West Hartford, Connecticut, has been recognized as the leading college town in the United States for 2025, according to a recent analysis by MoveBuddha. The city surpassed other notable locations, including New Haven, by showcasing an impressive ratio of people moving in compared to those leaving, alongside a lower unemployment rate.
MoveBuddha evaluated numerous college towns across America, focusing on factors such as in-to-out move ratios and unemployment rates. Their findings narrowed the list to 34 standout cities, where more residents are relocating to than departing, and fewer individuals over the age of 16 are unemployed compared to the national average. West Hartford emerged as the top choice, boasting a remarkable 2.92 inbound moves for every one outbound move and an unemployment rate approximately 12% lower than the national figure.
The city’s appeal can be attributed to its educational institutions, including the University of Hartford and St. Joseph University, as well as the Hartford campus of Connecticut State University. This recognition is particularly noteworthy as West Hartford did not appear on MoveBuddha’s list in the previous year.
Key Trends in College Town Migration
The report from MoveBuddha highlights several trends in college town migration. Two cities from South Carolina, Greenville and Beaufort, made the top ten this year, reflecting a growing interest in southern locales. In total, 44% of the top 25 booming college towns are situated in the southern United States, a region known for its welcoming atmosphere.
Notably, Asheville, North Carolina, and Saratoga Springs, New York, maintained their positions from 2024, while other towns such as Johnson City, Tennessee, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, fell off the list for 2025. Among the 34 cities identified, West Hartford’s appeal is underscored by a 21% higher move ratio than the second-ranking city, St. George, Utah.
Employment Opportunities and Housing Market Insights
For recent graduates, Oxford, Mississippi, stands out as the city offering the best opportunities for stable employment, with an exceptionally low unemployment rate of just 1.7%. This makes it a prime destination for those transitioning from academic life to the workforce.
Conversely, Abilene, Texas, offers the most affordable housing market among the college boomtowns, with an average home price of $202,484. This combination of low housing costs and favorable employment opportunities contributes to the attractiveness of these college towns for new residents.
As migration trends continue to evolve, West Hartford’s recognition as the top college town for 2025 reflects broader patterns in relocation preferences, emphasizing the importance of educational opportunities and job availability in attracting new residents.
