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As the child of a higher education professional—and a college graduate myself—I’ve called my fair share of college towns across the Midwest and South home. Along the way, I’ve developed a strong sense of what sets the most beautiful ones apart.
For me, a great college town combines natural beauty with an inviting, laid-back atmosphere. Think leafy streets, a picturesque lake or river, and plenty of small-town charm without feeling too crowded. Add in independent boutiques, welcoming coffee shops, local breweries, and memorable restaurants, and you have all the makings of a place worth sticking around long after graduation. Some of the college towns I’ve lived in checked every box—while others left much to be desired.
The 11 destinations on this list definitely make the grade. Whether your teenager is getting ready to start looking at schools or you simply want to see whether your alma mater earned a spot, these are some of the prettiest college towns in the U.S., stretching from Syracuse to Santa Barbara.
Ames, Iowa
University: Iowa State University
As an Iowa State alum, I may be biased—but I’ve lived in multiple college towns, and Ames is by far the prettiest to me. Located in the middle of Iowa, this small town is quintessentially Midwestern. It’s covered in native trees, has a smattering of lakes, rivers, and creeks that beckon you during long holiday weekends, and many local shops on the historic Main Street that are always great to visit. It also has its fair share of quaint neighborhoods and charming homes of all sizes that are fun to drive past when there’s nothing better to do.
Madison, Wisconsin
Universities: University of Wisconsin-Madison and Edgewood College
When not in class at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore around the state’s capital. Because the city sits on an isthmus between two scenic lakes, it’s not lacking in natural beauty. However, if you want something a bit more urban, Madison is also home to many excellent restaurants, bars, and an exciting cultural scene.
Charleston, South Carolina
Universities: College of Charleston and Charleston Southern University
Charleston is known for its Southern charm and coastal beauty, and anyone would be lucky to have it as a college town. There’s so much to do for a fun parents’ weekend, like hit up some great seafood spots or take a beach day, and a lot of the popular spots are close enough to each other that a late night out is safely doable. From historic buildings to the beautiful natural landscape, anyone going to school in Charleston will likely fall in love with the place.
Santa Barbara, California
Universities: University of California, Santa Barbara and Westmont College
Santa Barbara is a coastal city in the southern part of California, just north of Los Angeles, and it’s a college town like no other. Home to a few schools, the beach town has a jaw-dropping mountain backdrop and is known for its Mediterranean-style buildings, Spanish Colonial architecture, and gorgeous beaches, of course. It also has plenty of restaurants, bars, and wineries to explore.
Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
University: Georgetown University
Though Georgetown is technically a neighborhood in Washington, D.C., it’s essentially like a little city of its own—and an endlessly charming one, at that. From historic architecture to enchanting cobblestone streets and so many local boutiques and mercantiles to shop from, Georgetown is a little cultural hub tucked away in the nation’s capital.
Bellingham, Washington
University: Western Washington University
Located just south of the Canadian border is the small coastal city of Bellingham, Washington. It’s home to Western Washington University and is a great place to spend your college years if you love the great outdoors. Mount Baker, a huge snow-capped volcano, sits to the east of the town, and the city center boasts charming buildings, a nice food scene, and a couple of museums.
Santa Cruz, California
University: University of California, Santa Cruz
This coastal town is a tourist attraction for a reason. Santa Cruz is a beautiful college town with plenty to do, from its long wharf rife with eateries and fun bars to many natural sites to hike. It’s located in central California and stretches into Monterey Bay. There’s vintage shopping, cafés, and even a historic boardwalk with fan-favorite amusement park rides. Whether you’re a student at the University of California, Santa Cruz or not, it’s a very pretty town.
Manhattan, Kansas
University: Kansas State University
Known as the “Little Apple,” the town of Manhattan is probably most popular for Kansas State University, aka K-State. It has that small-town charm but offers more to do, like hiking through Tuttle Creek State Park, visiting the Sunset Zoo, or hitting up the lively downtown area. The natural Midwest landscape is sprawling and offers many opportunities to have some outdoor adventures.
Syracuse, New York
University: Syracuse University
Scenic Syracuse is home to Syracuse University and offers its students plenty to do when they’re not hitting the books. Surrounded by that beautiful East Coast foliage, this town offers nature-filled adventures, like kayaking and hiking, as well as a vibrant downtown full of amazing restaurants, craft breweries, and a lively arts and culture scene. Not to mention, there are some informative museums and historic buildings to explore, too.
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Universities: Wellesley College and Babson College
Located in the greater Boston area, Wellesley is a charming town home to a few universities, most famously Wellesley College. It’s rich with historic buildings and homes to admire, as well as a nice, walkable downtown area with restaurants and local shops. There are a few lakes to visit in the town for nature lovers out there, too.
Greenville, South Carolina
Universities: Furman University and Greenville Technical College
In the northern part of South Carolina is a beautiful town called Greenville. There are a handful of colleges there, most notably Furman University, but there’s plenty for the locals to do. There are numerous museums and even a zoo, as well as plenty of natural spaces to explore, like the Paris Mountain State Park and Falls Park.
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