Cortland ranked as one of state’s best college towns

Cortland ranked as one of state’s best college towns

09/05/2022 

The city of Cortland has been selected by Bestcolleges.com as one of “The Best College Towns in New York” — ranking near the top of the list at No. 5. 

The ranking lauds Cortland as one of the most student-friendly locales in the state. It highlights college towns with campuses generally within walking distance of housing and recreation and that are integral to their area’s culture and economy. 

Bestcolleges.com touts Cortland’s accessibility, where short walks and bike paths make travel easy. It also praises the variety of entertainment in the area — from picking blueberries at Cherry Knoll Farm to live shows at Cortland Repertory Theatre to the cold weather options at Greek Peak. 

Community Cleanup
Students help clean up in Cortland. Above left: Taking a walk down Main Street.

Recreational and educational extras throughout the Central New York region allow the campus to elevate the student experience in ways the university could not do on its own. SUNY Cortland, meanwhile, is part of the city’s economic foundation and brings student volunteers, interns and student teachers into the community. 

“What makes SUNY Cortland a special place, beyond its students, faculty and staff, is the city in which it is located,” said President Erik J. Bitterbaum. “We are fortunate to live, work and study in a safe environment with wonderful neighbors. Cortland’s combination of cultural, social and natural attractions makes it a terrific place for our students to spend these formative years.” 

This isn’t the first time SUNY Cortland and the city have been recognized among the state or national elite. The university was found to be the safest campus in New York state in 2019 by Yourlocalsecurity.com. The website based its findings on data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Campus Safety and Security analysis and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Safewise.com also recognized Cortland in 2019, placing Cortland at No. 20 on its list of safest college towns in America — the only New York municipality that made the list. 

Learn more about Cortland and all the opportunities it offers on campus and in the surrounding area


More News

The Driver Era to close out Spring Fling

The Driver Era to close out Spring Fling

The band concludes a Coachella-themed week of fun at SUNY Cortland.


Cortland earns SUNY’s Shared Governance Award

Cortland earns SUNY’s Shared Governance Award

The system-wide honor recognizes collaboration between Faculty Senate and campus leadership.


Chinese politics scholar to speak

Chinese politics scholar to speak

China’s focus on Tibetan religious customs as a power wedge is talk topic on March 20.


The Big Event Returns April 21

The Big Event Returns April 21

Cortland's student-run community cleanup has potential as a statewide model.


Student shares mental health research nationally

Student shares mental health research nationally

Kyla Young presented her original findings at a rescue service providers conference.


‘Harvest Week!’ culminates ‘Food’ series

‘Harvest Week!’ culminates ‘Food’ series

Topping the week of April 8-12's activities is a talk by the ‘Braiding Sweetgrass' author.


Physics and art departments host eclipse viewing  

Physics and art departments host eclipse viewing  

A rare solar phenomenon will unite the worlds of physics and art on campus. 


Vote for Blaze in SUNY's Mascot Madness!

Vote for Blaze in SUNY's Mascot Madness!

Cortland's mascot needs your vote to advance past the annual popularity tournament's second round.


Prizes offered for student opinions

Prizes offered for student opinions

Undergraduates have until April 5 to complete SUNY’s Student Satisfaction Survey.


Three students earn SUNY Chancellor’s Awards

Three students earn SUNY Chancellor’s Awards

The seniors will receive the prestigious student honor at an April 11 ceremony in Albany.