<p>Good questions eucalyptus. Boston has dozens of universities. I never got the feeling that the city was loyal to any one of them. In most “good” college towns, during the first week of classes, there are large banners around town that will say “Welcome Back Students”. Whenever there is a major football game, half the city will empty into the stadium. Many inhabitants will wear the school colors. Many small local businesses empliy university students. Most people you run into at restaurants, cafes, bookstores etc… are either students or professors. The entire town caters to the university and genuinely appreciates them. I did not get any of that in major cities like Boston, LA or NYC.</p>
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<p>The only school in MA with the nickname of Beavers is Babson…</p>
<p>Actually, the Beaver I was referring to was MIT. I am pretty sure that’s their mascot! LOL!</p>
<p>Realtors? Now I know the information is incorrect.</p>
<p>Another angle to consider when looking at schools in major cities is the area/neighborhood/district immediately surrounding the school…even if Columbia doesn’t own NYC, it certainly owns Morningside Heights…same for Penn and University City. Both universities have deep and multifaceted relationships with (and of course, an overweening influence on) these neighborhoods…</p>
<p>ilovebagels, at this point, we are no longer talking about college towns but rather, nice neighbourhoods, like Georgetown in DC or “The Village” (NYU) in NYC.</p>
<p>Alexandre painted a vivid description of a real college town. After thinking about it, I must admit that this kind of setting is not for everyone. I believe how you were brought up, your parents’ definition of success and a student’ ambition will dictate his/her perception of a college town. I have no proof of what I am about to write, but I bet you 10 years reunion at a Boston college versus one in a small town would be something like that:</p>
<p>Boston college discussion - Success in business, promotion, salary, travels, social connections, politics, etc…
Small town college discussion - “Do you remember when…”. “By the way, what ever happen to…”</p>
<p>So, it all depend on what is your definition of happiness.</p>
<p>Believe me, those kinds of discussions definitely occur at city schools…</p>
<p>Interesting post</p>
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<p>Did you know that Boston is not a collegetown? I’m a Bostonian… I should know lol. Our family rents apartment buildings out to BU/BC/MIT students. Boston is simply a city that has many colleges in there. Nobody cares about the college students in Boston … lol</p>
<p>Alexandre is GOD LIKE.</p>