Two Alabama cities selected in top 3 of USA Today’s 10Best Small College Towns
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Last month, we told you about two Alabama towns being nominated for USA Today’s annual 10Best awards + both communities responded in waves.
You showed up for the two small college towns and the proof is in the final results.
The City of Florence, home to the University of North Alabama, finished at the No. 1 spot in the rankings while the City of Jacksonville ranked No. 3. Our state was the only state to have two cities make the top 10.
Keep reading to see why both cities made the list + check out the complete list of USA Today’s 10Best Small College Towns.
1. Florence—University of North Alabama
Florence is home to the University of North Alabama, the oldest four-year public university in the state. But the appeal goes beyond the campus.
“Florence is a small town with a large presence. Part of the area known as The Shoals — Florence, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals — music has been central to the area since the 1960s, when legendary studios like FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound began recording some of the world’s biggest hit songs. Today, you can find live music every night in The Shoals, and the university’s entertainment program has been a forerunner in educating generations of musicians and industry professionals.”
USA Today 10Best
Planning a trip to Florence sometime soon? Here’s a list of some of our recent stories featuring the city, UNA + the Shoals area:
- A tradition that shines: UNA’s annual Light The Fountain event
- ShoalsFest returning to McFarland Park—See full lineup + ticket information
- Florence’s GunRunner Boutique Hotel named best Boutique Hotel by USA Today
- Alabama’s oldest river bridge, The Old Railroad Bridge in Sheffield
3. Jacksonville—Jacksonville State University
The city has plenty of history behind it but Jacksonville is making more noise because of the growth it has made. And Jax State is a big reason for that.
“Since 1883, Jacksonville, Alabama, has been the home of Jacksonville State University. Situated near the Appalachian Mountains, it’s known as the “Gem of the Hills.” Visitors love riding Alabama’s first rails-to-trails bike path known as the Chief Ladiga Trail that wends through town, and birders find much to admire along the North Alabama Birding Trail. Jacksonville’s theater scene is also a big draw in this college town, with productions at both the university and the Community Actors Studio Theatre.”
USA Today 10Best
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