Best College Towns In North Carolina
US cities whose cultural activities and economies are significantly impacted by the local higher educational institutions are called college towns. These so-called ‘college towns’ are considered ideal places to reside, and in fact, most of the incoming college students consider the location of an institution one of the most crucial factors in selecting a university for pursuing higher education besides quality academic programs, tuition costs, financial aid availability, the town’s affordability, and its cultural scenes. Located in the American Southeast, North Carolina, the nation’s 9th most populous state houses some charming college towns. Let’s take a look into some of the Tarheel State’s best college towns.
Chapel Hill
North Carolina’s 17th-largest municipality, Chapel Hill, is part of the Orange and Durham counties at the heart of the state. Nicknamed the “Southern Part of Heaven,” this picturesque ‘college town’ perfectly combines modern amenities and historic charm. The town is home to one of the nation’s oldest public universities – the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This flagship institution of the University of North Carolina system is currently the state’s third-largest university offering 71 bachelor’s, 107 master’s, and 74 doctoral degree programs. The university’s beautiful 729-acre campus in Chapel Hill’s downtown area, with impressive architecture and lush greenery, encompasses the Morehead Planetarium in addition to the many shops and stores on Franklin Street.
The presence of the university, UNC Health Care, and the various adjoining research facilities greatly influence the town’s economy. Together with Durham and the state capital Raleigh, Chapel Hill forms the corners of the Research Triangle. The town houses the Ackland Art Museum, North Carolina Botanical Garden, the PlayMakers Repertory Company, Dean Dome, Kenan Memorial Stadium, and many walking/biking trails. Hosting an array of dining options, Chapel Hill is also a foodie’s paradise that caters to visitors and students alike.
Durham
The county seat of Durham County, Durham, is located along the Eno River in the east-central portion of North Carolina’s Piedmont region. The city has many recognized higher educational institutions, such as Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and Durham Technical Community College. Established in 1838, Duke University was named in honor of Washington Duke, father of James Buchanan Duke, a renowned American tobacco and electric power industrialist who set up “The Duke Endowment.” Spread over an area of 8,693 acres, the Duke University campus, with 256 buildings, is divided into four principal areas: West, Central, East, and a Medical Center. The Duke University Health System and Duke University are the city’s biggest employers as well as the state’s fourth-biggest private employer.
The city’s downtown area is filled with various shops, galleries, and restaurants where students and residents can unwind after a hectic day. Some notable attractions in the state’s 4th-most populous city include the Duke University Chapel, Nasher Museum of Art, Durham Performing Arts Center, Bennett Place State Historic Site, Duke Homestead and Tobacco Factory, Carolina Theatre, and North Carolina Museum of Life and Science. Durham also serves as a venue for popular events like Bull Durham Blues Festival, American Dance Festival, OUTsouth Queer Film Festival, and Eno River Festival.
Boone
The county seat of Watauga County, Boone, is a scenic small town surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains in the state’s northwestern portion. Named after the well-known American pioneer Daniel Boone, the town is home to the Appalachian State University and a satellite campus of the Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute. Founded in 1899 as a teachers’ college, the university at present enrolls over 20,600 students and offers 70 graduate degrees and 150 bachelor’s degree programs. The university’s main 410 acres campus in downtown Boone has 30 academic buildings, 20 residence halls, 11 recreation facilities, and 3 main dining facilities.
Nicknamed “The Heart of the High Country,” Boone’s picturesque location has made it a popular destination offering endless recreational activities like hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, etc. Some of the town’s famous attractions include Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, Daniel Boone Native Gardens, Jones House, etc. One can also watch a performance of “Horn in the West” – the country’s oldest revolutionary war drama that is performed annually every summer at the Daniel Boone Amphitheater.
Greenville
The county seat and most populous city of Pitt County, Greenville, serves as Eastern North Carolina's educational, entertainment, economic, and medical hub. The city is home to East Carolina University, the fourth-largest university in the state. Established as a teacher training school on March 8, 1907, this public research university currently enrolls around 28,021 students, of which 22,463 are undergraduates, and 5,558 are postgraduates. The 530 acres Main Campus located in downtown Greenville comprises about 158 buildings and over 4.6 million square feet of research, residential, and academic space. Supplying several employees specialized in manufacturing and scientific portfolios, East Carolina University is the second-largest employer, while ECU Health is the largest employer in the state.
The city’s downtown, referred to as the Uptown District, featuring more than 25 retail stores, 20 restaurants, and several residential buildings, serves as the area’s arts and entertainment hub. Many events, such as Uptown Art Walk, Umbrella Market, Freeboot Fridays, and Sunday in the Park, are held throughout the year. The city’s residents and tourists can visit the Greenville Museum of Art and access the Tar River for recreational activities like fishing, boating, camping, and kayaking. In addition, they enjoy different dance, theatre, and musical performances that take place from time to time on the East Carolina University Campus.
Raleigh
The state capital and county seat of Wake County, Raleigh, is North Carolina’s second-most populous city. As the Research Triangle metro area’s largest city, Raleigh is home to many reputed educational institutions: North Carolina State University, Wake Technical Community College, Meredith College, William Peace University, Shaw University, and St. Augustine’s University. Founded on March 7, 1887, as the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, the North Carolina State University is one of the city’s top employers and currently enrolls 37,873 students.
The city’s vibrant downtown area is filled with a wealth of attractions like the North Carolina State Capitol, North Carolina Museum of History, City of Raleigh Museum, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and many more. Many significant international concerts are held in the Coastal Credit Union Music Park, Dorton Arena, Lincoln Theatre, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, etc. To get a taste of the city’s thriving food scene, the foodies must visit the Warehouse District, which houses an array of eateries and craft breweries.
Elon
This quaint town is a part of the Burlington Metropolitan Statistical Area in North Carolina’s Alamance County. Elon is home to Elon University, a private higher educational institution that was established in 1889. The university is organized into six schools: Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; School of Communications; School of Law; School of Health Sciences; and Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education. The students are mostly attracted by the university’s serene campus with historic architecture, brick sidewalks, and gaslit street lamps. In addition to a tight-knit community, beautiful shops, and delicious eateries, the students and tourists are attracted by the various events of the university, including art exhibitions, musical concerts, and theatrical performances.
Wilmington
Wilmington is a coastal city located along the Caper Fear River in New Hanover County in North Carolina’s southeastern portion. This picturesque city is home to several reputed educational institutes, such as the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College, and satellite campuses of Shaw University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and the University of Mount Olive. Founded 75 years ago on September 4, 1947, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington annually enrolls over 17,499 undergraduate and graduate students. Through its seven colleges, the university offers 35 master’s degree programs, 55 undergraduate degree programs, and four doctoral programs. Along with Cape Fear Community College, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington is one of the top employers in Wilmington.
The historic downtown of Wilmington features a 1.75-mile-long riverwalk, Thalian Hall, Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, the Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews, Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts, Cameron Arts Museum, etc. The city hosts many annual festivals, including Azalea Festival, DIY Festivals, North Carolina Jazz Festival, and Cape Fear Blues Festivals. During their free time, the students can hop aboard a water taxi to visit the iconic World War II USS North Carolina Battleship, one of the city’s most visited attractions.
Winston-Salem
The county seat of Forsyth County, Winston-Salem, located in the northwestern Piedmont region, is the state’s fifth-most populous city. Winston-Salem is home to six reputed higher learning institutions: Carolina Christian College, Carolina University, Forsyth Technical Community College, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, University of North Carolina School of Arts, and Salem College. Out of these, Wake Forest University, the University of North Carolina School of Arts, and Winston-Salem State University are considered one of America’s best art schools.
Downtown Winston-Salem is the city’s central business district and a hotspot for growth. The Fourth Street features numerous bars, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and luxury residential units. The Reynolda House Museum of American Art, New Winston Museum, Hanes Mall, Old Salem, Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, and Truist Stadium are some of the other notable attractions.
Greensboro
Located 25 miles east of Winston-Salem in North Carolina’s north-central portion, Greensboro is the state’s third-most populous city and the Piedmont Triad metropolitan region’s biggest city. Greensboro has several higher educational institutions like Bennett College, Greensboro College, North Carolina A&T State University, Elon University School of Law, Guilford College, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Named in honor of Major General Nathanael Greene, some of Greensboro’s popular attractions include the Greensboro Science Center, Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, Greensboro Ballet, International Civil Rights Museum, Carolina Theatre of Greensboro, International Civil Rights Center and Museum, etc. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend some time at Bicentennial Garden, Greensboro Arboretum, Bog Garden, Greensboro Coliseum Complex, and Hagan Stone Park.
From the buzzing streets of Chapel Hill to the quaint town of Elon, each of the college towns in North Carolina boasts its own exquisite charm. All these college towns offer a perfect combination of academic opportunities, scenic locales, and cultural and recreational activities that attract locals and students alike. So, whether you are a prospective learner, a visitor, or an explorer seeking new experiences, you will surely have some memorable experiences at the most sought-after college towns in North Carolina.
