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

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

  • ClassVR headsets

    Avantis Education Revamps Hardware for ClassVR Solution

    Avantis Education recently announced the launch of two new headsets for its flagship educational VR/AR solution, ClassVR. According to a news release, the Xcelerate and Xplorer headsets expand the company’s offerings into higher education while continuing to meet the evolving needs of K–12 users.

  • Fellowes Launches New 3D Modular, Product Configurators

    Contract interiors and architectural solutions provider Fellowes recently announced the launch of new 3D modular and product configurators for several of its product lines, according to a news release. The new products offer SIF file integration and pricing for the Volo, Markerboards, Sena, and Rising product lines in connection with 3D Cloud, which provides 3D product visualization and 3D digital asset management.

  • DLR Group Hires Higher Education Business Development Leader

    Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that Senior Associate Megan Todd will serve as its new Higher Education Business Development Leader, according to a news release. Her responsibilities will include building the firm’s reach and client relationships in the California higher education sector, based out of San Diego.

  • ClassVR Wins Tech & Learning Best of Show at ISTELive 25

    Avantis Education recently announced that its flagship product, ClassVR, won the Tech & Learning Best of Show Award at ISTELive 25 in San Antonio, Texas, according to a news release. The program is designed to celebrate products that are “transforming education in schools around the world and that show the greatest promise for the industry,” and this is the fourth consecutive year that Avantis has claimed the award.

Digital Edition