West Lafayette, Indiana: Best College Town in the U.S.

West Lafayette, Indiana, home to Purdue University, is the best town for college living. The university itself has first class student housing and an amazing variety of food options. The surrounding community is rich with history and with affordable dining and entertainment options. Purdue is a big place, but it is also a friendly place with something for everyone.

First, a college student has to eat. Those living on campus have dining courts with options students thirty years ago could never have imagined. Those living off campus can still find great places to eat at the Purdue Memorial Union and elsewhere on the campus. For a tasty casual dinner when parents come to town, or for a Friday night date, Arni's has been a favorite for generations. Try an Arni's Junior Salad; the "junior" is a misnomer, since this chef's salad is heaped high in the bowl and is a meal in itself. The pizza is always tasty and the atmosphere is casual and fun.

When class is done, there are many ways to unwind. Lafayette is the seat of Tippecanoe County, a rural county with a rich heritage. Ft. Ouiatenon is 3 miles southwest of West Lafayette. Every fall, re-enactors gather, along with the rest of the community, to enjoy the Feast of the Hunter's Moon, a celebration of the area's French and Native American heritage. Seven miles north of Lafayette is the Tippecanoe Battlefield, where settlers clashed with Tecumseh and The Prophet. For even more museums, Indianapolis is just about ninety minutes away from West Lafayette.

For those who enjoy music and theater, know that Purdue's lack of a music school does not mean there is no music. The Elliot Hall of Music in the center of campus is home to many quality cultural events. Student tickets are very affordable, and you can enjoy opera, drama, jazz, and much more. Be sure to get tickets as early as possible for the Purdue Musical Organizations Christmas Show, a holiday tradition for Purdue families all over the country. The shows always sell out long before showtime. The Purdue Glee Club and other PMO organizations give concerts throughout the year, both on campus and at area churches and civic events. Purdue Bands also offer a variety of music for your pleasure, in addition to the famous Purdue "All-American" Marching Band.

Finally, West Lafayette is blessed with Big Ten sports. Basketball, volleyball, and football are big events, and student tickets are reasonably priced. As a Big Ten school, Purdue plays some of the top teams in the country, so you will enjoy sports of the highest caliber. For professional sports lovers, Indianapolis has professional football (Colts) and basketball (Pacers.) Students also have access to top-quality fitness facilities on campus, including racquetball and swimming. The campus itself is a beautiful place to run or bike and has been designed to be pedestrian friendly.

Many alumni find themselves missing West Lafayette long after graduation. It speaks well of the area that so many return to visit and encourage their children to become Purdue Boilermakers as well. After all, if the children go to Purdue, that gives parents an excuse to eat at Arni's again!