Austin tops 2027 college-town rankings

Vrbo’s 2027 travel forecast points to growing interest in inland “heartland hideouts,” including college towns, food destinations and lakeside escapes, as travelers seek culture, scenery and affordability beyond beach vacations. The forecast, based on Vrbo searches from September 2025 to May 2026, names 13 North American destinations, including Bentonville, Arkansas, and Deadwood, South Dakota. Separately, WalletHub’s 2027 college-town rankings put Austin first overall and among large cities, citing its economic prospects and student amenities; Ann Arbor ranked second overall and first among small cities, while East Lansing placed 71st overall. WalletHub assessed more than 400 cities on factors including affordability, social environment, academic and economic opportunities, and local amenities.