Knoxville Named #8 in The South's Best College Towns

By Jeaneane Payne

Knoxville waterfront on game day. Image by John Disque

Southern Living Magazine has named Knoxville, Tennessee as #8 in its selection of The South's Best College Towns.

Southern Living indicated that Knoxville made the list because "It's a serious football town with a laid-back mountain vibe thanks to its proximity to the Smokies."

The criteria for being chosen as one of the South's Best College Towns was:

• A population under 200,000
• A lively local scene with good, affordable restaurants, independent boutiques, and support of the arts.
• A dedicated and active alumni base.
• A healthy does of Southern charm.

Southern Living's #1 choice was Charlottesville, Virginia, home of the Virginia Cavaliers. Falling just behind Knoxville was Bryan/College Station, Texas which is home to the Texas A&M Aggies.

To find out what other cities made the list, visit www.southernliving.com

Published September 8, 2011