earn travel rewards . That way you can rake in the rewards and use them to keep traveling and exploring.

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