College towns are magical places that make sense for all sorts of different people, perhaps more than any other type of city. Kids love ‘em., families love ‘em, empty nesters and retirees love ‘em. This is why college towns like Ann Arbor, Madison, Chapel Hill, and more, frequently rank at the top of the list for most livable cities in the entire U.S.A.
Here are some of the things we love about them:
- They are the original 15-minute city.
No college (other than commuter schools) wants their students to drive all over the place to get what they need. Population density and the desire to fulfill the needs of massive consumers at schools means college towns always have lots to eat, drink, recreate, and be entertained, a short walk away.
- They punch above their weight for culture and entertainment options.
Because of the arts that are offered at schools, even small college towns have theater, sports, live performances, and often touring acts in music, dance, comedy, and more at least 9 months a year.
- Public transportation.
Rarely, a college town doesn’t at least have a vibrant bus shuttle system if not also a light rail option for scooting people around town.
- Great education (for all ages)
College towns typically have excellent public schools at the elementary and high school levels. Some of this is trickle-down. Some of this is the reliability of college towns economically that keep taxes flowing into public school districts. Some of this is just the culture of education a college town offers both in spirit and at times in the opportunity for high schoolers to take classes at the college level. The schools also frequently offer extended education opportunities for empty nesters/retirees or just any age adults looking to brush up on their Chaucer.
- Beauty.
Who doesn’t love a college campus? Or a city with a college campus built into the street? There is no better architecture to make us swoon for the experience of being on campus than what is referred to as Collegiate Gothic. Seriously, this Gothic Revival subgenre, with its beautiful stone and brick exteriors, green lawns, and big shady trees surrounding quads. It’s just a lovely place to spend time.
- Pure energy.
College towns offer something non-college towns are often missing. That’s the spirit a large group of educated-ish young people delivers to a community. Sure, sometimes they drink too much and cause some havoc. The tradeoff for those moments in exchange for the energy they bring to college towns is well worth it if you’re considering a move.
If you’re considering moving we highly recommend checking out a college town or two. If you’re a young family there are often no better cities to raise and educate your kiddos. If you’re an empty nester or retiree they’re amazing places to get the benefits of the arts of a school and the energy of a young population – all within easy walking distance (or a short bus ride away).