Every year around this time, I daydream about going to my favorite college town, Columbus, OH to root for the Ohio State Buckeyes. I spent a few years growing up just outside Columbus and the fanfare surrounding Buckeye football has stuck with me (although this year’s a bit tougher than usual). There is something about the changing leaves, football rivalries and general fall season that makes me wish I was in the middle of it all. This is also the time of year that we start preparing for the Coldwell Banker College Home Listing Report (being released in mid-November) which ranks college towns in affordability, and highlights the top 10 most expensive and most affordable.
To gear up for our report, we wanted to do something a little different and recognize the college towns that don’t necessarily make the “top 10” list in price, but are still wonderful places to buy a home. So, in the spirit of rankings and college town pride, Coldwell Banker is launching its first “College Town Superlatives.” Coldwell Banker agents and brokers helped whittle down the list nominating their favorite college towns for the categories of “Most Creative,” “Most Photogenic,” and “Best Dressed,” and now you (and all your friends, fellow alumni and / or residents) can vote for your favorite!
Which college town do you think should take home the title of “Most Creative,” “Most Photogenic,” and “Best Dressed?” Don’t forget to vote today and every day until November 7 and share with your friends and family! Check back here on November 15, to see the winning superlative towns and the full 2011 College Home Listing Report!
VOTE NOW: http://hlr.coldwellbanker.com
Here is a description about each category and the schools that made it to the voting round:
Most Creative – Universities are often recognized for their athletic teams and school spirit, but college towns offer much more than just football games and pep rallies. The following three college towns are known for their culture of art festivals and awe-inspiring museums: Evanston, IL (Northwestern University), Gainesville, FL (University of Florida) and Madison, WI (University of Wisconsin).
Most Photogenic – One of the most alluring aspects of college towns is the beauty of its campus and its surrounding towns and areas. These three towns not only have beautiful campuses, but also picturesque surroundings: Athens, GA (University of Georgia), Boulder, CO (University of Colorado) and Charlottesville,VA (University of Virginia).
Best Dressed – The spirit in college towns is unmatched. Whether for a football game, holiday or just because, these three towns are known for going all out and decorating themselves – and their homes in the spirit of celebration: Columbus, OH (Ohio State University), Knoxville, TN (University of Tennessee) and State College, PA (Penn State University).
This is a joke! Have any of you even been west of the Rockies? Let’s start with HSU, that’s right, Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA. Natural beauty? View of the Pacific Ocean from campus while you are snuggled in the redwoods. Creativity, etc. Then let’s go to UC San Diego or Santa Cruz or Santa Barbara, you get the idea.
The California State University at Chico is probably the most beautiful campus I have ever seen. The gorgeous red brick buildings, and the creek running through campus make it a sight to behold. It has redwoods on campus, and is adjacent to Bidwell Park. Just beautiful.