But if you seriously want a good biology job and graduate education, I'm going to tell you flat out to go to the Tampa Bay area. Yes, I know, Florida, but...USF is an amazing school, and you will get internships working at Busch Gardens, Lowry Park, The Big Cat Rescue, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, etc. There's dozens of amazing preserves, and good neighborhoods outside of the main drags. However it's densely populated like Boston, you're looking at 4-5mil people in an area the size of Rhode Island. But the opportunities may overthrow the country living factor. Plus, it's New England South there. You'll meet more people from up North than are actually native.
Then after you finish school, go to the Nature Coast, which is about 100 miles north of the bay. It's 3 counties of protected land and coast. No tourists, just park lands and preserves. I'm talking completely untouched beaches, and the Crystal River area is amazing. They are always looking for rangers and biologists.