The Best Cities For MBAs

Chapel Hill: “I’ve been in Chapel Hill for nearly 10 years, and I can’t get enough of it. It’s the quintessential college town, filled with art, music, food, culture and a constant feeling of camaraderie with your fellow Tar Heels. Drinking a Blueberry Wheat at Top of the Hill, catching a bluegrass concert at Cat’s Cradle, or walking to the Dean Dome amidst a sea of Carolina Blue before a basketball game are some of my favorite, uniquely Carolina experiences.”
Oliver Jones, North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)

“Chapel Hill actually is ranked as one the of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States. Although rather small, there is so much to do! There are many restaurants and fun bars in Franklin Street and so many more in Carrboro!  There is always something fun to do, from concerts in Cat’s Cradle, to really nice hikes along the several trails surrounding the area. Also, the fact that it is not a big town, makes logistics easier when meeting with friends.”
Alejandra del Campo Farro, University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)

Charlottesville: “Charlottesville is one of the most heavenly places on earth. A smaller college town, it punches far above its weight in terms of bars and restaurants, with access to many beautiful hikes and dozens of cideries, distilleries, and wineries only a short drive away. What I loved most about Charlottesville though was the ways that it fully fit into my life. Picture walking to school and coming across a buck in the mornings, having student access to the incredible squash facilities at the Boars Head Club, going on walks on local farms, being able to have a great afternoon with friends at a local winery, or having easy driving access to DC to visit my family – Charlottesville truly became my home over the course of my graduate study. It is an idyllic, peaceful, wonderful place and I will be very sad to leave it.”
Malcolm Stewart, University of Virginia (Darden)

Durham: “I loved the access we had to green spaces. Durham is filled with beautiful gardens like the Duke Gardens and provides easy access to weekend hiking spots like the Eno River hiking trail. This closeness with nature serves as a much-needed respite from the hectic schedule of business school. Through on-campus clubs at Fuqua like Fuqua Fit and the BOLD club, there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and connect with classmates beyond the classroom.”
Arya Diwase, Duke University (Fuqua)

Evanston: “I am a huge fan of Evanston! Growing up, I have only lived in large cities—Nashville, Atlanta, Boston and NYC —so it has been exciting to experience living in a smaller town. I have said this several times to friends, but I would come back to Evanston one day to settle down with kids as I believe it is the best of all worlds—close to a big city, safe, sits on Lake Michigan and has several beaches and great schools, etc. As a runner, my favorite thing about Evanston is the amount of waterfront running opportunities there are to explore!”
Elizabeth Willis, Northwestern University (Kellogg)

Fontainebleau: “Fontainebleau, home to INSEAD, combines the beauty of a historic château town with the Fontainebleau forest’s natural charm and practicality. Fontainebleau has a unique campus atmosphere, and the proximity to nature allows endless options to enjoy outdoor activities, whether it is running, bouldering, or serene hikes, enriching student life. Additionally, the town’s location, just a 40-minute train ride from Paris, provides the perfect balance between tranquil study settings and the vibrant energy of my hometown, offering the best of both worlds.”
Sami Mavrothalassitis, INSEAD

Gainesville: “The pickleball community. I had never played before coming to Gainesville, but, as a former college tennis player, I decided to give it a shot with some classmates last year and fell in love with it. Gainesville has a large pickleball community who have been inviting to all levels of skill and it has been great to have an outlet away from MBA life where I can play with friends and make new acquaintances.” Steffan Waters, University of Florida (Warrington)

“The peace, there in Gainesville is a lot of nature, walking space, and green space. Gainesville is truly a beautiful location that has numerous wonderful spaces to get work done, read, or hang out with friends. One of my favorite locations is Lake Alice on campus. It is a large lake that I will go to, especially when tired. I just bring a book, set up a hammock, and read for hours in order to recharge.”
Kevin A. Campbell, University of Florida (Warrington)

Hanover: “Hanover is smaller and colder than I realized when I was applying to Tuck. But the thing I find more surprising than all of those is just how beautiful it is. Recently, I had some friends to visit, and it was magical to see Hanover through their eyes. Dartmouth is one of the most beautiful campuses. Last year, my room looked out over pine forests, and in five minutes I could be diving off the pier into the Connecticut River (the most restful place in the Upper Valley). This year, I flew back from the gray slurry of London to crisp, bright snow. Every morning, I walk across the green in front of the Baker-Berry Library (which was modeled after Independence Hall). On the rare occasions I need to “get out of the bubble”, I get to ski, or hike through the granite, or drive down the wild highways that look beautiful whether they’re in peak fall, stick season, or the bright green of spring. I try to remind myself to take more photos and not take this for granted, because I won’t live somewhere this beautiful again.”
Ben Marshall, Dartmouth College (Tuck)

“Hanover, New Hampshire is quaint and cozy, embodying the essence of small-town charm with all the essentials one could need. But I find that the best part of Hanover is actually its close proximity to other towns. Its location right on the border of Vermont makes it accessible to many weekend getaway destinations across New England (and even Canada!). These weekend trips have become a cherished part of my Tuck experience. Whether it’s skiing in the many mountains across New Hampshire and Vermont, dining at renowned restaurants in small towns throughout Vermont and Portland, Maine, or even venturing into Canada for the first time, these experiences have made me gain an appreciation for rural New England!”
Lauren Baltrus, Dartmouth College (Tuck)

Hong Kong: “What I loved most about Hong Kong, is its diverse terrain. From breathtaking hiking trails and picturesque beaches to vibrant art scenes, there is something for everyone. Moreover, the people of Hong Kong are warm and welcoming, creating a friendly and inclusive atmosphere that adds to the overall experience of living here.”
Dr. Disha Kataria, Hong Kong University Business School

Houston: “The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Houston is a unique and enriching aspect. The town provides a supportive environment for startups to thrive with a number of local startup incubators and accelerators and innovation hubs like Greentown Labs, The Cannon and TXRX Labs. I go to “The Ion” every first Friday of the month with fellow Entrepreneurship Association members to connect with founders, investors and mentors while joining a free weekly networking event called “Cup of Joey.” You can strike a conversation with people from all walks of life there. Truly. From Israeli business owners to Danish investors and NASA scientists, I’ve had a colorful assortment of fruitful discussions in that place.

Houston always provides great ways to meet new people and plug into the local innovation community. This ecosystem not only complemented our academic pursuits but also offered a glimpse into technology changes that will become mainstream in the future. It’s almost like getting a free ticket to a behind the scenes where you get the first look into where the world is going next.”
Karen Verboski, Rice University (Jones)

Ithaca: “What I loved most about Cornell’s business school was its walkability, even with the challenging hills (affectionately known for creating “Cornell Calves”. Ithaca Commons always felt like a vibrant community, featuring monthly art events, local artists and an array of small businesses, including diverse restaurants, bars, barbershops, specialty stores and more. I cherished the chance to regularly socialize with friends outside of class throughout the weeks, whether it was over family-style meals, group gym sessions, happy hours at Argos, or even visits to the local Ithaca Farmers Market.
Albert C. Matlock III, Cornell University (Johnson)

“The gorges and waterfalls! Being within the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca has many hikes and outdoor activities available. It’s nice to escape the classroom to such scenic views and enjoy the good days with friends. Even in the winter, we’re able to enjoy the views and ski or stay indoors at the many shops and restaurants located in the Ithaca Commons.”
Pilar Resendez, Cornell University (Johnson)

Jouy-en-Josas: “The town of Jouy-en-Josas is charmingly small, and its cobblestone square could easily be a backdrop for a French movie, adorned with a quaint church, a lovely florist, a cozy restaurant terrace, and a traditional boulangerie. After being away from France for an extended period, this idyllic setting and the joy of being able to pick up a fresh baguette and warm croissants made me feel right at home.”
Pauline Henry, HEC Paris

Kingston: “What I cherished most about Kingston, especially as a foodie, was the incredible variety of restaurants available! Kingston is celebrated for having the most restaurants per capita in Ontario, and I heartily indulged in its offerings. Whether it was exploring cafes, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, bistros, take-out only places, or elegant dining, the diversity truly catered to every palate, occasion, and budget. Beyond the food scene, the balance between the old and new made it a compelling city for us MBA students – from spending the summers at the picturesque waterfront pier, to the quaint shops and markets too expensive for us to afford, to being the gateway to the 1000 islands with hiking galore in the Frontenac region just steps away!”
Anirudh Bakshi, Queen’s University (Smith)

Lausanne: “What I loved most about my business school’s town was its stunning location at the foothills of the Alps. The breathtaking beauty of the landscape, especially the serene Lake of Lausanne. The town is a blend of French cultural influences, rich history, and natural splendor. Of course, it was also great that it was possible to go skiing sometimes, if our free time would allow it.”
Jasper Schakel, IMD Business School

London (Canada): “London is a quintessential “student town” that is not too big for people to get lost in the crowd and not too small to run out of things to do. It is a perfect balance between having too many events or activities that keep people from independently exploring the city and not having enough attractions so that life becomes monotonous. This dynamic fosters Ivey MBA students to stick together outside of the classroom. We had countless social events throughout the year ranging from picnic barbeques, cultural celebrations, trivia nights, and attending ice hockey games. The “student town” has helped foster many friendships outside of the classroom that I hope to have for life.”
Colton James, Ivey Business School

London (United Kingdom): “London is unrivalled! It is a total melting pot of different cultures. There are over 300 languages spoken in London, more than in any other city in the world. This cultural diversity is apparent in its restaurants, arts, and venues. You can walk for 10 minutes, and feel like you are in a totally different neighborhood.

What’s more – the LBS network is an incredible way to get ‘best ever’ recommendations for places. The LATAM club knows the best salsa bars, your friends from 80+ countries know the best restaurant for their local food. I got my best recommendations on the MBA, despite living in London for 8 years, and the cultural scene is unbeaten.

Somewhat controversial for my MBA cohort, I am a ‘South’ Londoner, as opposed to the North – an unending debate I’m sure you can imagine.”
Alistair Adams, London Business School