32 Underrated College Towns You'll Want To Move To

27. Oneonta, New York – SUNY Oneonta & Hartwick College

Perched in the foothills of the Catskills, Oneonta blends scenic beauty with vibrant campus life. With both SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College in town, the student energy is palpable—but not overwhelming. Downtown is filled with eclectic shops, indie cinemas, and cozy cafés where professors and poets might be your neighbors. Outdoor lovers can explore nearby trails, waterfalls, and state parks, while creative types will find galleries, open mics, and a strong local arts culture. Affordable housing and a walkable layout round it out. Oneonta offers a quieter, quirkier take on the college-town dream.