32 Underrated College Towns You'll Want To Move To

26. Bellingham, Washington – Western Washington University

If you dream of living where the mountains meet the sea, Bellingham delivers. This Pacific Northwest gem is home to Western Washington University and sits between Seattle and Vancouver—but it has its own confident rhythm. Students kayak in Bellingham Bay, hike the Chuckanut Mountains, and shop downtown boutiques that balance cozy with cool. The town is known for its environmental activism, arts scene, and stellar coffee culture. Add in mild weather, ferry access to the San Juans, and endless outdoor options, and it’s no wonder many come for college—and never leave.