Fayetteville Named No. 4 Among Nation's Best College Towns

Fayetteville Named No. 4 Among Nation's Best College Towns
Graphic by Charlie Alison

Livability.com has rated Fayetteville among its top 10 best college towns in its annual ranking.

"Fayetteville’s southern charm, modern arts scene and innovative business schemes create a place that draws young families who crave a unique yet traditional small-town vibe," Livability.com wrote. "The University of Arkansas provides a base for the local economy that continues to grow as the college expands its programs and companies move in to take advantage of the school's research facilities. Breathtaking natural attractions like the Ozark Mountains provide an abundance of outdoor activities, and areas like Dickson Street offer entertainment options."

Livability.com's editors used a play-off approach to choosing this year's list, breaking things up by conferences and grouping cities according to how their colleges are divided by the Football Bowl Subdivision. So the U of A is also the only Southeast Conference town in the rankings. In fact, the next nearest college town on the list, geographically, is at least than 400 miles away.

They then calculated livability aspects but skewed the list toward measuring the impact that colleges and universities have on their respective cities and what makes life better for college-aged people. Affordability, high walkability, concentrations of degree-holding residents and population of residents 25-34 were among their criteria. They also checked the recreational opportunities, cultural amenities and entertainment opportunities in each town.

"If you look at our overall Top 100 Best Places to Live list, you'll see many college towns at or near the top of the ranking," said Matt Carmichael, editor of Livability.com. "That's no coincidence. For a mid-sized city, having a college or university in town can help move a place from being a good place to live to a great place to live.”

The other top 10 included:

  1. Ames, Iowa
  2. Logan, Utah
  3. Oxford, Ohio
  4. Fayetteville, Arkansas
  5. Tempe, Arizona
  6. Charlottesville, Virginia
  7. Champaign, Illinois
  8. Moscow, Idaho
  9. South Bend, Indiana
  10. Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Contacts

Charlie Alison, executive editor
University Relations
479-575-6731, calison@uark.edu

Headlines

The World as a Classroom: The Executive M.B.A. Program at U of A

The program, offered through the Sam M. Walton College of Business, blends online learning with face-to-face interaction and applied studies in a real-time international immersion trip.

Keri Blakinger, Author of 'Corrections in Ink,' to Speak at Fayetteville Public Library April 22

Blakinger, an award-winning journalist now at the Los Angeles Times, will talk about her memoir and her work as a reporter at 6 p.m. April 22 at the Fayetteville Public Library's Walker Community Room.

Visit With University Libraries and Pat Walker Health Center's Medical Services at Carnival Today

Employees are invited to meet fellow workers from units across campus including the University Libraries and the Pat Walker Health Center at today's Making Your Day Work Carnival at the Arkansas Union.

Farewell Reception April 3 for Fulbright College's Lisa Summerford

The campus community is invited to celebrate Summerford's achievements and to wish her well during a drop-in retirement reception from 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, in the Fulbright College Dean's Office in Old Main 523.

Rachel McGathy Retiring After 25 Years

There will be a reception to celebrate McGathy's retirement from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, March 29, in the downstairs breakroom at Uptown East.

News Daily