In the beautiful state of North Carolina, there is much debate on the best of this or that. North Carolinians love their spirited discussions over Eastern or Western BBQ, a mountain versus a beach weekend getaway, or the most pleasing shade of blue. The state is full of communities that draw visitors and new citizens with unparalleled living conditions. And colleges can be found in our bustling metropolitan cities, as well as our picturesque burgs.
So when it comes to talk about the best college town, everyone has their favorite. But do they have solid criteria to back up their claims? It takes more than a vibe to attract new college students to a particular campus and convince graduates to stick around after graduation. And by the following standards, Greensboro is the front runner!
Right Here, Right Now
For new students looking at in-state colleges, Greensboro is a draw for its central location in the state. UNC Greensboro (UNCG) is a 3-hour drive from almost anyone’s North Carolina hometown. Not only is it easy to get to the beach or the mountains for a getaway, but residents can travel to Charlotte or Research Triangle Park within a couple of hours, and Washington, DC or Atlanta in a half-day train or road trip.
Get away if you must, but making Greensboro home – for four years or forever – just feels right. Greensboro residents and UNCG students love its Goldilocks appeal: not too big and not too small, but just right. It’s a walkable city, committed to its parks and Greenway paths, with convenient mass transit and little to no traffic.
CHARACTER AND SOCIAL SCENE
UNCG is situated in the middle of some of Greensboro’s oldest yet constantly revitalized neighborhoods. There’s a character about the residential areas, shops, and businesses surrounding the University that comes with age and care. It stretches from campus to downtown, where students can walk or bike through the residential streets that connect them.
Seniors, young families and students live side-by-side and they like it that way. Drive by manicured lawns next door to funky yard art, and hear soft music from backyards and front porches. It’s a friendly way of living that brings art into everyday Greensboro life, while keeping the streets safe and never boring.
College students – from UNCG and four other colleges located in Greensboro – bring a progressive attitude that has characterized this city since the days of the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-ins: an accepting and welcoming place for all.
Similarly varied are our eclectic locally-owned restaurants: fine dining restaurants, popular breakfast counters, burger joints, and bars tempt a range of palates at a range of price points. Sip a beer and listen to live music in a renovated historic home on Gate City boulevard at Oden Brewing Co., or meet friends at Boxcar Arcade downtown to play video games.
Vibrant Arts and Rich History
For a city of Greensboro’s size, it maximizes its arts and culture. The Guilford Courthouse National Military Park and the International Civil Rights Museum honors its history. The Weatherspoon Art Museum exhibits works from world-renowned artists both near and far. Musicians and theater productions fill the Tanger Center, UNCG performance halls, Greensboro Coliseum, and the Carolina Theater. And the city hosts the NC Folk Festival each year. What’s a college town without a good music festival?
As for team spirit, catch the UNCG Spartans soccer, basketball, tennis, baseball, and softball teams battle conference rivals on campus. In addition, the Greensboro Coliseum hosts collegiate basketball tournament action and arena football, and the Greensboro Grasshoppers play baseball April through September at their downtown ballpark.
In Greensboro, you can catch a concert from a big-name singer on tour, see an up-and-coming artist in a small venue, or get a last-minute ticket for the game that everyone will be talking about tomorrow. Furthermore, athletics, music, arts and history extends down to the recreational and hobbyist level, which enriches the activity and culture throughout Greensboro and draws students to our college town.
Thriving Business District
An oft-overlooked criteria when sizing up college towns is the economic landscape. Many colleges fall into two categories – universities in major metropolitan areas or liberal arts schools in quaint, small towns. In Greensboro, UNCG is a little of both, and students can take advantage of large and small business opportunities right in their backyard.
Even before graduation, students are getting hands-on experience. Some work part-time jobs like serving at Quaintance-Weaver restaurants and hotels, complete internships or research projects on campus, or work for local businesses. After graduation, many students opt to stay in Greensboro to take advantage of career opportunities.
UNCG’s Bryan School of Business prepares students for employers such as Lincoln Financial, Volvo, and VF Corporation. The School of Nursing graduates are key healthcare providers at Moses Cone Hospital. And many School of Education grads stay in Greensboro to teach in Guilford County Schools and the surrounding systems.
Those who prefer a small business work environment find creative service, computer science and technology, and entrepreneurial careers in Greensboro’s successful start-ups and local shops.
Picturesque, Easy Living
Perhaps the most universal measure of a college town is its beauty. Lush lawns with mature trees are lined with brick pathways throughout UNCG’s campus. Historic brick buildings mix with modern structures in a way that comforts students and buzzes with higher learning.
Many folks, even those who think they know Greensboro inside and out, are surprised when they discover a beautiful campus tucked inside the city. UNCG consistently earns a Tree Campus USA designation by the Arbor Day Foundation each year. Keeping the campus naturally beautiful, as the college grows with the city, is a priority.
There’s a protection for nature and dedication to sustainability in Greensboro. There’s a comfortable cost of living. There’s a friendly and welcoming ambiance. There’s a balance of progress and history that comes from a mutual respect between institutions of business and education – and the people who live and work together to manage them.
These are principles that define college towns. They are also the reasons that students come to UNCG and stay to raise families here after they graduate. For many, Greensboro becomes North Carolina’s best college town upon their very first visit. Come see for yourself!
Postscript: Our State magazine visited recently and they agree. If you need more ideas of how to enjoy a beautiful day in NC’s best college town, check out their recent article – A Spring Day in Greensboro.
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications, unless otherwise noted.
