Exploring Some of Alabama’s and Mississippi’s Top College Towns

Both Alabama and Mississippi share a profound passion for their higher education institutions. These schools significantly contribute to their respective city’s culture and atmosphere. Let’s explore some of Alabama’s and Mississippi’s top college towns. 

Oxford is a historic community in Mississippi near its border with Tennessee. This small town, home to just over 26,000, houses one of the most well-known educational institutions of the South: the University of Mississippi, better known as Ole Miss. Oxford’s population nearly doubles when the students return to school. Students and residents alike love Oxford’s low cost of living, picturesque buildings, charming eateries, and Ole Miss’s renowned sports programs.

Tuscaloosa, a large city in western Alabama, offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife destinations, as well as scenic surrounding forests and lakes. However, Tuscaloosa’s main attraction is the University of Alabama, the state’s oldest and largest public university. This prestigious school boasts a national reputation for its elite college football program, making fall in Tuscaloosa a season of non-stop excitement. Its sprawling campus features many historical buildings, and you’ll see Alabama students anywhere you go in Tuscaloosa.

Auburn is on the eastern end of Alabama. Historically renowned for its surrounding scenery, especially throughout the Tuskegee National Forest, it is rapidly emerging as a metropolitan area in a burgeoning part of Alabama. Auburn is home to Auburn University, another of Alabama’s sizable and most renowned education institutions. With more than 30,000 students, much of life in Auburn revolves around the historic school, particularly during football and basketball seasons. Students enjoy the city’s quality restaurants, lively bars, and friendly locals, many of whom are passionate supporters of all things Auburn University.

Starkville, a quiet city in Mississippi, is home to around 26,000 residents. Despite its small-town charm, Mississippi State University is the main attraction there, which brings a bustling energy to the area. Mississippi State is the largest university in the state and a significant aspect of daily life in Starkville. Passion runs high for the school’s many sports teams, particularly every fall when locals and students come together to support the school’s football program at Davis Wade Stadium. And the school’s large student population benefits from Starkville’s many attractions, which encompass a variety of bars, eateries, and student amenities.