The Best College Town in the U.S.: Oxford, Ohio, Home of Miami University

Oxford, Ohio, home of Miami University, is one of the best towns for students in the U.S. It blends the sprawling Midwestern landscape with beautiful architecture, top-rate academics, a thriving sports scene and a friendly, down to earth culture.

The first thing you notice about Miami University college campus is the striking architecture. The stately red brick Georgian buildings and well- maintained lawns define it as a college campus, not a college which is scattered throughout a city. The high standard of presentation applies throughout the town of Oxford, making it one of the best towns for students who like a university to look like a university.

In U.S. News America's Best Colleges 2010, Miami University ranks eighth in the nation for best undergraduate teaching. This public school's liberal education core curriculum is complimented by over 100 specialization programs. The Fall acceptance rate is 80.4%, according to U.S. News.

Miami University has a variety of sports programs - one of the highlights is the raucous Miami University Redhawks hockey games. They are a great way to spend a blustery Fall or Winter evening on the college campus.

The Miami University population of 16,000 students means that Oxford, Ohio caters to college living. There are numerous cafes and coffee shops, restaurants, pubs and bars. Skipper's pub, located on Oxford main street has tables outside and is bustling with students. The revolving doors seem to be constantly ushering more students in and out! The main square in Oxford is a venue for concerts and events.

College living in Oxford, Ohio is flexible. There are a range of options for undergraduate and graduate students including dormitories, off-campus living, houses and apartments on the college campus. There are also sorority and fraternity residences dotted around the college campus.

The environment surrounding Oxford, Ohio is a blend of rural and cosmopolitan, making it one of the best college towns for students who like variety. Within a few miles of the college campus are huge cornfields and pastures filled with cattle. Yet, nearby, there is the vibrant city of Hamilton and the museums, galleries, scenery and restaurants of Cincinnati.

Many students who attend Miami University like the town of Oxford so much that they stay permanently after graduation - a testament to the fact that Oxford, Ohio is one of the best towns for students.