What you describe is a perfect literal match for my town (Farmville, VA) up to your ask for a "mid-sized town". We're a town of 8000, half of which are the uni

What you describe is a perfect literal match for my town (Farmville, VA) up to your ask for a "mid-sized town". We're a town of 8000, half of which are the university students. I like it a lot (and you might well consider it, email me if you like) but it's not at all what I'd consider "mid-sized", and I'm not sure you'll get all the other stuff you describe if you aim for "mid-sized". But yes, right on, 20 or so shops, walkable downtown with houses an easy walk away, a few good restaurants (including a great diner! :) and at least two friendly bars. Good internet connection if you're in town. I don't get in my car for weeks at a time---and that's probably your hardest item, because anywhere between "pretty small town" and "sizeable city with good public transit" living without a car (in the US) is going to be very very difficult. (Even in a place like Farmville, you don't need the car around town but you'll need it to get out of town.) ETA: I see from your profile you're in DC now. Come visit! We're only 3 hours away ;)