32 Underrated College Towns You'll Want To Move To

30. Spearfish, South Dakota – Black Hills State University

Spearfish feels like a secret garden tucked into the Black Hills. Home to Black Hills State University, it offers a rare combo of mountain-town beauty, affordability, and academic spirit. Students can hike from campus to waterfalls, bike through Spearfish Canyon, or catch local plays and bluegrass festivals. The downtown is compact and charming, with bookshops, breweries, and a Saturday market. Spearfish doesn’t try to be flashy—it simply offers what matters: clean air, smart people, and a sense of place that feels rooted and real.