The topic of what defines a ‘college town’ was brought up recently in a Reddit post by user PA5997, who shared their thoughts on Pullman, Washington, and Madison, Wisconsin. Having attended Washington State University (Wazzu) in Pullman, the author argues that Pullman exemplifies the essence of a college town due to its heavy reliance on the university. They juxtapose this with Madison, which they believe does not fit the traditional mold of a college town, despite being dubbed ‘America’s best college town.’ The discussion caught fire among users, leading to some spirited debate about their respective definitions of a college town.
Summary
- PA5997 believes Pullman represents a true college town due to the overwhelming influence of Washington State University on the local population.
- In contrast, they argue that Madison’s size and economy make it less dependent on the university, thus challenging its title as “America’s best college town.”
- Comments generally agree on certain criteria defining a college town, such as economic reliance on the university and population fluctuations during summer.
- The community is divided on what should qualify a place as a college town, balancing student population against the local economy’s dependence on the university.
The Case for Pullman as a College Town
PA5997’s assertion that Pullman is a quintessential college town largely rests on the numbers—20,000 students make up around two-thirds of the city’s population. When the students leave for the summer, the city reportedly transforms into a ghost town, with local businesses relying heavily on the academic calendar. User hotsauce126 adds insight by stating, “If you wouldn’t know the town existed if not for the university, it’s a college town.” The essence of a college town, as many commenters highlight, is an ecosystem designed around the institution it hosts, dictating local economies and social life. Pullman fits firmly into this category, making it hard to argue otherwise if one views the definition through the lens of dependency.
Madison’s Claim to Fame
Madison, Wisconsin, despite its large population and energetic atmosphere, is identified by PA5997 and others as losing its college town status because of the apparent viability of the city independent of the University of Wisconsin. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, numerous businesses, and, according to PA5997, would thrive even if the university were located elsewhere. User Eagle9972 backs up this notion by admitting they initially intended to defend Madison before realizing the differences with genuine college towns like those more enveloped by their respective universities, such as Platteville or Auburn. This perspective on Madison raises an interesting question: does a single university color a city enough to make it a college town? Or should a town’s identity be intertwined with its college in a way that defines its very existence?
Criteria for Defining a College Town
The comments section became a melting pot of ideas regarding what really makes a college town. The Fishbowl mentions that a college town needs “a large student population and an economy fueled by the school itself.” Similarly, the sentiment of user 1990Buscemi highlights the idea of an economy built around the college, emphasizing that how dependent the local businesses are on student population should be a critical factor in definition. User jrd5497 sums up a recurring remark, stating, “If traffic disappears over the summer, it’s a college town.” Such criteria signal widespread agreement on economic reliance and seasonal population swings as vital elements for defining a college town, lending strength to the points raised by PA5997 regarding Pullman.
The Divide in Opinion
This discussion clearly highlights a division among users concerning how to classify a college town—should it be purely based on economic measures, or do cultural contributions of the city also play a significant role? Some users, like Local-Finance8389, make a strong case for broader definitions while asserting that College Station, Texas, was dependent on its university as well. Others, including Claudethedog, provide examples of cities that seem like college towns purely because they revolve around the collegiate experience, rather than their independent community vibrance. The complex debate showcases how multifaceted the concept of a college town really is, prompting us to think about the relationship between a city and its educational institutions.
Ultimately, the spirited discourse shed light on various facets of what it means to be a college town, pushing back against the traditional narratives often defining such areas as mere extensions of their universities. The amusing conflict between the fervent pride of Pullman boosters and Madison defenders reflects a deeper understanding that while student populations may define economies, cities can hold identities beyond their campuses. As golf enthusiasts tackle their tournaments and tennis players swing their rackets, the spirit of competition isn’t so far removed from the eager discussions of which towns deserve the ‘college town’ stamp of approval.