Murray was recently named one of the top four small college towns in the United States, according to a USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice poll.
The poll recognized 20 nominees nationwide, highlighting Murray for its strong ties to Murray State University and its classic “college town feel.”
USA Today praised the town’s locally-owned restaurants, vibrant bar scene, and outdoor amenities like disc golf, a skate park, and a large soccer complex as key ingredients for its tight community, and the popular Calloway County Quilt Trail—featuring more than 60 painted quilt patterns across the countryside—also earned a mention.
Retiring University President Dr. Bob Jackson credited the community for the honor, noting one of the things that makes the university so special is its “relationship with the community.”
Erin Carrico, executive director of the Murray Convention & Visitors Bureau, agreed, writing: “We are the University, and the University is us,” and that “you can’t have one without the other.”
Murray Mayor Bob Rogers also noted that “when Murray State is recognized, the city and region benefit,” while Calloway County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes said he’s always known the city is a special place, and now, “the rest of the country knows it, too.”
Home to the University of Northern Alabama, Florence earned first, Oxford, Mississippi and Ole Miss was second, and Jacksonville, Alabama—home to Jacksonville State University—was third.
You can see the full list at: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-small-college-town/.
