JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville has once again been nominated for the national USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Small College Town, placing the northeast Alabama city among the top 20 contenders across the country.
The annual contest, hosted by USA Today, invites readers to vote for their favorite destinations in a wide range of lifestyle and travel categories, including cities, restaurants, and attractions. Jacksonville joins other well-known college towns such as Clemson, South Carolina, and Saratoga Springs, New York, in this year’s competition.
The city finished third in the nation in the 2025 contest, and community leaders hope Jacksonville can climb even higher in the 2026 rankings.
“Being nominated again is a testament to the pride our residents and Jacksonville State University students take in their town,” said Ben Nunnally, city spokesman. “People from all around the world fall in love with Jacksonville when they visit, whether they’re here for a game at AmFirst Stadium or the Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo, or getting first-rate education at JSU.”
Known as the “Gem of the Hills,” Jacksonville is recognized for its scenic setting in the foothills of northeast Alabama and its connection to Jacksonville State University. The city is also home to the Chief Ladiga Trail, a 39.5-mile former railroad corridor that runs through the community and offers cycling and walking opportunities through the region’s landscapes.
Supporters can vote once per day throughout the four-week contest period. Voting will remain open until Monday, March 30 at 10:59 a.m. CST, and the final rankings will be announced by USA Today 10Best on Wednesday, April 8 at 11 a.m. CST.
Residents, students, alumni, and visitors can cast their daily vote for Jacksonville by visiting the link below:
Vote here:
https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-small-college-town/
