Post provided by guest contributing blogger, Natalie Gilmore, Director of Marketing at Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty in Princeton, New Jersey.

With back-to-school season upon us, college and university towns are bustling with the annual surge of students and faculty members.  Colleges and universities draw a rich cross section of people from all over the world.  This creates a melting pot of cultures that invigorates the community with active, creative and intelligent foundations.  More and more people are being drawn to these towns year-round for the extraordinary lifestyle not found on your average Main Street.  Here are a few iconic college towns that have much to offer outside of the halls of ivy.

Princeton, New Jersey, USA

Princeton University is the only Ivy League school that is actually named for the town in which it is located.  As such, people come to Princeton for the unparalleled education, but many stay for the exciting community which is enriched by the University.  The result is a lively town which includes the award-wining McCarter Theatre, global world business leaders such as Black Rock and Bristol-Myers Squibb, innovative restaurants like Witherspoon Grill and the Princeton University Art Museum which features works from Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso. Here are two wonderful properties perfect for someone looking to make Princeton their year-round home.

Comfortable and glamorous, this modern Princeton home, which was designed by the architecture firm Richardson Smith, boasts the most stunning curated grounds appointed with spectacular birch, weeping hemlock and Japanese Maple trees.  Sleek sycamore cabinetry pairs with granite in the chef’s kitchen.  Listed with Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty.

This stunning brick colonial is located in Princeton’s coveted Institute for Advance Study neighborhood. Timeless in appeal, the home offers five gracious bedrooms, four fireplaces, hand-hewn wood flooring, a lovely enclosed backyard and a charming guest cottage.  Listed with Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty.

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

The University of Tennessee, located in Knoxville, offers a global appeal as an energetic college town.  Known world-wide for its championship athletics, the University’s sports programs attract athletes and fans from all over the globe.  Sixteen current and former Tennessee athletes participated in the 2012 Olympic Games, representing 10 different countries.  Indulge in southern hospitality all year long with this beautiful home in Knoxville.

This exquisite French Country-style estate is located on Gettysvue Country Club in Knoxville, Tennessee.  With eight fireplaces, a media room, gym and pool house, this golf-side estate offers the ultimate in privacy and security.  Listed with Alliance Sotheby’s International Realty.

Boulder, Colorado, USA

Boulder welcomes the fresh energy and young, optimistic spirits that arrives each fall with open arms.  This college town claims to have everything except an ocean, the University of Colorado has long been destination for education, but many students also find it a place to call home once their degree is in hand.  Beautiful mountain views and all the amenities of Boulder, make this property an idyllic home.

Inspired by the hills of Italy, this architecturally stunning home, designed by Arcadia Architects, is situated on 40 acres of breathtaking Sunshine Canyon forestry.  With city-views of Boulder at night, the Eco-friendly property includes two renewable energy systems which efficiently heat and cool home.  Listed with Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty.

Berkeley, California, USA

The international flair felt in Berkeley is like no other and truly has created a global community. The best part about The University of California, Berkeley is its accessibility by public transit allowing those who live there to easily take advantage of the mild year-round weather to explore all that the town offers.  This home is ideal for those interested in a worldly town just a short ride away from the big city of San Francisco.

A modern masterpiece designed by Swatt Miers Architects, this home sits atop the highest elevation in Berkeley and neighboring Oakland and has jaw dropping views of San Francisco Bay and Mt. Diablo.  The star of this home is the master bedroom suite which is separated by a nine foot pocket door and includes a master bathroom, sitting/media room, office, laundry, and huge walk in closets.  Listed with East Bay Sotheby’s International Realty.

Austin, Texas, USA

Austin, home to the University of Texas, is not only one of the most unique college towns, but also one of the most desirable towns to live in America. With its top-ranked Longhorn football team, this capital city’s vibrant culture has something for everyone. With more than 200 festivals a year, from BBQ to any variety of music imaginable, Austin is at the top of many “best of” lists.  Austin also has a thriving economy and with a university churning out some of the greatest minds in America, has become home to top technology companies such as Dell, Apple and IBM. Here is a majestic home for those considering making Austin home.

Stunning custom Lou Kimball masterpiece on 14+ acres of spring fed Onion Creek frontage. This 5-Star Energy House features reclaimed wood ceilings, hand chiseled rock work, wide plank pecan floors, Organic soil brought in for yard, a BBQ area, rainwater collection and two fire pits.  Listed with Capital City Sotheby’s International Realty.

Many thanks to our guest blogger, Natalie Gilmore from Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty,  central New Jersey’s premier real estate firm that combines the rich heritage and deep experience of two highly respected families that have served this community since 1953.  Situated in Princeton’s historic town center, the Princeton office is the hub of their network, which includes locations in Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset.