NY Times article on recent graduates and college towns

Parents Forum
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<p>An article about kids staying on in college towns with some editorializing about their extended adolescence:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/education/edlife/27collegetown.html?pagewanted=1&ref=edlife[/url]”>http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/education/edlife/27collegetown.html?pagewanted=1&ref=edlife&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>As long as they’re supporting themselves, and despite veiled allusions to the contrary in the article, most seem to be, what’s the big deal? Why is it “extended adolescence?”</p>

<p>Good for them. There’s plenty of time to take on other responsibilities, and there’s too much emphasis in this culture, I think, on getting ahead and “making something of yourself.”</p>

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<p>I don’t think this is a new phenomenon. What’s new are the retirement communities that are springing up in college towns. I guess they’re guilty of resuming their adolescence.</p>

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<p>Garland – I guess I wasn’t clear. I felt like the writer was implying that the grads were enjoying an extended adolescence – hence my comment that he/she was editorializing. I was not trying to say that I think that.</p>

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<p>I was surprised that my college town (Northampton, MA) wasn’t listed here nor was nearby Amherst.</p>

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<p>Raise your hand if you went to college in a “college town” and know 5 or more people who were still living/working there 5 years later. Extra points for 3 or more are still there 30 years later.
Pretty much most of us. College towns are great places to live, especally for the Type-B “quality of life is more important than power and wealth” personalities.<br>
I don’t see this as new, or as harmful. I’d love to retire to a college town!</p>

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<p>10-15 years of extended adolescence (if extended adolescence means not moving toward a career job)? Surely not that long…</p>

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<p>I’m humored by the way adults characterize the younger generation. Ever since Adam and Eve, adults have speculated about the inefficiency of their children. Remember all the hoopla during the 60s counterculture? Now, those kids are grownups with college students of their own. The students are still the ones who are a disgrace with no future.</p>

<p>I’m also surprised that the Amherst area isn’t on the list. I’m also pretty sure that Boston is the quintessential college town, as well as Claremont, CA. However, Chapel Hill definitely deserves its spot on the list.</p>

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<p>I assume Santa Barbara would be on the list.</p>

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<p>cool article but what i’ve been noticing a lot lately is students who don’t want to leave the high school life and become pulled more towards it when dating younger students. its almost depressing.</p>

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<p>How is this any different than past generations?</p>

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<p>DBwes–sorry,* I* was not clear. I agree that they were editorializing that point of view; I didn’t think it was yours.</p>

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<p>But how many people want to “get away” from their college towns and join the real world? LOL.</p>

<p>Chapel Hill, NC or Athens, Ga may be wonderful for “kids” but I would run away as an adult.</p>

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<p>“I’m also surprised that the Amherst area isn’t on the list.”</p>

<p>Is there any commerce or industry in Amherst? It’s obvious why grads would stay in Boston. Lots of tech, biotech and financial companies in the area.</p>

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<p>From the article:</p>

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<p>Yeah, Davis declared itself a nuclear-free zone back in the early 80s when I was there. I think it’s something like a $500 fine for detonating any nuclear weapons within the city limits - which of course frightened the Russians into cancelling World War III.</p>

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<p>Most of the “Valley” (Amherst, Northampton) college grads I know who stay in the area after college are in education, social services, or arts/writing-related jobs. (This isn’t counting those who hang around for a year or so working in retail, restaurants, etc. and then move on to other “real world” employment outside the region.) There are some financial companies here, some high tech jobs (mostly university-connected or entrepreneurial) but certainly not myriad opportunities in those fields.</p>

<p>It also seems common here to take the path that I did, which is to leave the Five-College area for a while and then return. Such folks might come back armed with degrees in medicine or law or with Ph.D’s. They may have lived in urban areas for a while but then decided that they prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. </p>

<p>Northampton was once nicknamed “Paradise” by 19th-Century opera singer Jenny Lind. A friend of mine more recently called it “Paradise for Underachievers.” I took that as a compliment (well, sort of). ;)</p>

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<p>Dude, mr. Payne what are you smoking? santa barbara is sooo expensive and UCSB, USB, Westmont as well as SLO graduates would be hardpressed to buy their first property there</p>

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<p>Some very responsible people live very responsible lives without a “career” job. I think that’s an individual choice.</p>

<p>As far as towns mentioned, I read fast but did not see Ann ARbor. I think half of UM grads end up staying there; i’ve known many. </p>

<p>Heck, I’d move back tomorrow if they’d build an ocean next to it.</p>

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<p>Sally_Rubenstone, I’m also surprised Northampton isn’t on the list. People who go to Smith tend to LOVE Noho.</p>

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<p>I can’t believe Boulder Colorado didn’t make the list. I live there and it seems like their are hundreds of 20-somethings that won’t leave.</p>