Okay, I think I can do a quick “college town” list for Nor Cal and some of the central schools. Anybody want to try So Cal?
HSU: Yes, but it’s waaaaay out there. Arcata has made top 10 lists for California college towns.
Chico State: Yes. Easily the most college-y college town in Nor Cal.
Sac State: not really, but a good city and lots to do. Plenty of college student friendly activities.
Sonoma State: Not really, but their lifestyle and learning communities in the dorms help students find a lot of activities and people to share them with. They are making an effort. Parents that like wine will LOVE visiting.
Maritime: Nope, and I grew up near Vallejo. NOT a college town in any way shape or form.
SF State: No. It’s more in Daly City than SF, but it’s really close to San Francisco, so there is a ton to do.
Stan State: Nope. I won’t bad mouth Turlock, but it’s Turlock, not Corvalis.
East Bay: Nope. They had to change the name from Hayward State becuase no one wanted to go there. Good school, though, and Hayward isn’t THAT bad.
San Jose State: Not really. San Jose is probably more about the Tech World than anything else.
Monterey Bay: No, but a lot of students live on campus and there is a lot to do in the surrounding area. This is my high school daughter’s #1 choice and my wife and I are cool with that. Good place to visit.
Fresno State: Kind of. Lots of student housing around campus and some of the biggest sports crowds in the CSU system. However, according to our tour guide, FSU students tend to road trip to SLO for bigger parties.
Bakersfield: No. Just no.
Cal Poly (SLO): Ranked one of the top 50 college towns nationwide and certainly top 5 in California.
Cal Poly (Pomona): Nope. Suburb city, but close enough to L.A. for anybody to find some trouble.