I think smallish university cities are a good bet. They have enough going on to make them interesting, but aren't full-on big cities with all of their problems.
In Italy, places like Padova, Pavia and Pisa - back in the US, places like Eugene, Oregon or Boulder, Colorado (although I've never been there) may qualify.
Agreed. Another nice example is new paltz, new york (has a small university there). It's easy to walk to from the university through the neighborhood to the main street for a slice of pizza.
I also recall where rensellaer poly is to be a nice little town next to the university.
I can't think of many towns in Texas that offer a small university town without being so spread out parents don't have to worry about cars though.
Boulder is also really nice near campus (getting sprawlish outside it), mountain hikes are a bike ride away.
In Italy, places like Padova, Pavia and Pisa - back in the US, places like Eugene, Oregon or Boulder, Colorado (although I've never been there) may qualify.