DeKalb ranked among top 30 college towns in America

DeKALB – DeKalb recently was ranked among the top 30 college towns in America by a report from financial commentary website 24/7 Wall St.

According to the report, to identify the best college towns in America, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed U.S. Census Bureau data about the affordability, economic conditions, health, safety, commutability and arts, entertainment, and dining options in college towns across the country. Cities, towns and villages with at least 30,000 residents and 25% college enrollment were considered.

DeKalb was ranked 30th on the list.

DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes, who is an alumnus of NIU, said he’s proud of the recognition.

“It seems like a no-brainer we made the list,” Barnes said. “DeKalb has so many things to do, it’s a great community with great people and students. … Whenever I’m around students, I get reminded of what’s good and what’s possible. They give me hope and invigorate my soul, and they remind me how cool it is to be alive and alive in our community.”

The top three college towns listed are Boulder, Colorado, home of University of Colorado Boulder in third; Berkeley, California, home of University of California-Berkeley in second; and Cambridge, Massachusetts, home of Harvard University in first.

Matt Streb, NIU chief of staff, said that the university being located in DeKalb is what sets it apart.

“Having a really strong college town is important to attracting and retaining students, faculty and staff that want to be a part of the community,” Streb said. “DeKalb is a welcoming place that makes the community feel like they belong.”

Streb heralded economic development and business growth in the city as a factor for retaining students, including the arrival of large corporations in recent years such as Facebook, Amazon and Ferrara Candy Company.

“DeKalb is where I live, where I work, where I raise my kids, and I’m proud to be a part of the DeKalb community specifically because it is a college town,” Streb said. “It’s great to see others take note of what we all already know to be true and for DeKalb to get the recognition as a great college town that it deserves.”

Barnes said what he thinks sets DeKalb apart are its Midwestern values and diversity.

“We’re corn-fed Midwestern people that pride ourselves in our faith, being good to our neighbor and supporting each other,” Barnes said. “We’re raised to hold doors open and say ‘sir’ and ‘ma’am.’ … What makes us special is that blend of community and university which makes DeKalb a town that embraces the world. Having diversity is the beauty of growing up in a college town.”