Kentucky City Ranks in Top 10 Small College Towns in the US

One city in Kentucky found itself high on USA Today's Reader's Choice Award for the Best Small College Town in the country.

I have spent a lot of time in Kentucky, even living in the Bluegrass State for about five years. While the state might get overlooked by many,  I don't think that Indiana is a bad place to raise a family. Aside from the weather we have here sometimes, Kentucky has a lot to offer families. Here in Kentucky, we also have a lot of places full of southern hospitality. These places are full of residents who show kindness, warmth, and are welcoming of visitors to their homes or towns.

Now, when it comes to college towns, sometimes they can get a bad rep for being too wild and loud. However, not all college towns are like that. Case in point, the Kentucky college town that was named one of the best small college towns in the United States.

Get our free mobile app

Murray, Kentucky: One of the Best Small College Towns in the US

USA Today's Reader's Choice Award for the Best Small College Town revealed 10 towns with populations of 50,000 or less. These towns have fun, youthful vibes, unexpected dining and shopping options, and plenty of cultural offerings, aside from the beautiful college campus. That's certainly the case with Murray, Kentucky. Home of Murray State University, Murray came in as the fourth-best small college town in the country.

Murray, Kentucky is a Great Community

I spent quite a few years in Murray when I attended Murray State University. It was a great time, and the town itself was so welcoming. Plus, there's plenty to see and do in the area. I have to admit, one of my favorite pizza places is located there in Murray. It's called Matt B's Pizza. You can go in there and buy pizza by the slice...oh and those cheese sticks dipped in honey butter...amazing! Murray is also a short drive from Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Land Between the Lakes.

It really doesn't come as much of a surprise to me that Murray made this list. I mean, it was once named the friendliest small town in America. I have nothing but good things to say about Murray and my time there. It's a well-deserved honor to be on this list! Here's what USA Today had to say about Murray, Kentucky:

The worlds of Murray, Kentucky, and Murray State University have been intertwined since the college opened in 1922 in the heart of town. As a quintessential college town, Murray has lots of pubs and bars, casual restaurants run by local owners, and outdoor outfitters to keep everyone enjoying the local parks which offer amenities like disc golf, a skate park, and a huge soccer complex. Non-collegiate visitors love the famed Calloway County Quilt Trail, which features more than 60 quilt patterns painted on barns, homes, and other buildings throughout the countryside.