42 Underrated College Towns You'll Want To Call Home

Lisette Marie

November 4, 2025

27. Missoula, Montana — University of Montana

Climbed to "The M" with a tripod to play with my new Canon Digital Rebel XT by taking some sunset pics of Missoula and the surrounding scenery. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Prizrak 2084

Missoula, nicknamed the “Garden City,” is a college town where outdoor adventure meets cultural vibrancy. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and three rivers, it offers unparalleled access to activities like rafting, mountain biking, and skiing. The University of Montana lies at the heart of this dynamic town, which also boasts a thriving downtown area filled with coffee shops, breweries, and live music venues. Missoula’s cultural events, such as the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival and weekly farmers' markets, create a tight-knit community perfect for students and residents alike.

BACK

(27 of 44)

42 Underrated College Towns You'll Want To Call Home

27. Missoula, Montana — University of Montana

Latest

12 Stunning Monasteries in France You’ll Fall in Love With

Gorgeous Central American Destinations That Won’t Break the Bank

Travel Mistakes You Might Be Making Without Even Realizing It

11 Famous Landmarks That Look Different Than You’d Expect

Surprisingly Affordable College Towns You Can Actually Live In

22 Wonderfully Weird Roadside Attractions You’ll Want to Pull Over For

31 Universities With Campus Views So Stunning You’ll Want to Enroll

Asian Destinations You May Not Have Heard of But Will Be Huge in 2026