The Most Underrated College Towns Across America, From A to Z

55. Johnson, Vermont: Creative Roots in the Green Mountains

Anchored by Northern Vermont University and the Vermont Studio Center, Johnson is a mecca for artists, writers, and dreamers tucked deep in the Green Mountains. The town pulses with creativity—murals cover barn walls, cafes host impromptu readings, and the air feels thick with possibility. Hiking trails, ski runs, and covered bridges complete the picture-perfect landscape. But it’s the energy of the place—grounded, kind, imaginative—that stays with you. Johnson proves that art doesn’t need a metropolis to thrive—it needs intention, space, and a little Vermont magic. For those seeking inspiration with a view, it delivers.