New Hampshire

New England has one of the best small college towns in America, according to USA Today readers

You'll find it in New Hampshire.

Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. Jim Cole / AP

A New Hampshire destination full of arts and culture just passed the test when it comes to the nation’s top small college towns.

USA Today readers named Hanover, N.H. among the 10 best small college towns in the U.S. on Friday, part of its 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The Granite State town ranked No. 7.

The towns on the list all have “fun, youthful vibes, unexpected dining and shopping options, and plenty of cultural offerings,” wrote USA Today. “Throw in a beautiful campus and some regional surprises and you have a recipe for a great vacation.”

Advertisement:

Here is what USA Today wrote about Hanover:

Home to Ivy League Dartmouth, Hanover has grown from a collection of about 20 families when the university was founded into a quintessential New England college town in New Hampshire’s Upper Valley. The town itself features a thriving arts and culture community, while easy access to the Connecticut River and White and Green Mountains make it a great base for outdoor enthusiasts.

USA Today 10Best

The No. 1 small college town in America is Oxford, Mississippi, according to USA Today, located 90 minutes outside of Memphis.

For the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards lists, USA Today travel experts select 20 nominees in topics from food to lodging, destinations to things to do. Then the publication asks readers to cast votes to determine the top 10.

Check out the list of 10 best small college towns in the U.S.

Profile image for Kristi Palma

Kristi Palma

Travel writer

 

Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.

To comment, please create a screen name in your profile

Conversation

This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com