Livability.com Names the Top 10 Best College Towns, 2015

  • 08/05/15

FRANKLIN, TN – Living in a college town allows residents to tap into the economic stability that universities provide and the creative energy that students bring. Even if you’re not a student, being a college town resident will certainly keep you entertained. With this in mind, Livability.com has named the Top 10 Best College Towns, 2015. These cities provide supportive places for students to thrive both academically and socially, endless entertainment options and cultural and economic enhancements from their area universities.

When choosing the best college towns, our editors first analyzed data from the Census, Esri and other sources to find cities with a high concentration of schools and a highly educated population. They looked at cities that have a high population of 25- to 29-year-olds as an indicator of the town’s ability to retain graduates who decided it’s a cool enough place to stay after graduation. They also looked for diverse towns where education is a dominant employer. Some bonus points were given to towns with Division I athletics because, like it or not, strong sports programs help define college towns. The availability of rental housing and the affordability of that housing were also considered.

Finally, our editors narrowed down the short list based on their experiences crisscrossing the nation and based on further research into town and gown relationships.

“For most college-bound kids, this is really the first time they are choosing where they get to live,” says Livability editor Matt Carmichael. “It shouldn’t be the only consideration in selecting a college, but it should be factored in.”

Top 10 Best College Towns, 2015
1. Manhattan, KS
2. Durham, NC
3. Columbia, MO
4. Berkeley, CA
5. Denton, TX
6. Cambridge, MA
7. Gainesville, FL
8. Columbia, SC
9. Lincoln, NE
10. Bowling Green, KY

About Livability.com
Livability.com explores what makes small to mid-sized cities great places to live, work and visit. We examine issues related to livability such as walkability, cultural amenities, transportation, urban planning and sustainability through exclusive research and discussions on our blog. We celebrate the accomplishments of these cities through our monthly top 10 lists, our annual ranking of livable cities, our rich photography and conversations with readers in social media. Livability.com is a division of Journal Communications, Inc.

Featured

  • Fellowes Launches New Textile Collection

    Fellowes Contract Interiors recently partnered with Momentum Textiles & Wallcoverings to launch a new line of high-end-design, cost-effective textiles, according to a news release. Part of Momentum Textiles’ Kickstart collection, the new selection offers high-quality and versatile textiles for both smaller budgets and the early design phase of larger projects.

  • Active Learning Classroom

    Striking a Balance: The Keys to Renovating Science Education Buildings for the 21st Century

    The recent renovation of the Durham Science Center at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) provides a roadmap for facilities managers tasked with balancing budget constraints, modern pedagogical demands, and long-term sustainability.

  • KnowBe4 Releases Report on Education Sector’s Preparedness for Cyberattacks

    Cybersecurity platform KnowBe4 recently released a new research report titled “From Primary Schools to Universities, The Global Education Sector is Unprepared for Escalating Cyber Attacks,” according to a news release.

  • bar graph with the bars made out of abstract cinder blocks and other construction materials

    Spaces4Learning 2025 Trends in K–12: Materials & Construction

    With 2025 well underway, it’s time to take a look at some broader trends submitted by you, our Spaces4Learning readership. We asked for your thoughts on topics like classroom design, health & safety, materials & construction, and technology in both K–12 and higher-education environments. Below is a roundup of 2025 trends in K–12 materials and construction from the experts in the trenches.