4. Amherst, Massachusetts
Amherst is one of those quintessential New England college towns that is bursting with scenic and scholarly heritage. Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost and Noah Webster all lived here at some point. It is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. A handful of other reputable academic institutions are located nearby. It has small town charm but still bustles with urban amenities that students crave. When you’re not in class, you can hike the Seven Sisters in the Mt Holyoke Mountain Range, ski at Sugarloaf or swim at Puffers Pond. The fall foliage display makes autumn a particularly pleasant time to be here.
