Um, no. Does Stanford have challenging academics, nice weather, and driven, passionate students. Yes, of course. Is it uniquely full of super-quirky people and does it offer an amazing work-life balance? I don’t think so. BTW, Stanford is on the quarter system so the classes will move at a fast clip. It also has substantial general education requirements, an aspect you didn’t like about Columbia.
You are romanticizing an option that wasn’t offered. In late March, I spoke to a parent whose child had gotten into Ivies but was holding out until CMU CS decisions came out. This is an amazing opportunity and I am certain that super-quirky, passionate people and challenging academics await you in Pittsburgh (or Manhattan, if you opted for Columbia).