I guess it depends on what you definition of lively is. All of those places have a downtown with many bars, restaurants, coffee shops, stores (including small business), gyms, salons, and other services. They have parks and other recreation areas. Also good access to regional rail.

I go out to happy hour in Ardmore with friends and have great conversations with others while there. We go out to brunch and chill sipping bloody Marys. You can go to a show at Ardmore music hall. Go see a independent movie at Bryn Mawr movie theater. In summer there’s multiple farmers markets that are always swarming with people. My neighborhood has a block parties a few times a year and all the neighbors come and hang out. At this point in my life this is the liveliness I’m looking for. It may not seem lively if you are 22, but a place like Ardmore is in fact really awesome and full of life.