I've been reading a few threads that have alluded to this subject, so I thought it would be fun for all the partisans to come out and give their opinions as to which of the service academies and/or senior military colleges have the best geographical location. This is purely for fun, so braggadocio is fully encouraged.
I'll start. I'm a VMI grad, but I will in no way say that Lexington, VA is the best. It is a quiet town, and a great place for older people to shop for antiques, but not the most hopping college town in the US. We do share the town with Washington and Lee, and they have a good time in their various Greek houses...but that is pretty much off limits to a Keydet. Not too too far from Richmond or Charlottesville (certainly not close, either), and there are many women's colleges that are nearby, which do provide a diversion once the Ratline is over. All in all, a C for location.
My favorite is my hometown, beautiful Annapolis, MD. Beautiful scenery, yes, but also close to DC and Baltimore. There are plenty of stores, movie theaters, and restaurants, and the community is very supportive of USNA. This is not so much the case in Lexington (or that was my experience). I would consider WP and KP to have good locations as well, as they are somewhat proximate to NYC. C. Springs =blah, but mountains don't really do it for me. USCGA-I suppose being between NYC And Boston is something, but the beautiful view of I-95 takes it down a notch in my opinion. Is there anything in New London itself?
As far as SMCs are concerned, I think The Citadel is the huge winner. Charleston, SC is beautiful.
Anyway...bring on the varying opinions.
I'll start. I'm a VMI grad, but I will in no way say that Lexington, VA is the best. It is a quiet town, and a great place for older people to shop for antiques, but not the most hopping college town in the US. We do share the town with Washington and Lee, and they have a good time in their various Greek houses...but that is pretty much off limits to a Keydet. Not too too far from Richmond or Charlottesville (certainly not close, either), and there are many women's colleges that are nearby, which do provide a diversion once the Ratline is over. All in all, a C for location.
My favorite is my hometown, beautiful Annapolis, MD. Beautiful scenery, yes, but also close to DC and Baltimore. There are plenty of stores, movie theaters, and restaurants, and the community is very supportive of USNA. This is not so much the case in Lexington (or that was my experience). I would consider WP and KP to have good locations as well, as they are somewhat proximate to NYC. C. Springs =blah, but mountains don't really do it for me. USCGA-I suppose being between NYC And Boston is something, but the beautiful view of I-95 takes it down a notch in my opinion. Is there anything in New London itself?
As far as SMCs are concerned, I think The Citadel is the huge winner. Charleston, SC is beautiful.
Anyway...bring on the varying opinions.