Maybe your job has required you to re-locate, or you are considering moving to a college town for another reason. Regardless, there are some things you should be aware of before you commit to your move.
It’s Younger
While you may welcome this fact, just be aware that many of the hot-spots and taverns will be filled with students, and you may have to look away from the university area for your favorite—and quiet—corner pub.
Cost of Living Can Be Lower
Students, contrary to many popular beliefs, do not necessarily come from wealthy families that provide them with lots of disposable income.
Therefore, you are likely to find many stores and shops that are competing for those student dollars and subsequently offer deals and cheaper goods.
Also, since many university attendees like healthy food, you will find many outlets for cleaner and lower calorie cuisine. Any new foodie trends tend to reach college campuses early, so you will also be the beneficiary of that.
Culture
If you like film festivals, theatrical productions and concerts, a college town may be just the thing for you as you can take advantage of the many cultural events that are regularly held on campus.
Apartment Rents
If you plan on living close to a college campus, for example, in a city like Eugene, Oregon, you will find higher rents. Landlords that rent to students have formulas, and, if municipal regulations allow, they will charge substantial rent for a four-bedroom apartment, for example, and they may even require a separate lease for each inhabitant. Since students rarely purchase homes during their tenure at school, home prices won’t be affected this way.
Traffic
A sleepy college town may not have much traffic, but a booming city like Austin, TX features daily gridlock when students are in town. There is a noticeable difference in traffic congestion during holidays and summers when students return home.
Sports
If you like high-quality big-time college sports, you’ll be happy if you move to a Big 10 or Big 12 university town. The excitement and aura of a late fall football game with over 80,000 fans in attendance just can’t be beat.
Diversity
University towns and cities are some of the most diverse places in the country. You’ll meet people from all over the world and witness a general tolerance for all kinds of residents.
Back to School
Whether you want to go back to school to get a better job, bought your first home in a small college town, or even if you just want to audit a few classes, there’s nothing like being able to do this at an institution that’s only a few minutes from home. Others may have to take online classes, but you will have the real thing in your own backyard.
As you can see, if you like being around a young and dynamic crowd, if you like diversity and culture, and even if you’re just a college sports fanatic, a university town may be just the place for you!
Sam Radbil, Contributor
Sam Radbil is the lead writer for ABODO Apartments, an online real estate and apartments marketplace with available apartments from Eugene, Oregon to New York City. Their research and writing has been featured nationally in Curbed, Forbes, Realtor.com, HousingWire and more.