45 Underrated Religious College Towns Across America You'll Fall in Love With

37. Ypsilanti, Michigan: Spirit, Service, and Small-Town Grit

While often overshadowed by nearby Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti holds its own as a pocket of progressive spirituality and religious education. It’s home to the historic parish of St. John the Baptist and several seminaries rooted in diverse Christian traditions. Eastern Michigan University brings youthful energy, while local churches—some over a century old—anchor the community in social service and reflection. Ypsi’s murals, music, and markets sit comfortably alongside sanctuaries and prayer groups. The blend of working-class grit, academic curiosity, and spiritual humility creates a town where belief isn’t flashy—it’s steady, lived, and often quietly radical in its compassion.