A Southern college town best known for its powerhouse football program and spirited campus life has earned a place on Travel + Leisure’s list of the top 25 college towns in America.
According to Travel + Leisure, the best college towns are more than just campus hubs, they’re vibrant, youth-driven communities full of creativity, nightlife and natural charm.
Here’s what Southern standout is getting national attention for that.
Keep calm and Roll Tide
School spirit runs deep here, especially when football season kicks off. The social scene is fueled by dive bars, live music and laid-back eateries. With its rich tradition, Southern charm and tight-knit community, it’s no surprise Travel + Leisure named Tuscaloosa one of the top 25 college towns in America.
According to Travel + Leisure, life in this area revolves around the University of Alabama, with game days offering a top-tier college town experience.
Travel + Leisure’s top 25 college towns:
Here are the top 25 college towns according to Travel + Leisure:
- Boston, Mass.
- Oxford, Miss.
- Ann Arbor, Mich.
- Boulder, Colo.
- Austin, Texas
- Lynchburg, Va.
- Madison, Wis.
- Tuscaloosa, Ala.
- Columbia, Miss.
- Tempe, Ariz.
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Gainesville, Fla.
- Athens, Ga.
- Lawrence, Kan.
- Providence, R.I.
- Tallahassee, Fla.
- Berkeley, Calif.
- Provo, Utah
- Eugene, Ore.
- Syracuse, N.Y.
- Lincoln, Neb.
- Burlington, Vt.
- Chapel Hill, N.C.
- Hartford, Conn.
- Ithaca, N.Y.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@gannett.com.