Ranked Best College Town for Students

San Luis Obispo was ranked No. 1 on a list of best college towns in California, according to a study by RentCafe. 

The quality of education at Cal Poly, in addition to Cal Poly's campus and relative affordability of the area, contributed to the high ranking. 

"Place is one of the most important factors in college choice," Melissa Furlong, Cal Poly's director of admissions and recruitment, told RentCafe. "For many students, this could be a chance to explore a new area or participate in recreational, employment or service-learning activities within a region."

Students agree: Emily Winship, a third-year journalism student at Cal Poly, told RentCafe that she was initially drawn to Cal Poly because of its access to nature. 

"Making sure you choose a school in a town where you can envision a life for yourself is integral to having a successful college experience," Winship told the publication. 

Arcata, home to Cal Poly Humboldt, and Berkeley, home to UC Berkeley, rounded out the top three spots.