The United States is home to a diverse range of college towns, some of which are excellent places to live without a car.
These towns offer convenient public transit, cycling paths, and a walkable infrastructure, making it easier to navigate your way around town. Moreover, these places usually have a vibrant community atmosphere, brimming with arts, culture, and exciting local cuisine.
There is something quite liberating about walking to the local farmers market, biking to a concert, or taking the bus to a coffee shop.
In this article, we explore seven of the best U.S. college towns where you can enjoy a high quality of life without owning a car.
Top Us College Towns to Live Without A Car
1. Boulder, Colorado
Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. It’s a bike-friendly town with an excellent system of cycling paths, and the city’s public transportation is top-notch.
Downtown Pearl Street is a lively hub of restaurants, bookstores, and music venues.
Nearby colleges: The University of Colorado Boulder is the central academic institution in the town.
2. Cambridge, Massachusetts
With its rich history, bustling squares, and vibrant intellectual atmosphere, Cambridge is a great place to live without a car. The city’s public transit system, the MBTA, is one of the best in the country, and many parts of the city are very walkable.
Nearby colleges: Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are both located in Cambridge.
3. Davis, California
Davis is known as one of the most bicycle-friendly towns in the United States. The city has made a significant effort to provide bike paths throughout, making it easy to get around. There’s a strong sense of community, with regular farmers markets and festivals.
Nearby colleges: The University of California, Davis.
4. Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Chapel Hill is a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly town. The public transportation system is free for all to use, and it’s a delight to stroll around the beautiful UNC campus or the local shops and restaurants on Franklin Street.
Nearby colleges: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
5. Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is surrounded by water, with five lakes that make for fantastic spots to relax. It’s very bike-friendly and has an efficient public transit system. State Street offers a pedestrian-only thoroughfare of shops, restaurants, and coffee houses.
Nearby colleges: The University of Wisconsin-Madison.
6. Ithaca, New York
With its beautiful gorges, Ithaca is both scenic and walkable. It has a reliable public transit system, and downtown Ithaca is full of eclectic shops and restaurants.
Nearby colleges: Cornell University and Ithaca College.
7. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor boasts a vibrant downtown with dozens of bookshops, restaurants, and galleries. It’s a walkable city with an extensive bus system. The University of Michigan’s campus itself is like a small city and easy to navigate on foot.
Nearby colleges: The University of Michigan.
Conclusion
These seven towns offer all the amenities and activities that you could wish for, and you won’t need a car to access them. The combination of lively college atmosphere, excellent public transit, and a walkable layout make them ideal places to live a car-free life. So pack your bags and your bike helmet, and get ready for a new adventure in one of these incredible college towns!
