There’s no place like Athens: Home of OHIO named best college town in Midwest, top 10 in nation

Athens, Ohio, was named a top 10 college town in the nation and the best college town in the Midwest by recent RentCafe and Poets and Quants rankings. The home of Ohio University was ranked seventh among the best U.S. college towns, according to Poets and Quants, and indisputably remains Ohio’s best college town.

Anyone who has spent time on Ohio University’s campus knows just how much Athens contributes to the college experience. The city and University have a unique synergy going back more than two centuries, and this strong bond allows students and community members alike to explore the arts, sciences, nature and all the wonderful things southeast Ohio has to offer. 

Nestled deep in the Appalachian foothills, Athens is an eclectic city with breathtaking views, a thriving local food scene and a creative energy that fuels music and the arts. The presence of Ohio University has helped shape this identity. OHIO brings together talented students, innovative faculty and great thinkers from around the world, making Athens a truly unique place.

For the unacquainted, it can be difficult to tell where campus ends and “Uptown Athens” begins—and that’s the beauty of it. As RentCafe described it in their latest best college towns in the U.S. for 2026 rankings, a wide range of academic offerings, a lively campus experience and diverse recreational opportunities in nature all contribute to Athens’ high ranking.

“[Athens is] home to Ohio University and is a community-oriented space with exciting events and creative energy,” wrote RentCafe Senior Writer Mihaela Buzec. “Athens welcomes students and the University offers a wide range of academic offerings and a lively campus experience. That’s likely why it sees a high retention rate (84%) as the University blends modern opportunities with tradition and fun.”

For this year’s rankings, RentCafe included the retention rate for each institution, which is often considered a measurement of student happiness—a metric where OHIO excels.

In Athens, young, lively vibrancy and old, beautiful brick buildings combine to form something truly singular. Not only is Athens one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and praised for its affordability, but it also offers everything you would expect in a college town, and more.

Athens is surrounded by nature and the access to opportunities for outdoor adventure are endless. Nearby Hocking Hills has become one of the most popular state parks in the country and was recently ranked the fourth best state park in the country by USA Today. Even closer to the brick streets of Athens, students and community members have easy access to the scenic Hockhocking Adena Bikeway and tranquil Strouds Run State Park for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and so much more.

If you get tired from all of that adventure, Athens is also home to a rich local food (and coffee) scene for you to rest and refuel. The southeast Ohio town is one of the nation’s first super-local food economies, with more than 140 food partners proudly committed to serving up the flavors of the region, deliciously and responsibly. Many restaurants feature local produce from within 30 miles of Athens. If that’s not enough to win you over, Athens also houses several local breweries and a year-round farmers market. 

Athens has an arts scene and a culture that well exceeds its size. Regular street festivals and concerts on the college green, open mic nights and poetry slams, science and art lectures open to the local community—take your pick! Ohio University itself boasts the historic Athena Cinema uptown, and Kennedy Museum of Art on the sprawling Ridges property. The Athens-based Dairy Barn Arts Center and Stuart’s Opera House in nearby Nelsonville add even more color.

For Bobcats who have long known how special Athens is, it’s great to know that others recognize that OHIO offers the Best College Campus in the Best College Town.

For anyone who has yet to discover Athens, come see for yourself. Plan your visit to Athens and to Ohio University.