If we loved Madison, WI and Athens, GA, where else can we find those kinds of places? (buying a home, buying)

[gimme it]

We loved both of their downtowns and vibes, but Madison is too cold and Athens has drought problems. Any other suggestions based on these two places. This is for a family with a school-aged child. On our short list we will also be checking out Bloomington, IN, Fayetteville, AK, Lawrence, KS and possibly Ft. Collins, CO and Columbia, MO. I think we ruled out Iowa City, IA due to the coldness. Much thanks.

[south-to-west]

I'm a Madison alumn so I know exactly what you're talking about. Most college towns have excellent school districts as many university faculty and employees send their kids to those schools and are very involved in their children's academics. That being said, you should check out Austin and Boulder if you want a similar atmosphere. Austin is larger with a more diverse economy, mild winters, and excellent outdoor recreation. The only downsides are the brutal summers and traffic.

Boulder has an awesome sunny and mild climate with the scenic Flat Irons literally in its backyard. Of course the recreational opportunities are endless. The only downside is that it's very expensive in regards to buying a home. BTW, I've never been to Ft. Collins, but I hear nothing but good things about it.

Good luck!

[GoCUBS1]

Ann Arbor, Michigan? It's slightly warmer than Madison. Or is that still too cold? Or, how about Urbana-Champaign, Illinois?

[STLCardsBlues1989]

Columbia's a nice town. Springfield, MO is a good town, too. But I can't comment on schools in either area. Both are seasonal.

[wickedripeplum]

Ithaca, NY, Amherst, MA (or Northampton), or Austin, TX (as previously suggested).

[radraja]

Asheville, NC! It's eclectic and artsy, but with mild mountain weather.

I also second Austin and Boulder.

[TohobitPeak]

If you look further west, check out Boise, Eugene, Spokane.

[K-Luv]

I second Asheville, NC. as well as Spokane, WA.

But,

Out of the places that you mentioned, Lawrence, KS. will probably be the best place.

[NJ Chutzpah]

State College PA is a good start home of PSU, close to Pitt, Philly, NYC

Boston is basically a college town with Harvard, BC, BU Tufts, Umass Boston, MIT

New Brunswick NJ

College Park MD

Syracuse NY

[bigdave01]

Euguene, OR
Davis, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Boulder, CO