Best College Towns In the Mid-South

College Towns are known to be home to great social events, eclectic bars, fascinating foods and exciting outdoor experiences. In order to be the best college town, there has to be a number of educational institutions that hold diverse communities which contribute to the spaces where they live. These College Towns in the Mid-South provide experiences to visitors that make them want to stay for the rest of their lives.

Norman, OK

Home of the University of Oklahoma, Norman is a small city that has been named one of the best college towns in America for a number of reasons, but it is especially noted for its amazing retention rate of students after they graduate. The campus offers the community a number of main attractions such as the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. There is no shortage of academic and job opportunities as Norman is home to a number of research opportunities and economic districts for a variety of work experiences. Film screenings, art shows, concerts and theater productions such as the renaissance fair are among some of the main attractions in Norman, aside from the extensive outdoor and recreational opportunities including 55 parks with great scenery. 

Fayetteville, AR

Home to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is the second largest city in Arkansas and sits in the seat of the famous Ozark Mountains. The entertainment capital of Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville has year round experiences that make it one of the top five places to live in the United States for three years in a row. Skip down Dickson street that is filled with restaurants, live music venues and bars like George’s Majestic Lounge, the longest running live music venue in Arkansas. The University of Arkansas lies on one side of Dickson street with a historic downtown square boasting a farmers markets, shops and other great spots on the other. Fayetteville didn’t forget about their residents who love to be outdoors. Ride a bicycle down the 36 mile Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway, a paved path that provides one of the most enjoyable scenic trails stopping by restaurants, historic sites, arts and other opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. There is no doubt that Fayetteville is the best college town in Arkansas and possibly the best college town in all of America.

College Station, TX

At the center of Brazos County and home to Texas A&M University is a community filled with opportunities for personal growth, academic excellence, social experiences and a sense of belonging called College Station. Texas A&M steps beyond the classroom in College Station and invests in the local environment to contribute to an overall sense of community between the residents of the city and the local schools. Head down to the Post Oak Mall for a day of shopping or sit down and read a book at the George Bush Presidential Library. Pull up for a mocha drink at College Station, a coffee shop that looks like a carport or grab a whiskey and some bbq at the 1775 Texas Pit BBQ, Northgate Entertainment District has it all. Fans of Americana, baseball and bbq will love the college town, College Station, Texas.

Oxford, MS

Located in the northern part of Mississippi, Lafayette County, Oxford is the home of the University of Mississippi, otherwise known as ‘Ole Miss.’ Known for its famed sports history and hometown of writers William Faulkner and John Grisham, Oxford has been a famous college town for centuries. It hit the map during the civil war movement when the educational institution was the center of debate over segregation. Step inside the land that is steeped in history of education, academics and student success. Residents can take in the beauty of the outdoors at the Hank Aaron Complex, or take a picnic down to Bailey Branch Park. Stay out late in the bustling downtown district. Take your family, friends or go solo for a tasty bite at one of the five star restaurants before heading out for a night of historic culture, arts or theater. No matter what your interests, there is a balance of experiences for everyone in Oxford making it one of the best college towns in America.

Tuscaloosa, AB

The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where you can holler “roll tide” along with fans at Bryant Denny Stadium. The famous university and sports city, known for celebrating 18 national football championships, is located in one of the best college towns in the United States. Heal your hunger with some hickory smoked BBQ in the heart of Alabama at one of the local restaurants in the lively and vibrant downtown or walk along the edge of the Black Warrior River located beside the University of Alabama. This college town is known for a robust history as the site of the Tuscaloosa civil right trail, an 18 stop hiking trail that will explain the rich history of the region. Mix educational with recreational when enjoying outdoor activities around the river such as kayaking, fishing and boating. Tuscaloosa is hands down one of the best college downs given its vibrant nightlife, super cool downtown venues, epic historical experiences and an academic life that is balanced in all ways. 

Knoxville, TN

The University of Tennesee and Knoxville College are located in Knoxville, a place that boasts a diverse mix of mother nature, outdoor adventure and entertaining experiences. Young professionals love the historical homes, culinary experiences seeped in the deep south and a lively area often referred to as the “Scruffy Little City.” Short commutes from Nashville and Memphis, Knoxville is the place to access coffee shops, a superb education and a vibrant nightlife. Check out the Sunsphere, a one of a kind architectural structure that can be seen across town and hike the Great Smoky Mountains during the day. An entire district dedicated to shopping, arts, museums and nightlife sits next to an urban and remote wilderness that provides a calming backdrop to a busy life between two cities. Enjoy a tailgate party with friends or grab a kayak and make a run down the river, whatever your interests are, Knoxville has something for you. One of the most dignified college towns in the United States, Knoxville is a wonderful mix of cosmopolitan life and urban adventure. 

The best college towns in the United States are known for a bustling downtown with a strong collection of arts, dance, culture, history and entertainment. These cities are famous for being some of the most recognized cities that boast prestigious educational institutions. Mixing academia with quality of life, these cities are the best college towns in all of America.