On the second question, going to Brown undergrad helped me get into a Vandy grad school. I also knew some in my program that went to Vandy undergrad. Don’t think that helps or hurts.
On the first question, I guess I was referring to if you wanted to work in the area. But Brown and Vandy both would be great in that regard.
Both are outstanding schools. Brown was much more selective of a school when I was an undergrad but Vandy has become highly selective as well the past 20 years.
Can’t go wrong with either. Try to visit and see which one feels like a better fit.