Best College Towns In Colorado
For most students, college is a time of exploration, exciting classes, new friendships, and personal growth. When deciding where to attend college, the town where you will be studying is an important factor. Colorado may not be the first state that comes to mind when considering your collegiate future, but it offers a lot in terms of great college destinations. The state boasts several remarkable college towns that offer an exceptional blend of academic pursuits and outdoor adventures. These towns provide students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a thriving student community while exploring the natural wonders surrounding them. From the vibrant streets of Boulder to the historic charm of Durango and Salida, each college town in Colorado has its own distinctive character. Explore the best college towns in the state, where education intertwines with the great outdoors.
Boulder
Home to the esteemed University of Colorado, Boulder is a beacon of academic excellence set against a stunning backdrop. Recently named the number one college town in the United States by BestCollegeReviews, Boulder's lively downtown, Pearl Street Mall, brims with a myriad of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, providing students with endless opportunities for exploration. Surrounded by the iconic Flatirons, students can engage in outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking while pursuing their academic aspirations. Boulder offers unique experiences such as the Boulder Creek Lazy River, where students can enjoy a 30-mile tubing adventure, making it a wonderful college town with ample opportunities for a healthy school/life balance. With its perfect blend of rigorous academics and thrilling outdoor adventures, Boulder offers an enriching college experience.
Fort Collins
Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, a college that fosters innovation and creativity, particularly in fields related to environmental science. As a leading research institution, Colorado State University cultivates an environment of intellectual growth and diversity. The historic Old Town Fort Collins is famously charming and inspired Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland. Situated near the Cache la Poudre River and Horsetooth Mountain, students can partake in outdoor recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Fort Collins also has a thriving craft beer scene with 26 breweries in a town of about 170,000 residents, averaging about 1 brewery for every 6,500 residents. With its emphasis on sustainability, excellent location for outdoor pursuits, and exceptional craft beer, Fort Collins is an epic college town in the Centennial State.
Durango
Located in La Plata County, Durango is a small and charming college town with a population of just over 19,000 residents. It is home to Fort Lewis College, known for its liberal arts programs that foster a sense of camaraderie and encourage personal growth. The town's proximity to well-preserved Puebloan sites like Mesa Verde makes it an extraordinary place to study for archaeology students and history majors. Durango's Main Avenue is a lively street adorned with historic buildings, boutique shops, galleries, and great bars and restaurants with a Southwestern, cowboy vibe. The Animas River Trail provides a scenic escape for hiking, biking, and thrilling rafting experiences. Durango's charm, vibrancy, and connection to history, adventure, and Wild West culture make it perfect for a unique college experience.
Colorado Springs
As the largest city in El Paso County with a population of about 480,000, Colorado Springs offers diverse academic and recreational opportunities for students seeking a cosmopolitan college town experience. The city is home to the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado College, University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, and Colorado Technical University. Colorado Springs has a vibrant restaurant scene, ranging from quirky options like the Rabbit Hole to upscale dining at the European-inspired Edelweiss. The city is known as Olympic City USA, making it perfect for students interested in athletics. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the stunning Garden of the Gods, hike the picturesque trails of Cheyenne Mountain State Park, or enjoy skiing and snowboarding in nearby resorts. With its stunning location, affinity towards athletics, and fantastic food options, Colorado Springs is a favorite city among students.
Gunnison
Situated in the heart of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, Gunnison is a charming college town that offers students a chance to experience small-town charm. Gunnison is home to Western Colorado University, known for its exceptional programs in computer science, engineering, and liberal arts. Students attending Western College will love the proximity of the campus to amazing outdoor recreational areas. Gunnison National Park and the world-famous Black Canyon provide endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, skiing, and snowboarding. Nearby Blue Mesa Reservoir offers ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts, with abundant lake trout and kokanee salmon. With its stunning natural landscapes, strong emphasis on outdoor recreation, and welcoming community, Gunnison offers college students an immersive and adventurous experience where academics, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures come together.
Pueblo
Located in the heart of southern Colorado, Pueblo is a vibrant college town with a rich history and culture. The city is home to Colorado State University-Pueblo, which offers a wide range of academic programs in fields such as business, nursing, and education. The university prides itself on small class sizes and flexible class schedules, making it suitable for working students. Pueblo also has a thriving cultural scene, hosting one of Colorado's largest annual cultural events, the Colorado State Fair, as well as the popular Chile & Frijole Festival, a food and arts festival promoting locally sourced foods. Pueblo's beautiful riverwalk along the Arkansas River has been named one of the best riverwalks in the country, offering a great place for students to meet and enjoy the city's boutique shops, bars, and restaurants. For outdoor enthusiasts, Pueblo is a great base for exploring the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Lake Pueblo State Park is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and hiking, particularly kayaking due to its varying depths and slow-moving water. The city is also close to other popular outdoor destinations, such as the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. With its friendly people, great outdoor spaces, fun festivals, and excellent colleges, Pueblo is a great place to call home for four years.
Denver
As the capital and largest city of Colorado, Denver is a vibrant and cosmopolitan college town that offers students a dynamic urban experience. The city is home to several prestigious higher education institutions, including the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver. Unlike many other college towns in Colorado, studying in Denver means students have access to cultural attractions such as world-class museums, theaters, music venues, and a vibrant culinary scene. Students can explore fashionable neighborhoods like Lower Downtown and the River North Art District, known for their trendy restaurants, craft breweries, and art galleries. With its international airport, professional sports teams, golf courses, and even a professional rodeo, students who choose Denver will never suffer from boredom. Denver's central location provides easy access to other parts of the state, making it a gateway to the diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities that Colorado has to offer. If you are looking for a college town with a big city feel, Denver is a great option.
Aurora
Aurora is a diverse and vibrant college town located just east of Denver, with a population of about 386,000. Some colleges located in Aurora include Ecotech Institute and Community College of Aurora. Aurora is known as one of the most active cities in the country and boasts more than 100 parks, making it a great college town for students who are athletically inclined. The Aurora Reservoir is a beautiful outdoor recreational space for jogging, kayaking, cycling, swimming, and even sailing. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the expansive Cherry Creek State Park, which offers hiking and biking trails, boating, and fishing. The city's cultural scene is thriving, with numerous art galleries, theaters, and live music venues. Aurora also offers a variety of dining options, reflecting its diverse community and providing students with a taste of international cuisine. From Mexican and Latin American food to Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, there is something for everyone in Aurora. The city is also home to a number of breweries, wineries, and distilleries, making it a great place to enjoy a drink with friends. Aurora provides college students with a dynamic and enriching college experience in a city that offers many opportunities to explore and enjoy the Colorado college experience.
Colorado is a state full of natural beauty, fascinating history, and access to thrilling outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike in the mountains, ski the slopes, or raft down a river, you'll find plenty of opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping in the Centennial State. But Colorado is more than just stunning scenery and exciting adventures. It's also home to a remarkable selection of college towns, each with its own unique blend of academic excellence, natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational opportunities. In the picturesque mountain town of Gunnison, you can immerse yourself in outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and skiing. Or, if you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life, Denver and Colorado Springs offer thriving arts and cultural scenes. No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find a college town in Colorado that's perfect for you. With their welcoming community spirit, these amazing places will quickly feel like home during your college years.
