Top College Towns in the Austin-San Antonio Area

The Austin-San Antonio area has several renowned universities that rank among the best in Texas. Each of these institutions is deeply rooted in a community where they wield significant influence. These college towns maintain a strong bond with their schools, attracting numerous students who choose to call them home each year. Let’s explore some of the top college towns in the Austin-San Antonio area.

Georgetown is a Central Texas community just a short drive from Austin. Famous for its historic architecture and gorgeous surrounding nature, this pleasant and rapidly growing suburb is home to Southwestern University. Southwestern University is a prestigious private liberal arts school, with a small student population, just a short drive from downtown Georgetown. Its campus is immaculately manicured and comprises enormous buildings overlooking the city. 

Waco, home to around 140,000 residents, has a classic Texan ambiance with a charming and historic downtown and plenty of delicious restaurants. Baylor University has long been one of the defining aspects of the city. This significant educational institution has a student population exceeding 20,000. And its sprawling campus, situated alongside the Brazos River, is just minutes from downtown. Waco residents love to cheer on the Baylor Bears, who have consistently excelled in both basketball and football. Their accomplishments reached a pinnacle with a championship victory in the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament in 2021.

The scenic city of San Marcos occupies an ideal location between Austin and San Antonio. With a fascinating history and a growing population, the city is most renowned as the home of Texas State University, a massive school with a student population exceeding 38,000. The area surrounding the campus is the city’s busiest, with many bars, restaurants, and cafes. San Marcos has a vibrant college-town feel, and many residents visit the university to support the school’s athletic programs or stroll along the immaculate campus.

Austin stands as one of Texas’s largest cities and a bustling hub. Renowned for its diverse food scene, thriving music and entertainment industries, and its position as an emerging tech center, the city boasts a multifaceted appeal. Austin maintains strong ties to the world-famous University of Texas at Austin, the state’s flagship university known for its legendary football program. Widely considered one of the premier public universities in the country, this prestigious institution has a history dating back to 1883 and more than 52,000 students.