Lincoln, NE
(I know, I know, but give me a chance.)
Home of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), it is often referred to as "the next Austin." It isn't there yet, but it is going there. For instance, it was recently ranked happiest city according to Gallup's index. (http://journalstar.com/news/local/lincoln-is-the-happiest-pl...) Additionally, the university recently made a huge land purchase to start "Innovation Campus." A new arena is being developed which isn't the biggest in the area, but is big enough to attract the bigger names. Commute times are low, buses are available, and bike trails are being built all the time because the city is repurposing old railroad paths as bike trails. With respect to the latter, it is easily possible to bike from downtown to the city's limits without having to venture onto main streets (though you'll have to cross a couple in crosswalks)
With respect to Austin, you get some of the best parts from the proximity of a nearby university, while getting things Austin can't offer such as a smaller size, a lower cost of living, etc.
Ten years ago I couldn't haven't recommended it, now I could easily recommend it. It is on the up and up.
Crime is low, very affordable, and politics are progressive (but the rest of the state is staunchly conservative). Nightlife is good, due to the large University of Texas being nearby and the tech scene is really exploding. Weather is pretty hot though, so you need to be prepared for that.
I'd say you have to be less than ~350k to be considered a small city.
"Rocket City Rednecks" is not an inaccurate characture.
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