Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and thrilling outdoor activities, Utah is also home to some of the top college towns in the country.
The Utah college towns featured in this article are nestled amid stunning natural settings and offer a unique blend of culture, recreation and unparalleled academic prowess. In this article, we’ll explore the best college towns in Utah: Provo, Logan, Salt Lake City, Orem, Ogden, Cedar City and St. George. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to head out on an adventure through seven of the best college towns in Utah.
Let’s begin with Provo, a lively city that is home to Brigham Young University. Known for its strong sense of community and emphasis on family values, Provo offers a nurturing environment for students seeking personal growth and academic rigor in a downright stunning setting.
The city is brimming with opportunities for outdoorsy types. From hiking in the nearby Wasatch Mountains to exploring the Provo River Parkway, students here seldom run out of ways to stay active and engaged with nature. Moreover, Provo’s charming downtown area features a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options, making it an attractive destination for students and lifetime locals alike.
Next up is Logan, nestled in the heart of the Cache Valley and home to Utah State University. This picturesque college town is renowned for its small-town charm and tight-knit community, making it an ideal setting for students seeking a more intimate college experience.
Logan’s Main Street is lined with local businesses, boutiques and restaurants. This lively area fosters a vibrant atmosphere that promotes socialization and relaxation after a long day of classes. For those who love the great outdoors, Logan is a gateway to countless hiking, biking and skiing options, thanks to its close proximity to the nearby Bear River Mountains and Logan Canyon.
As the bustling capital of Utah, Salt Lake City serves as an exciting college town for students attending the University of Utah. With a rich culture, wealth of entertainment options and thriving local economy, Salt Lake City offers an enticing combination of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
The downtown area boasts a myriad of attractions, including Sugar House Park, Quarters Arcade Bar and Gilgal Sculpture Garden, just to name a few. Students can also indulge in the city’s thriving arts scene, which encompasses everything from ballet and symphony performances to contemporary art galleries and live music venues.
Located just north of Provo, Orem is home to Utah Valley University. Orem has earned a reputation as a family-friendly city that serves as a safe and nurturing environment for students, young families and retirees alike. With its suburban atmosphere and convenient access to numerous parks, Orem provides ample opportunities for leisure and relaxation after a busy day hitting the books.
The city also offers a wealth of cultural and recreational activities, like the annual Orem Summerfest and the SCERA Center for the Arts, where students can enjoy live performances, art exhibits and indie film screenings. Additionally, Orem’s close proximity to Provo means that students can easily take advantage of the attractions found in its neighboring college town as well.
Situated at the foot of the majestic Wasatch Mountains, Ogden is home to Weber State University. This historic city is steeped in a rich culture that can be seen in its beautifully preserved 25th Street Historic District. Ogden is home to a thriving downtown area, featuring a variety of restaurants, shops and galleries that cater to the diverse tastes of its student population.
The city is also a haven for outdoor adventurers, with easy access to pristine skiing, snowboarding and hiking opportunities in the nearby mountains. Additionally, Ogden is surprisingly artsy, with events such as the annual Ogden Arts Festival and the monthly First Friday Art Stroll attracting students and locals alike.
Affectionately known as ‘Festival City USA,’ Cedar City is home to Southern Utah University. This charming college town has a lively atmosphere, thanks to its numerous festivals and events that take place throughout the year. The renowned Utah Shakespeare Festival, held annually on the SUU campus, attracts thousands of visitors and provides students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of theater.
Cedar City also serves as a gateway to some of Utah’s most stunning natural attractions, including Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park, making it an ideal destination for students who love to explore the great outdoors without traveling too far from home.
Located in the southwestern corner of the state, St. George is home to Utah Tech University. This sunny city is known for its pleasant climate and stunning red rock landscapes, providing an idyllic backdrop for the university’s picturesque campus.
The vibrant downtown area offers a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options, while the city’s close proximity to numerous state and national parks provides more than enough opportunities for outdoor adventure at the drop of a hat.
Your new apartment awaits in a Utah college town
Utah boasts an impressive array of college towns, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural richness and natural resources. From the bustling streets of Salt Lake City to the charming small-town atmosphere of Logan, there’s a college town in Utah that’s perfect for every type of student.
Whether you’re an aspiring artist, an outdoor enthusiast or simply someone in search of a tight-knit community, consider embarking on a tour of the best college towns in Utah to find the perfect place to call your academic home.
Source: rent.com