If you’ve ever lived in a college town, you know they can be great places to getyour start as a single person and to raise a family.
But that’s not all college towns have to offer folks. These places can be agreat place for investors to find an income-generating property that can help pay fortheir bills or lower their financial stress.
According to the experts we spoke with, these eight college towns may havesomething extra special about them that may lead to a major price jump soon,which means now could be the perfect time to buy.
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1. West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach Florida homes
Real estate experts expect a surge in property values in West Palm Beach, fueled by the arrival of Vanderbilt University’s major campus and the ongoing transformation of the city into one of Southern Florida’s premier urban destinations.
“When you blend a top-tier university’s gravitational pull with a city already undergoing a stunning transformation, you get demand that’s off the charts,” says Florida REALTOR® Yoann Dorat. “This is more than a short-term trend; it’s a long-term shift that will cement West Palm Beach as a must-watch real estate market.”
In 2025, Dorat expects to see a dramatic increase in values as buyers jump at the chance to be part of this unfolding story, which he says will include quality of life, global influence, and boundless opportunities for coming together in a single place.
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2. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder Colorado homes
Boulder has been ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in the country, thanks to factors such as lifestyle, employment, and nature.
“The reasons are not one-dimensional,” says Tim Gordon of Gordon Buys Homes. “A perfect example is Boulder, where limited housing inventory mixes with growing demand for properties to create a very competitive market.”
3. Austin, Texas
Austin Texas sign outdoors
Austin keeps experiencing explosive growth driven by the University of Texas, athriving tech sector, and a cultural vibe that draws both students andprofessionals alike.
“They do not come for education alone, but also for outdoor recreation,health-oriented lifestyles, and a growing high-skilled job market,” according toGordon. “At the same time, tech firms and a younger, active professionalpopulation give reason for Austin to enjoy similar dividends through itspulsating culture, vibrant music atmosphere, and easier affordability ascompared to Silicon Valley and other tech-oriented destinations.”
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4. College Station, Texas
Texas A&M University in College Station Texas
College towns have always been fascinating markets because they combine steadydemand with unique growth patterns, according to Eric Bramlett, Realtor® andowner of BramlettResidential.
“In College Station, home to Texas A&M, the rising popularity of the schoolitself drives demand,” Bramlett said. “Enrollment continues to grow, which meansmore students, faculty, and staff needing housing.”
Another thing to consider? Bramlett says that the town isn’t just for studentsanymore. “It’s attracting young professionals and families because of itsinvestment in infrastructure, new retail spaces, and a growing job market tiedto the university’s research facilities.”
5. San Marcos, Texas
Public University San Marco Texas
According to Bramlett, while Texas State University is a big draw for thehousing market, its proximity to Austin and San Antonio is what’s making it ahot spot.
“It’s one of those in-between cities that appeals to people who want more spacewithout being too far from major urban centers,” Bramlett says. “With so manyfolks moving to Texas, towns like this are becoming alternatives to priciermetro areas. The inventory here is limited, and the demand is pushing pricesup.”
6. Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Old Well UNC Chapel Hill North Carolina
Similar to other college towns, scarcity of inventory may play a part in higherhousing prices in Chapel Hill.
“North Carolina is known for our top-tier universities and great quality oflife,” says Ryan Fitzgerald, REALTOR® and owner of Raleigh Realty. “Ifyou look at towns like Chapel Hill or parts of Durham, the real estate valueshave been on a steady incline.”
That pace seems set to continue, according to Fitzgerald. “I predictthis will only ramp up, especially if these schools continue to attract majorresearch grants and big-name tech and health care companies.”
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7. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Downtown Ann Arbor Street
This smaller college town could see a big year of substantial housing priceincreases in 2025. That’s thanks in part to more remote workers looking to moveto college towns for the atmosphere and amenities.
“These towns boast strong job markets, affordable living compared to majormetros, and the cultural vibrancy of a college hub,” said Shirley Mueller,founder of VA Loans Texas. “Add inrecent investments in infrastructure and housing, and it’s clear why these areasare becoming magnets for buyers.”
8. Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin State Capitol view Madison City
Mueller thinks house prices in Madison are set to increase for many of the samereasons as Ann Arbor, including more remote workers, a strong job market,affordable living, and cultural vibrancy.
“For investors or homebuyers looking to capitalize on these trends, actingsooner rather than later might be the key to securing a property before pricesclimb even higher,” Mueller added.
Bottom line
You may be able to tap into the growing popularity of some housing markets in popular college towns to build your wealth. Scarcity of inventory and rising popularity are just a couple of reasons why these popular college towns may see price increases this year.
If you’re not looking to invest in the markets, you may be able to find a permanent residence in a college town offering the amenities you seek for a price that’s right.
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