32 Underrated College Towns You'll Want To Move To

19. Arcata, California – Cal Poly Humboldt

If your idea of a great college town involves towering redwoods, crunchy co-ops, and a slow coastal rhythm, Arcata is your place. Cal Poly Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State) anchors this Northern California enclave, where environmental science meets back-to-the-land ethos. Students live close to nature—both literally and philosophically—surrounded by foggy mornings, forest trails, and a fiercely eco-conscious community. Arcata Plaza buzzes with street musicians and local farmers, while the Pacific coast is just minutes away. It’s not flashy, but for those who value sustainability, creativity, and a distinctly Northern California identity, Arcata delivers soul and substance.