The 10 Best College Towns In California For 2024

Believe it or not, America has the best colleges in the world. It's been proven by data (and surveys) that the U.S. educational system is of the highest quality

It's actually not even close and California is home to a handful of them.

While we could debate which colleges within the are the 'best,' that's not the goal of this post.

Instead, ride along with us as we determine which college towns in California are the best.

You know, the type of places where there's energy and stimulation, but the type of place you can walk around at night. The happiest, chillest, most downright fun places where you can send your kids off to college where you won't break the bank, or worry about their well being.

Without further ado, here are the best college towns in California for 2024.

While some of these may not seem like a 'real' college town per se, when you look at the numbers, it's hard to argue against.

And for those who live in Santa Barbara, Berkeley and Chico - we tip our hats to you and we'll schedule a tour for next week. You can see where Santa Barbara ranks in terms of the best college town in America.

Finally, if you live in Laguna Beach, CA - it's officially the worst college town in California. Sorry, Laguna Beach!

Read on to find out more or for more on California check out:

• Best Places To Live In California
• Best Counties To Live In California
• Cheapest Places To Live In California

The 10 Best College Towns In California For 2024

1. Santa Barbara, CA

Colleges: University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College, Westmont College

2. Berkeley, CA

Colleges: University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley City College, Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology

3. Chico, CA

Colleges: California State University-Chico, Marinello School of Beauty-Chico

4. Davis, CA

Colleges: University of California-Davis

5. Pasadena, CA

Colleges: Pasadena City College, Art Center College of Design, California Institute of Technology

6. Stanford, CA

Colleges: Stanford University

7. San Marcos, CA

Colleges: Palomar College, California State University-San Marcos, Palomar Institute of Cosmetology

8. Long Beach, CA

Colleges: California State University-Long Beach, Long Beach City College, John Wesley International Barber and Beauty College

9. Pomona, CA

Colleges: California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, Pomona Unified School District Adult and Career Education, North-West College-Pomona

10. Turlock, CA

Colleges: California State University-Stanislaus, Adrian's College of Beauty Turlock

There You Have It -- The Best College Towns In The

If you're looking for the best college towns in California, you came to the right place.

These places all have great college sports programs, tons of stuff to do, and are great places to raise a family.

If you're curious, these are the worst college towns in California, starting with the absolute worst, Laguna Beach:

1. Laguna Beach
2. Los Alamitos
3. Malibu
4. Emeryville
5. Vallejo
6. Burbank
7. Ontario
8. Alhambra
9. Redlands
10. Redding

For more reading, check out:

• Best Places To Buy A House In California
• Best Cities For Singles In California
• California Cities With The Largest Hispanic Population