@winterwren -North field is a mini Walla Walla with well maintained low brick buildings along a main street - 5 minutes from campus with a mix of locals, farmers and college crowd. 45 minutes to Minn/St Paul, but students we spoke to said they rarely go.
The area around Macalester reminded us of this one area of Portland (neighborhood name escapes me - Hoyt?) - with upscale national chain shops mixed with local restaurants right outside of campus.
From our area, Carleton seems to accept the higher stat, academic kids - nice too. Mac gets kids more laid back, also nice and not top stats compared to Carleton. Mac also gives merit - so that matters vs Carleton. Carleton’s 3 terms can make it a faster pace learning environment.
Both are “midwest nice” and your son has two nice great options.