This SEC favorite just took the No. 1 spot for best college town in the South—see the rankings

School pride is just a small part of the equation for these places that effortlessly blend town and gown to create one vibrant community. Whether you’re celebrating college football with a legendary tailgate or strolling Main Street in search of delicious food and unique shopping, these college towns deliver on all fronts. These are the top 10 college towns in the South as voted by our readers.

An online survey was conducted by third-party agency Proof Insights among Southern Living consumers, asking them to rate their favorite places across the South. The survey was fielded from July 9 to September 9, 2025, and had over 17,000 respondents.

01 of 10

Oxford, Mississippi

In a state beloved for its small towns, Oxford may be its finest. Life off the University of Mississippi campus revolves heavily around the Square, where you can shop for a best-seller at longtime retailer Square Books, sit down for upscale Southern comfort food at City Grocery, or sip a cocktail from the fourth-floor balcony of the always buzzing Graduate Hotel.

02 of 10

Auburn, Alabama

This close-knit east Alabama community is known for rolling out the welcome wagon to visitors as easily as they roll Toomer’s Corner after a big Auburn Tigers football win. The longstanding practice takes place at the corner of College Street and Magnolia Avenue, where town and campus meet. Don’t be surprised if you see the giant oaks there littered with toilet paper. It’s not vandalism, it’s tradition—just like stopping into Toomer’s Drugs (located across the street) for a fresh-squeezed lemonade. Let the lemonade whet your whistle, then explore the rest of the city’s surprisingly accomplished food scene.

03 of 10

Lexington, Kentucky

The state capital often gets overshadowed by Louisville’s big-ticket events, but the University of Kentucky’s hometown makes a strong case for visitors to come through again and again. Explore horse country at the Kenneland Race Track, a National Historic Landmark, and the Kentucky Horse Park. Check off a few spots on the Bourbon Trail, starting with the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Choose a trendy stay like 21C Museum Hotel or The Manchester to round out your visit.

04 of 10

Gainesville, Florida

The Swamp is a much friendlier environment than the name suggests. The University of Florida’s sprawling campus provides plenty of opportunity to stroll under the shade of Spanish moss-laden trees. But the city’s also home to eight state parks and more than 100 miles of hiking, biking, and birding trails waiting to be explored. A lively downtown, vibrant art scene (including the university’s Harn Museum of Art), and great dining also await.

05 of 10

Clemson, South Carolina

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the edge of Lake Hartwell, Clemson (which boasts a university by the same name) offers plenty of natural beauty to admire. For a true taste of the town’s spirit, head to the iconic Esso Club, a Clemson tradition since 1933 that’s packed with purple-and-orange memorabilia. Other notable stops include the 230-acre South Carolina Botanical Garden and the student-run ’55 Exchange creamery.

06 of 10

Boone, North Carolina

A beloved mountain town that also happens to have a charming college? Sign us up. The sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains are unrivaled here. Appalachian State students and visitors from near and far spend the weekend marveling at their splendor. But increasingly, there are more things to do than just hike. The downtown bustles with businesses both old and new. Check out the 1938 Appalachian Theatre, then grab dinner and a drink at Lost Province Brewing Co.

07 of 10

Knoxville, Tennessee

Home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville has all the benefits of a big city—excellent restaurants, fine art, and lively entertainment—with plenty of small-town spirit. The outdoorsy town, just a short drive from the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, also offers plenty of places to explore its gorgeous natural surroundings, including Ijams Nature Center and Fort Dickerson Park.

08 of 10

Charleston, South Carolina

A city campus can be just as stunning as one spread out over lots of land—especially when its buildings are part of the striking historic architecture of downtown Charleston. College of Charleston students are privy to all the Holy City has to offer, from award-winning dining at places like Vern’s, Chubby Fish, and Leon’s Oyster Bar to memorable shopping to easy access to the water. There may not be a more idyllic location to get an education.

09 of 10

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

As the oldest public university in the country, it’s no surprise that the University of North Carolina is synonymous with Chapel Hill. The two are so intertwined that you can hardly walk 10 yards without seeing someone outfitted in Carolina blue, and visitors often make their first stop a campus tour. Several of the town’s top attractions, including the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center and the Ackland Art Museum, are affiliated with the university. Everyone gathers on Franklin Street, the town’s historic thoroughfare that’s full of restaurants, bars, museums, galleries, shops, and more.

10 of 10

Athens, Georgia

A perennial favorite, Athens is beloved by many for its laid-back charm and vibrant historic downtown. With well over 100 bars, restaurants, and shops, you’ll never be short of places to explore. Iconic bands like R.E.M., Indigo Girls, Widespread Panic, and The B-52’s all got their start here, so seeing live music at a historic haunt like the 40 Watt Club or the Georgia Theatre is a must. Georgia Bulldogs are quick to spread the gospel of this town’s magic, but there’s nothing like experiencing it yourself.