35 College Towns That Are Ideal for Retiring Professors and Book Lovers

If your idea of paradise includes cobblestone streets lined with secondhand bookstores, candlelit cafés filled with poetry readings, and the constant hum of student debates echoing through historic courtyards—then you’re in the right place. While iconic academic cities like Oxford, Berkeley, or Heidelberg tend to dominate the spotlight, the world is filled with lesser-known college towns that offer just as much charm, culture, and intellectual spark—often at a much more affordable price. That’s why we’ve expanded our list to 35 of the most underrated college towns across the globe, each one a dream destination for lifelong learners, retiring academics, and curious travelers alike. From artsy enclaves in Latin America to peaceful European villages with centuries-old universities, these towns are havens where literature, history, and conversation are part of the everyday rhythm. Whether you’re planning your next chapter or just daydreaming with a coffee in hand, these spots prove the life of the mind doesn’t stop at graduation—it just gets better.

1. Leiden, Netherlands – A Historic Haven for Scholars

Leiden is the quintessential European university town, where centuries-old academic traditions blend seamlessly with the relaxed charm of Dutch canal life. As the home of the Netherlands’ oldest university, established in 1575, Leiden has nurtured some of history’s greatest minds, including philosophers like René Descartes and physicists such as Albert Einstein. Walking through the town, retirees will find themselves immersed in an atmosphere of scholarship and curiosity, with historic bookshops, centuries-old libraries, and a vibrant academic community still shaping the city’s cultural identity. One of the town’s highlights is the Leiden University Library, which houses an extensive collection of rare manuscripts, early printed books, and an impressive assortment of scholarly resources. For book lovers, the annual Week of the Book Festival brings together authors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts for discussions and readings. Leiden’s manageable size, excellent public transport links to Amsterdam and The Hague, and its network of cycling paths make it a peaceful yet well-connected retreat.