I lived in College Station for 4 years and in Bryan for 2 years. People advise against Bryan, and yes, parts of it can be VERY sketchy, but the area is so small that within a few months, you'll learn where not to be. Downtown Bryan has a lot going on. I actually lived in a downtown loft my last year there, and it was very cool. They have "First Fridays" where everyone walks around for exhibitions and the like. There is some live music and good restaurants. Madden's and Square One are probably my two favorite restaurants in the entire area. Most of my friends who stayed in the area after undergrad migrated to Bryan and bought houses there. It's nice to get away from all of the crowds in College Station.