Looking for liberal arts in a lively community

Bates fits your criteria. The town is not particularly lovely, but it feels “real” and students are actively involved in the community. It’s a reach, but not quite as reachy as the others. Wesleyan is another reach and fits your criteria.

Some matches might be Connecticut College, Holy Cross, University of Rochester, and Whitman College in Washington state. Clark U, Ithaca College, Muhlenberg, and Hobart and William Smith might be safeties.