The Best Small College Towns in Texas
The Best Small College Towns in Texas
When choosing a college, it’s not just the degree program that matters. The location where you study can shape your daily routine, how much money you spend, and what kind of community surrounds you. Whether you’re heading into your first year of college or helping a family member relocate, understanding the different small college towns in Texas can help you make a more informed decision. These towns include a mix of small cities, walkable downtowns, and local traditions that appeal to students and families alike.
At Firehouse Movers, we’ve seen firsthand what makes a town feel like home. As a licensed and firefighter-owned company, we provide reliable Texas moving services to help students and families settle into these places comfortably. Whether you’re moving to a university apartment or relocating your entire household, we’re here to help you get where you need to be.
How We Help Texans Move to College Towns
With our headquarters in Lewisville, we’re ideally located to serve college towns throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area and across the state. If you’re heading to school nearby or several hours away, Firehouse Movers can support your move with:
- Texas local movers for students moving from nearby suburbs or cities
- Texas long-distance movers for those relocating from across the state or country
- Texas residential movers for families making a more permanent move to college-centered towns
Our crews handle apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes with care and efficiency, so you can focus on settling into your new surroundings.
What Makes a Great Texas College Town?
With so many college locations in Texas spread across both cities and rural areas, students and families have a wide range of housing and lifestyle options to consider before moving. Not every college is located in a major city, and that’s often a good thing. Students and their families are looking for Texas towns that offer affordability, proximity to campus, and everyday essentials like groceries, cafes, and basic healthcare. A great college town isn’t about size. It’s about whether it offers enough to meet your needs without draining your budget.
Most students want to be within walking or biking distance of their college campus, and families often look for safe streets, local businesses, and areas where housing is available without a long commute. For some, being close to nature or a community that hosts regular events adds to the appeal. Of course, challenges exist too, housing near campus can be competitive, and jobs in student-heavy areas may be limited depending on the time of year. Planning ahead is key.
The Best College Towns in Texas for Small-Town Life
Many of the most affordable and accessible campuses are located in small towns in Texas, where lower costs and slower pace attract both students and families seeking a more manageable living.
College Station – Texas A&M University
Located in East-Central Texas, College Station is home to Texas A&M University, one of the state’s largest schools. The city is organized around student life, with multiple housing zones catering to undergrads, grad students, and faculty. The local economy and social calendar revolve around school events, including sports, research conferences, and alumni weekends. Housing is available at a range of price points, but demand near campus increases during peak enrollment seasons.
San Marcos – Texas State University
Positioned between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos attracts students who want access to both city life and the outdoors. Texas State University dominates the local landscape, and the nearby San Marcos River is a regular hangout spot for tubing, kayaking, and group outings. Student housing is spread throughout the area, and early leasing is common. The town supports a steady rental market thanks to its growing population and year-round school activity.
Denton – University of North Texas & Texas Woman’s University
Home to both the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, Denton offers a mix of local culture and academic focus. The town center has walkable shops and restaurants, while nearby neighborhoods provide a range of rental options. If you’re moving from a larger metro like Dallas, expect a slower pace and a tight housing market close to campus. Denton’s music scene and festival calendar offer something to do year-round.
Lubbock – Texas Tech University
In the northwest part of the state, Lubbock is home to Texas Tech University. The area offers a lower cost of living compared to many other small college towns in Texas, and students benefit from relatively easy access to housing, even during the academic year. While it’s further from major Texas cities, Lubbock supports its student population with restaurants, shopping centers, and outdoor attractions. The community maintains a steady year-round population, which can be helpful for students staying through summer terms.
Waco – Baylor University
Situated along the Brazos River, Waco is home to Baylor University. This mid-size town offers an affordable rental market and access to family-friendly amenities like local museums and parks. Students attending this flagship college in Waco, Texas will find everything they need within a short drive, including groceries, public transportation, and coffee shops for study sessions. The city has also seen an increase in post-college residents who stay for work or graduate programs.
Huntsville – Sam Houston State University
In East Texas, Huntsville is the base of Sam Houston State University. The area is surrounded by natural parks, making it a practical choice for students who enjoy outdoor activities when not in class. Housing prices remain low relative to most other Texas college towns, and families moving in will appreciate the calm pace and basic infrastructure. While small, the town has just enough to support college living without requiring frequent trips elsewhere.
Nacogdoches – Stephen F. Austin State University
Often listed among the oldest towns in Texas, Nacogdoches is home to Stephen F. Austin State University. The area has a modest rental market and limited job availability for students, but its walkability and local support for campus events make it a solid choice for students focused on academics. Those relocating here will find a straightforward move-in process and little of the congestion seen in larger cities.
Commerce – Texas A&M University – Commerce
East of Dallas, Commerce hosts Texas A&M University – Commerce, a smaller extension of the A&M system. The town provides basic amenities and consistent student housing, making it accessible for both new and returning students. It’s a good option for those looking for a quieter setting without the distractions that often come with bigger towns.
Stephenville – Tarleton State University
Located southwest of Fort Worth, Stephenville is known for Tarleton State University and its growing student population. This is a good location for students who want to stay within reach of DFW without living in a metro area. Housing availability can shift quickly, so early planning is important. The town offers what’s needed for daily life, and students can drive into Fort Worth for larger stores or weekend events.
Why Students and Families Are Moving to Texas College Towns
Many small college towns in Texas offer what larger cities cannot: more space, simpler daily life, and a better cost-to-value ratio. Rent is often lower than in Austin or Houston, and students can usually walk or bike to class. Families relocating to support a student or pursue work at a local college also appreciate the smaller-scale atmosphere and tighter communities.
Some graduates choose to stay after finishing school, especially in places like Denton or Waco, where jobs in education, healthcare, or city services are available. Others move to these towns from larger metros for the sake of slower routines and affordable housing. For anyone planning a move, Firehouse Movers provides reliable service as trusted long-distance movers and Dallas-Fort Worth movers. We know these towns well and can help you move into or out of them with confidence.
Plan Your Move with Firehouse Movers Today!
From university apartments to full household moves, Firehouse Movers makes it easier to start your next chapter in one of Texas’ college towns. We handle moves throughout the state with care, punctuality, and professional service. Whether you’re moving from across the metroplex or halfway across Texas, we’re here to help. We are licensed, insured, and firefighter-owned, and we move people into places small college towns in Texas like Denton, San Marcos, Commerce, and beyond every year. Call (972) 412-6033 and request a free moving quote today!
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