State College, Pennsylvania, home to Penn State University, was ranked the best small college town in America as of 2026 by USA Today’s 10 Best readers. With the town’s population being under 50,000, most being college students, it was recognized for being lively on its campus and noted for having an incredibly diverse and culinary scene, and with all of that blended in with its local charm, no other small town should be worthy of that title.
Some people don’t like the small town aesthetic; they would much rather live in a more extravagant and well-known city or state, because they believe that they would have more fun there, but there are a lot of pros to living in a small town like State College, one being the fact that there is a very strong sense of community in the town.
“I feel like the people make State College feel like a small town. The fact that the students make up so much of the population and most of them leave for the summer really isolates the town and makes it feel smaller than it actually is. This mainly happens during seasons like summer,” sophomore Everett Klinger said.
In small towns like State College, many people actually tend to know each other. This alone creates a deeper sense of belonging that you don’t normally have in big cities like New York City. The city is so big that you rarely see someone you know. No matter how many times you come across someone, you will most likely not remember them, but in towns as close and compact as State College, you are somewhat forced to remember people.
Another thing that makes living in small towns like State College is the fact that life is just so much easier. Way less traffic, shorter lines, simpler communities, and a smoother routine. In a place like State College, you can get across town quickly, which often reduces stress and gives people more time to do whatever they want.
“Not a lot of people agree with this but I feel like a lot of things are really close, because the small stuff to do is usually in certain areas, so it[s] easy to go from place to place, because you don’t really have to drive far, where as in big cities its kinda like a 30 minute drive to go to the place you want to,” sophomore Sarah Zembower said.
State College feels more personal and walkable; you will run into more familiar faces, businesses, and downtown feels more connected. But it does not remain silent, stagnant, or boring. Penn State brings constant activity, events, and sports that keep you excited, engaged, and on your toes.
One of State College’s biggest advantages is its location. You are constantly surrounded by forests, trees, and mountains. Within minutes, you can go from being in the loud bustling city to the quiet woods, where you can fulfill multiple recreational activities like hiking, biking, or scenic drives.
“Yeah, I feel safe living here, never really had a problem while living here, it is a pretty safe place I feel like, the biggest thing here is drunk students driving or DUIs, but other than that I don’t feel like there is much violent crimes, yeah I feel safe,” sophomore Jamie Haloua said.
In smaller populations, there normally tends to be lower crime rates and a greater sense of security in the community. Even if people don’t know everyone, there is an unusual sense of trust between most people; there is a somewhat shared awareness that everyone shares in the community. Places with steady traffic often mean that people tend to feel a little bit safer, and because there are so few people in this town, people tend to notice unusual things more quickly than others.
State College’s recognition as the number one small town isn’t really a big surprise for those who live in the town, because they are the only ones who truly recognize its beauty. Its strong sense of community, lively culture, and balance between college and town experiences make it truly a special place. Whether you are a student or a lifelong resident, State College leaves a longer-lasting impact than other small towns; it is much more than a place on a map, it is a home.
