Requiring a "family oriented, mid-size town" often contradicts "good, public education." Typically the best public school systems are in wealthier suburbs outside large cities... however, there are some exceptions.

Auburn sounds like your best fit. It's school system ranks as one of the best in the state (#5 district behind only Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Madison, and Homewood according to schooldigger.com). With a metro population of just 150,000, it is certainly not a big city. It's violent crime rate is well below the state average. It's just a short drive to Lake Martin, which is one of the best lakes in the state, IMO. And its constantly rated as having the best job market in the state.

I'd say it checks every box.

Otherwise, I'd go with Baldwin County in Alabama. It checks all those same boxes, and behind Auburn, is the 2nd fastest growing area of the state. The schools are not quite as good, but there are some pretty decent ones down there. They are certainly better than average compared to the rest of the state.

Savannah is a possibility. Good public schools are hard to come by and the crime rate is actually quite high too. But they have a strong job market and its on the coast.

And I guess I'd say the Destin-Ft. Walton, FL area is also a possibility. Again, its on the coast and has a booming job market. Traffic and dealing with tourists in the summer though would be a major pain.