Ryan,
I have done all three, went to school there, lived there, worked there. I really enjoyed Salina. I also lived, worked, and went to school in Manhattan as well. Salina has more of the small town feel with some bigger city functions. Outdoors and sporting events are good there if you are proactive and get out. Lots of recreational activities. Night life is decent. KC is just two hours down the road and Manhattan is around an hour. Wichita to the south. So you can always get out of Salina if needed. It's a midwest town with lots of great attitudes. You won't find a nicer guy than B.G., the Section Head and Master CFI there. He goes out of his way to help. You can't step anywhere in the aviation world without someone knowing him. He's been doing this a long time.
Like I said, I enjoyed it and it was the right fit for me. It started my career and has lead to numerous opportunities for me as I continue with my career. I still stay in touch with the University, both main campus and Salina campus and am very active with KState activities. And I graduated almost 15 years ago. I still have very good friends, all over the world now, that went to school there.
Bottom line, find the fit for you.
Best of luck
F.G.M.P.