Voting is open through March 30 for the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards
(MURRAY, Ky.) — Murray, Kentucky is in the running once more for one of the nation’s top small college town honors, having been nominated for Best Small College Town in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The nomination comes from an expert panel and was finalized through editorial review by USA TODAY 10 Best editors. Public voting is now open and runs through March 30 at 10:59 a.m. CT. Residents and supporters can cast their votes at tinyurl.com/VoteMKY.
It’s not the first time Murray has turned heads in this competition. The city earned fourth place in the same category in 2025, and organizers hope a strong local turnout can push Murray even higher this year. The winners will be announced on April 8.
At the heart of Murray’s appeal is Murray State University, a comprehensive institution founded in 1922 that offers 148 academic programs and more than 170 student organizations. The university has maintained a top-tier ranking with U.S. News & World Report for more than 30 consecutive years.
Beyond academics, Murray has built a reputation for the kind of atmosphere that makes students and families feel at ease. The city is regularly praised for its safety, its welcoming character, and a small-town charm that many say feels immediately like home.
The USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards campaign is designed to bring national attention to local communities while giving readers trusted recommendations on destinations and experiences across the country.
For more information or to vote, visit tinyurl.com/VoteMKY.
