I agree with the post above. From what you’ve written, it seems you prefer Vassar. I’m wondering if you have visited both.
I live not far from Vassar. Secluded doesn’t even come to mind. Beacon is nearby and is a very cool and arty place, full of transplanted city hipsters. There are a lot of towns. If anything, I feel Smith is more secluded, though I think it’s a good school. And it’s not like you can walk between the colleges there, except for Amherst and U Mass.
I think this is right. I know for a fact that they have a great radio station. I often listen to it when I’m on my way to central NY state. Poughkeepsie is nothing special, but neither is Amherst, though it’s cute. There are a lot of interesting tourist sights in the Hudson Valley (and a lot of tourists) and I am sure Vassar offers students ways to visit some of the attractions. They probably provide shuttles to various places at the weekends.
I’m not sure where you’re getting some of your information, but Vassar is well connected to NYC in terms of jobs and alumni. I get the sense you’re avoiding making a decision, but to me, your preference for Vassar seems pretty clear.