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LOGAN -- College is that exciting time in life when people get that first opportunity to be on their own without parental supervision. The college you choose can really impact that experience- for better or for worse. According to the Nextgen Journal, Logan ranks as the most underrated college town in the U.S.
Here are a few reasons why the home of Utah State University is one of the nation's best kept secrets:
According to the university's website, over a third of the population of Logan is between the ages of 18 and 24, which means the town revolves around students.
[Utah State University] is like another home away from home.
–- Linsey Walker, freshman student
The town has a great bus system which helps transport students and the public to campus, grocery stores, hospitals, the downtown area and other locations making their travel more cheap and efficient.
Utah State University has true school spirit which is manifest in every sporting event. One of the fans (legendary 'Wild Bill' Sprout) had such Aggie pride that he was interviewed on ESPN for donning his outrageous costumes at every home basketball game. The Spectrum has been ranked one of the toughest venues in the nation for visiting opponents.
One of the other great attractions to Logan is the ideal location and surroundings of beautiful mountain ranges and canyons.
"We are not well known, but it is a special place," said Tim Vitale, Director of Public Relations Marketing at University State University. "Many people don't realize that we are about five minutes away from world class biking trails."
Vitale also discussed some of the other perks Logan has to offer college students because of its excellent environment.
"Utah State is one of the few true residential campuses in the nation," said Vitale. "Students stay here, and they don't just go home after class. We have innovative students that are always plotting something fun- there's an electricity that threads through campus."
Logan is home to an ice center that was developed as a training facility for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, as well as a zoo, aquatic center, bowling alleys, rock climbing facility, movie theaters, recreation centers, spas, golf courses, a batting cage, a mall, and a nature center to provide plenty of entertainment to college students.
But the plethora of amusement doesn't end there.
"Me and my friends go out to the country swing [dancing] night at the Cache Valley Fun Park," said freshman Linsey Walker. "They have lazertag, bowling, and an ice skating rink."
She described Utah State University as being "another home away from home." Walker and her friends also take advantage of the local canyons for night hiking, bonfires and soaking in the local hot springs.
The community and college work together, and Logan has been ranked the tenth safest college town in the U.S. according to Vitale.
"It is a a really nice place to live," said Vitali. "It is a vibrant, growing community. [The college] is a vital part, but they give back to us as well."
