Top 50 College Towns You'll Want To Live In From Sea To Shining Sea

31. South Bend, Indiana: Iconic Campus near Chicago

South Bend, anchored by the globally recognized University of Notre Dame, boasts an iconic campus and a strong sense of community deeply intertwined with its prestigious academic institution. The city itself has undergone significant revitalization, offering a growing arts scene and local amenities. Critically, South Bend is only a two-hour drive or train ride from Chicago, one of America's largest and most diverse cities. This proximity provides unparalleled access to world-class internships, cultural institutions, career opportunities, and global connections, significantly amplifying the appeal of South Bend's distinct collegiate environment.