NEW: These are the 7 best college towns in Alabama according to World Atlas—find out who made the list

It’s back-to-school season, which means dorm move-ins for freshman, campus tours for high school seniors and nostalgic football games for alumni.

Just in time for this exciting season, World Atlas has named the seven best college towns in Alabama. Keep reading to see who made the list.

Jacksonville

Tucked in Calhoun County, Alabama, Jacksonville is home to Jacksonville State University—which just got a new name and logo earlier this year.

While Jacksonville is the smallest college town to make the list, it’s definitely worth a visit (and a college tour!). With a cute, historic downtown—that includes a new self-serve draft house—Jacksonville is one of the best spots in the state to go to college.

Birmingham

Home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Samford University, Miles College and Birmingham Southern, Birmingham, Alabama, definitely deserves its spot on the list. Notably, UAB’s top-notch medical programs have made a big impact on the Birmingham area.

But the actual campuses aren’t the only reason why Birmingham is a great college town. It’s filled with culture, great food, outdoor activities and more to keep students fulfilled in their four years and beyond.

Tuscaloosa

This one might just be the most obvious on the list. Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a college town to its core—so it’s no wonder it made World Atlas’s radar.

Of course, the University of Alabama is the centerpiece of this college town (and more specifically, Crimson Tide football), but good eats, parks + events round out the Tuscaloosa experience.

Auburn

Another clear pick is Auburn, Alabama. The University of Alabama’s rival, the Auburn Tigers make the city worthy of the moniker, “Loveliest Village on the Plains.”

If you think the University is all that Auburn has to offer, think again. This city, with Opelika as its next-door neighbor, is full of fun things to do like Food Truck Fridays, wine nights + more. Another next-door neighbor down I-65 is Tuskegee University, home of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver.

Huntsville

As a Huntsville native, I can attest to the fact that Huntsville’s presence as a college town is growing. While UAH is the largest university in town, spots like Alabama A&M, Oakwood University, J.F. Drake State and Calhoun Community College bring lots of students to Huntsville.

Known as the “Rocket City,” Huntsville has huge opportunities for students coming out of college, too. With tech and engineering jobs galore, Huntsville is a great place to jump-start a career in college. Plus, it’s a booming city with lots of fun spots to explore—check out hvilleblast.com for all the scoop.

Mobile

On the other end of the state is another growing college town, Mobile. In fact, it’s now the second-largest city in the state.

Headlining the college scene in this city is the University of South Alabama, which celebrated its 60th birthday this year. The “Flagship of the Gulf Coast,” this university is surrounded by culture, history and plenty of events to enjoy. Spring Hill College and Mobile College are also a big part of making Mobile a “college town.”

Troy

Troy, Alabama, located between Montgomery and the coast, is another Alabama college town that caught World Atlas’s attention—and for good reason.

Sharing the name of its city, Troy University is the centerpiece of the Southeast Alabama town. With 9 programs recognized as among the nation’s best, Troy is clearly a good choice for academics. Its historic, charming setting earns it more points in the college town search.

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