Besides granting degrees, colleges and universities also significantly influence the social and economic landscape of their host cities and towns. Areas heavily impacted by local colleges and universities are commonly referred to as college towns. They tend to offer affordability, a rich cultural scene, a strong economic activity, and a diverse, well-educated population.
WalletHub, a financial advisor website, released a list of the best college towns and cities. They evaluated over 400 cities in the United States, both big and small, using 32 essential criteria to assess students' academic, social, and economic prospects. Their data included factors like living expenses, the quality of higher education, and the crime rate.
"Experts have argued that a school’s geographical location is just as important as a strong curriculum and supportive school environment to a student’s academic success and personal development," WalletHub stated in the rankings release. "It’s in students’ interest to live in a city with a reasonable cost of living, as well as one that provides good academic and work opportunities. The ideal city should also provide a fun social environment to help students deal with the stress of college."
4 Florida cities rank in the top 10.
In the rankings, Orlando claims the third position, with Gainesville coming in at fourth place and Tampa right behind in fifth. A little lower on the list, Miami secures the ninth spot.
These rankings look at tuition costs, student debt, housing expenses, city accessibility, student demographics, NCAA Division 1 sports teams, graduate earning potential, and entrepreneurial activity.
Several other Florida cities and towns also earned a spot on the list. These places include Tallahassee at 42nd, Boca Raton at 34th, Fort Lauderdale at 90th, St. Petersburg at 50th, Hollywood at 208th, Coral Gables at 103rd, Port St. Lucie at 104th, Hialeah at 250th, Coral Springs at 295th, and Miramar at 397th.
Check out the full list to see where other cities stand in the rankings here.
Two Florida Restaurants Named Among The Best For French Fries
Do you want fries with that? Tasting Table recently published a list of restaurants with the best French Fries in the country and two New Florida establishments were named.
"From high-end steakhouses and neighborhood brasseries' to fast food restaurants and even grocery store freezer aisles, fried spuds can be found in just about every type of restaurant or shop across the country," Tasting Table explains. Their feature is specific to non-fast food restaurants.
French Fries are always a fan-favorite whether a side dish, an appetizer, or just a snack. They come in all shapes and sizes. Shoe strings crispy versions, thick-cut steak fries, seasoned curly fries, waffle fries, and even tater tots (are those considered fries, though?).
French Fry Fun Facts
In a 2019 story published by the Daily Meal, they discussed unique facts on French Fries in America. Two of the most fascinating have to do with McDonald's. "Approximately 7 percent of the potatoes grown in the U.S. meet the same fate: they become McDonald's french fries," they said. They later stated that this fast food chain sells one-third of the French Fries consumed in the United States.
French Fries are like music. They are a common bond, and they are subjective. What one person prefers may be completely different from another. Better yet, both choices are correct.
For example, Best Things Florida released their list of best French Fries in the Sunshine State. It is completely different from Tasting Table's. However, Tasting Table went and explored all corners of the country to crown their French Fry kings.
The two restaurants in Florida that were recognized for having some of the best French Fries in the country serve two very different styles. One of them is part of a restaurant that has expanded to other markets. The other is served in a restaurant where fries compliment BBQ.
Broken Shaker - Miami
Located on 2727 Indian Creek Dr. in Miami Beach, Broken Shaker has fries that are so good, they even get their own line item on the menu. These are Shawarma Fries, served with Harissa ketchup. You can order them on their own or have the fries paired with any of their burgers or sandwiches. Although Broken Shaker does also have restaurants in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Madrid, their menus show a some different takes on their hand-cut fries in certain markets. For example, Los Angeles has Carne Asada fries. New York and Miami both have the Shawarma recipe.
The Polite Pig
"In terms of meaty all-American food pairings, french fries go just as well with barbecue as they do with burgers," Tasting Table exclaims. The Polite Pig is located in Disney Springs. They describe their menu by saying, "Our menu is inspired by the best seasonal food that Florida has to offer, bringing new twists to local flavors and BBQ." They serve waffle fries with a polite rub. They can be selected as a side to any dish or in a giant platter to accompany your catering order. In addition, sweet potato tots are on the menu as well.
