These college towns in Florida are known for keeping students around long after they get their caps and gowns.
Known as the Sunshine State, Florida offers a unique blend of warm weather, diverse culture and outstanding educational opportunities. With its world-class universities and vibrant college towns, Florida is an excellent destination for students seeking a memorable college experience. In this article, we’ll explore the best college towns in Florida. Get ready to discover what makes these towns exceptional places to live, learn and create the future you desire most.
As the capital city of Florida, Tallahassee is home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University. With its rich history, bustling downtown and a strong sense of community, Tallahassee offers a unique college experience in a metropolitan setting.
Downtown Tallahassee is lively with a diverse array of restaurants, bars and shops. Foodies will appreciate the city’s culinary offerings, which range from casual eateries like Madison Social to upscale dining at 347 Grille by Coach Shula. The city also hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as the Tallahassee Downtown Market and the Winter Festival.
For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, Tallahassee’s numerous parks, including Cascades Park and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, provide opportunities for getting your steps in, soaking up the sun and absorbing the sights. The city’s location in the Florida Panhandle also means that beautiful beaches are always just a short drive away.
Home to the prestigious University of Miami, Coral Gables is a charming city with a distinctive Mediterranean flair. Known for its tree-lined streets, elegant architecture and upscale dining and shopping, Coral Gables offers students an idyllic setting for pursuing their college education.
Downtown Coral Gables is home to a variety of unique shops, galleries and restaurants, providing students with ample opportunities for dining and entertainment at the drop of a hat. The city also boasts several attractions geared specifically toward creatives, like Lowe Art Museum and Coral Gables Art Cinema, which host exhibitions, exclusive film screenings and other events throughout the year.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Coral Gables and the surrounding area. The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the nearby Biscayne Bay offer opportunities for walking, biking and water sports. The city’s proximity to Miami also means that students can easily explore the vibrant culture and nightlife that made the city world famous.
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is home to several colleges and universities, including the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and Hillsborough Community College. With its bustling downtown, rich history and stunning waterfront, Tampa offers a unique bayside college experience.
Downtown Tampa features a diverse selection of shops, restaurants and attractions, like the Tampa Theatre and the Tampa Riverwalk. The city also hosts various events throughout the year, like the Gasparilla Pirate Festival and the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival. Pirates and margaritas, does anything else really need to be said?
Tampa’s location along the shores of Tampa Bay provides numerous opportunities for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. The nearby Gulf beaches offer beautiful settings for swimming, sunbathing, boating and more. The city also boasts several parks, like Al Lopez Park and Lettuce Lake Park, which offer opportunities to enjoy the best of the great outdoors under the shining Florida sun.
Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville is a quintessential college town that offers a perfect blend of academic excellence, natural beauty and a strong sense of community. With its lively downtown, picturesque campus and numerous outdoor attractions, Gainesville provides students with everything they need and then some to get the absolute most out of their college experience.
Downtown Gainesville features a variety of shops, restaurants and bars, like the popular Bo Diddley Plaza, which hosts live music, farmers’ markets and other events throughout the year. The city is also home to several cultural attractions, like the Harn Museum of Art and the Florida Museum of Natural History, which offer enriching experiences for students and residents alike.
Gainesville’s location in North Central Florida means that students have access to numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The nearby Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park and the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens provide beautiful settings for hiking, biking and wildlife observation. The city’s extensive network of nature trails offers additional opportunities for outdoor exploration whenever the mood to reconnect with Mother Nature strikes.
Known as the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando is home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Central Florida, Rollins College and Valencia Community College. With its bustling economy, diverse cultural attractions and innovative spirit, Orlando is a city that provides students with an exciting college experience in the heart of Central Florida.
Downtown Orlando boasts a number of shops, restaurants and entertainment options, like the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Church Street District. The city also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Orlando Film Festival and the annual Downtown Food and Wine Fest.
Orlando’s location in Central Florida means that students are just a short drive away from some of the world’s most famous theme parks. The city also offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, with public parks like Lake Eola Park and Harry P. Leu Gardens providing beautiful settings for full days of fun under the shining Central Florida sun.
As an honorable mention on our list of best college towns in Florida, Boca Raton is home to Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University. This upscale coastal town located along Florida’s Gold Coast offers students a unique college experience in a picturesque and luxurious setting.
Downtown Boca Raton, known for its elegant architecture and upscale shopping, features a variety of boutiques, eateries and galleries. The city also boasts several cultural attractions, like the Boca Raton Museum of Art and the Mizner Park Amphitheater, which host exhibitions, concerts and other unique events throughout the year.
Boca Raton’s coastal location comes with numerous benefits. The city’s beautiful beaches provide idyllic settings for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and so much more. The city is also peppered with several parks, like Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and Sugar Sand Park, which are meticulously manicured and always ready to support a day of activity in the beautiful Orlando weather.
Find your favorite Florida college town
Florida is home to some of the best college towns in the United States, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural attractions and recreational opportunities.
Whether you’re drawn to Tallahassee’s capital city charm, Coral Gables’ Mediterranean elegance, Tampa’s bayside allure, Gainesville’s quintessential college town atmosphere, Orlando’s theme park-fueled excitement or Boca Raton’s coastal luxury, there’s a college town in Florida that’s perfect for you.
Source: rent.com