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Going to college or university is a huge step in anyone’s life. It means moving away from home and being on your own for the first time. It can be a stressful transition; which is why choosing the right college is important. There are tons of colleges in fantastic towns with lots of great amenities. Going to school in one of the best college towns can make living on your own that much more enjoyable.
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That’s why we put together this list of our picks for the 6 Best College Towns in America. Each of these towns also has a SecurCare Self Storage facility nearby. So contact us if you need help with packing supplies or storage during your big move to college!
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Why Care About Your Future College Town?
So, why should you care where your future college is located? Like we mentioned before, a good college town will help reduce a lot of the growing pains of leaving home. Plus, you’re probably going to stay in your new college town for quite a while.
According to a study by NSA, 50% of students used storage at least once during or in the 12 months after college. We theorize this is because students are using storage services to help with local moves (aka from a dorm to an apartment). In fact, 25% of respondents said they planned on staying in the same city as their college or university post-graduation. It’s important to put your roots down in the right spot! So, without further ado, we present the 6 Best College Towns in America. Enjoy!
Best College Towns #1:
College Station, TX
The best mascot of all time just happens to be Reveille, the Collie that represents Texas A&M University. College Station, TX is home to that excellent school. Southern charm, low cost of living, and cultural diversity make College Station a top choice for students! Plus the let’s not forget those Texas A&M Aggies!
Where to Find the Best Food in College Station, TX
There are many excellent Restuarant here serving up southern-fried food plus many other menus from around the world. Here are our favorites:
- Luigi’s Patio Ristorante
- Stella Southern cafe
- Shiraz Shish Kabob
- The Republic Steakhouse
- Razzoo;’s cajun Cafe (A local fave!)
- Harvey Washbangers
Where’s the Best Nightlife in This College Town?
Everywhere you look! College Station is overflowing with excellent bars and clubs! Here are our favorites:
- O’Bannon’s Tap House
- 12 Rooftop bar & Lounge
- Paddock
- Hurricane Harry’s
- The Corner Bar & Rooftop Grill (Fantastic views!)
- P.O.E.T.S Billiards & Bar
The Best Neighborhoods in College Station, TX
- Castlegate II
- Creek Meadows
- Saddle Creek
- The Villages of Indian Lakes
- Williams Creek
It’s no problem finding a nice neighborhood to live in when you’re in College Station, TX! Space is sometimes an issue though — maximize it with these College Station storage units:
Best College Towns #2:
Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill boasts two excellent colleges, North Carolina Central University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. USA Today ranked Chapel Hill one of the “10 Most Beautiful College Towns in the United States!” With nationally acclaimed restaurants, a thriving art scene, and iconic Franklin Street, there’s plenty to love about Chapel Hill, NC!
Where to Find the Best Food in Chapel Hill, NC
One of the best reasons to live here is the foodie scene, which is top-notch! Here are our favorites:
- Osteri Georgi
- Il Palio
- Hawkers
- Kipos Greek Taverna
- Bin 54 Steak and Cellar
- Bonchon
Where’s the Best Nightlife in This College Town?
There’s never a lack of fun and thrilling things to do in Chapel Hill at night! Here are our favorite spots:
- Nightlight Bar & Grill
- Belltree Speakeasy
- He’s Not Here
- Luna Night Club
- The Library
- Krave
The Best Neighborhoods for Students in Chapel Hill, NC
- Meadowmont
- The Oaks
- Winmore
- Southern Village
- Westfall
- Claremont
Best College Towns #3:
Boulder, CO
The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the best colleges here, but there are a whopping 24 more in this town! If you’re exploring liberal arts, we suggest checking out Naropa University, too! Over 300 days a year of sunshine and enough snow to ski to your heart’s content when classes aren’t in sessions?! Yes, please!
Where to Find the Best Food in Boulder, CO
There are fantastic restaurants all over Boulder serving cuisines from all over the world! Here are our favorites:
- The Buff Restaurant
- Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
- Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery
- The Kitchen American Bistro
- Oak at Fourteenth
- Frasca Food and Wine
Where’s the Best Nightlife in This College Town?
Boulder is a rollicking place at night during the school year, no doubt!
- Conor O’Neill’s
- Avery Brewing Company
- The Absinthe House
- The Walnut Brewery
- West End Tavern (the mountain views during the day are spectacular!)
- Pearl Street Pub
The Best Neighborhoods for Students in Boulder, CO
- Downtown Boulder is best, and it’s also within walking distance of several schools.
- Mapleton Hill
- Whittier
- Flatirons
- Table Mesa
- Foothills
MOVING TIP: Neighborhoods can have small apartments and homes - check out a storage unit near Boulder to make your life easier.
Best College Towns #4:
Auburn, AL
Ranked as one of the best towns in Alabama, Auburn is home to Auburn University, one of the largest schools in the South. Obviously, it had to be on our list of best college towns in the US! The weather, the vibe, and the people here make Auburn great. It’s ranked as one of the Top 10 Cities in the United States!
Where to Find the Best Food in Auburn, AL
If Southern food is your thing, you’ll love Auburn! Barvb=becuse, Po Boys, catfish, and more are on the menu here!
- The Hound
- Amsterdam Cafe
- Tacorita
- Arricia Cucina
- Byron’s Smokehouse
- Niffer’s Place
Where’s the Best Nightlife in This College Town?
Nights here in Auburn are fun, exciting, and just a little bit loco!
- Skybar Cafe
- Cooper Creek Tavern
- Sing Sing Karaoke
- Fat Daddy’s Social Club
- Game Time Sports Bar & Grill
The Best Neighborhoods for Students in Auburn, AL
There are plenty of lovely, safe places to live within a short drive of Auburn.
- Woodland Hills
- Cedar Brook
- Opelika
- Loachapoka
- North auburn
- Lakewood
Best College Towns #5:
Athens, GA
Home to the University of Georgia (UGA), Athens is a lovely town in north-central Georgia. The weather in this college town is the best! It’s one big reason students love it. It’s practically perfect during the school year, with warm days and cool nights great for studying. Known as the Classic City, Athens boasts a thriving music scene, too, with The B-52s and R.E.M both calling it home.
Where to Find the Best Food in Athens, GA
Downtown Athens is brimming with excellent restaurants, mostly located within a 4-block area.
- The Table Bistro
- Last Resort Grill
- Made From Scratch
- Mama’s Boy
- The National
- Weaver D’s
Where’s the Best Nightlife in This College Town?
Downtown Athens again, where clubs are always rocking during the school year.
- Lumberjaxe (The newest, where you can imbibe while throwing axes! It’s fantastic for stress relief!)
- The 40 Watt Club,
- Buddha
- Hi-Lo Lounge
- Allgood Lounge
- Sand Bar
The Best Neighborhoods for Students in Athens, GA
- Whitehall ranks highest. (It’s right next to UGA’s Golf Course!)
- Bogart
- Jefferson
- Normaltown
MOVING TIP: These neighborhoods are cute, but often are small. Use an Athens storage unit to save on costs and keep the things that matter to you!
Best College Towns #6:
Fort Collins, CO
If Colorado State University is on your college list, the lovely college town of Fort Collins is a great choice! A recent Gallup Poll reported that 95% of Fort Collins residents were satisfied with the city. That’s the highest rank in the United States! Amazing outdoor amenities, miles of bike trails, and wonderful weather are likely part of the reason why!
Where to Find the Best Food in Fort Collins, CO
Simply open your eyes, and you’ll see many excellent eateries all over Fort Collins!
- The Welsh Rabbit Cheese Bistro (One of the best in the city!)
- Lucile’s
- Tasty Harmony
- Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
- Rove
- Waltzing Kangaroo (Australian meat pies to die for!)
Where’s the Best Nightlife in This College Town?
Fort Collins at night is one of the most interesting, exciting, and culturally diverse cities in America!
Social
- The R Bar & Lounge
- Elliot’s Martini Bar
- The Colorado Room
- The Whisk(e)y
- The Emporium Sports Bar
- Sunset Lounge Rooftop Bar (Amazing views!)
The Best Neighborhoods for Students in Fort Collins, CO
- City Park
- Ram’s Village (Best for students!)
- Harmony Crossing
- Huntington Hills
- Old Town
Save room for your snowboard and ski gear! Check out Fort Collins storage units.
The Best College Towns Downloadable Posters
Now that you’ve chosen where to call home for the next four years, celebrate it! We created complete unique city poster art for each city we listed! Print out one (or all) of these posters for your dorm room, send them as email greeting cards to your parents, or just keep one for a phone background.
Don’t forget! Each of these towns also has a SecurCare Self Storage facility nearby. So contact us if you need help with packing supplies or storage during your big move to college!
