26 College Towns That Feel Like Mini Versions of Major Cities

9. Austin, Texas – A College Town That Grew Into a Metropolis

Although Austin is now a major city, it still retains the vibrant, college-town energy that helped define it. Home to the University of Texas, Austin’s live music scene, booming tech industry, and youthful creative culture make it one of the most exciting urban centers in the U.S. In many ways, it’s the ultimate college town—one that just happened to grow into a major cultural and economic powerhouse.