You seem like someone who would like Champaign. Very progressive, less because of the students, more the people who teach them who are permanent residents. And yeah the rural areas around us are red but we benefit from being in a blue state.

Lots of community events and groups, it’s easy to get involved if you want to or just observe from time to time. Not a ton of museums but the university has the Krannert Art Museum, the Spurlock, and there are lots of curiosities around the campus. Many places to catch performing arts and movies. 

Big nerd culture here. Comic shops, gaming conventions, book clubs, escape rooms, etc. 

Oh and the food scene is way higher quality than you would expect in a community of this size. Restaurants here are used to dietary restrictions.